Basic Architecture Terms Glossary for Beginners

Architecture is the discipline of designing, planning and constructing spaces where people live, work, play and carry out their daily activities. This basic architecture terms glossary lists some of the key words used in the field of architecture, together with short explanations:

Basic Architecture Terms Glossary

1. Planning: The design process of a building or space is called planning.
2. Design: As the outcome of the planning process, the design stage determines how a building or space will physically look.
3. Architectural drawing: Drawings that show the design of a building or space. Architectural drawings come in different types, such as plans, sections, elevations and detail drawings.
4. Building materials: The materials used to construct a building. They include concrete, steel, timber, glass, brick and stone.
5. Structure: All of the structural elements that support a building. The structure includes columns, beams, frames and other structural components.
6. Aesthetics: The visual appeal or beauty of a building or space.
7. Functionality: The usability and practicality of a building or space.
8. Interior space: The areas, rooms and other interior components inside a building.
9. Exterior space: The open areas around a building, such as gardens, courtyards and other outdoor components.
10. Restoration: The process of repairing or reconstructing old or historic buildings.
11. Architectural history: The name given to the study of how architecture has developed over time and of architectural styles.
12. Green architecture: An architectural approach that aims to reduce negative environmental impact by using environmentally friendly design and construction methods.
13. Plan: A drawing that shows a horizontal section through a building.
14. Section: A drawing that shows a vertical cut through a building.
15. Elevation (facade): The external appearance of a building.
16. Perspective: A way of drawing a three-dimensional view of an object on a two-dimensional surface.
17. Scale: The ratio used in drawings; the relationship between real dimensions and the dimensions on the drawing.
18. Architectural style: A type of building that adopts a particular architectural manner.
19. Beam: A horizontal element used as a load-bearing member of a building.
20. Column: A vertical element used as a load-bearing member of a building.
21. Foundation: The part of a building that is in contact with the ground it stands on.
22. Roof: The uppermost part of a building that covers its top.
23. Window: An opening in a wall, usually glazed and framed.
24. Door: An opening used to provide access to a building, usually made of wood, glass or metal.
25. Wall: A building element used to protect a building from external influences.
26. Stair: A building element used to connect two different levels in a building.
27. Floor slab: A horizontal structural element between the floors of a building.
28. Axis (grid line): A specific line along which a building’s symmetry or structural order is arranged.
29. Architectural program: The definition of the functional requirements included in a building’s design.
30. Finish material: The material used on a building’s exterior facade or interior walls.

These terms are used alongside many other terms in architecture and play an important role in the design, planning and construction of architectural projects.

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