Glossary
of Architectural Terms
Applied
trim decorative detail added to the surface of a structure.
Architectural
integrity the degree to which a structure retains its original or later
historic style and details.
Bay - a
major spatial division of a building marked by window and door openings or
vertical supports
such as
pilasters.
Bracket
a projecting member, often decorative, that supports an overhang.
Casement
a window sash that opens its entire length on hinges.
Character-defining
features original or later historic architectural details of a building that
give the building
its unique
character, such as clapboard siding, original or later historic windows or
slate roofing material.
Column a
structural member, usually composed of a base, a shaft, and a capital, that
supports a
horizontal load,
such as a porch.
Cornice
any molded projection that finishes a wall; also the upper portion of an entablature,
resting on the
frieze.
Conservation
- action taken to prevent decay and preserve the historic fabric of a building.
Deteriorated
features of a structure, which have eroded, usually
due to weathering or neglect.
Eaves
the projecting overhang at the lower edge of the roof.
Ell an
addition that extends from the rear or side of a building.
Elevation
one of the sides of a structure; also, referring to an architectural drawing
of a particular side of a
structure.
Faηade
the primary elevation of a building, generally referring to the front.
Fenestration
the arrangement of windows on an elevation.
Historic
relating to time and age. In context of this local historic district, generally
the structure and features
must be seventy-five
years or older.
Historic
fabric the original construction materials.
In-kind
material of the same color and composition as the original.
Lintel
the timber or stone that spans an opening and supports the weight above it.
Massing
the three dimensional form of a structure created by the boxlike forms that fit
together to create the
overall shape and
footprint.
Muntin a
framing member to hold panes of glass in a window; also known as a mullion.
Original
at time of construction.
Pilaster
a column, usually with a capital and a base, that is
attached to a building.
Preservation
basic maintenance required for a building to remain functional and in good
repair for the current
occupant.
Repair
in reference to historic materials, the method using the least degree of
intervention possible to maintain
architectural character
and historic fabric, such as patching, piecing-in, splicing, consolidating, or
otherwise
reinforcing according
to recognized preservation methods.
Restoration
the return of a building to its appearance at a particular time in history,
usually by the removal of
later
alterations.
Secondary
elevation any elevation other than the faηade.
Sheathing
the exterior material of a building.
Signage --
Any device, structure, or object for visual communication that is used for the
purpose of bringing the
subject thereof
to the attention of others.
Spalling - the
chipping or scaling of a hardened concrete or masonry surface usually caused by
freeze/thaw
cycles.
Streetscape
a view incorporating several structures and their surroundings.