architectural style
Design language, structures
Architectural style refers to a characteristic manner of designing buildings, identifiable by distinctive features of form, construction, and ornamentation.
Styles emerge from particular eras, regions, or movements: Gothic, Art Deco, mid-century modern.
The term also describes an individual architect's recognizable approach: Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural style emphasized harmony with nature.
External arch transferring thrust
- pointed archArch with angled apex
- stained glassColored window art
- gargoylesDecorative architectural waterspouts
- cathedralBishop's principal church
spires · tracery · rose window · lancet · pinnacle · ogive · cloister · apse
Very tall urban building
- flat roofHorizontal building covering
- steel frameMetal structural support system
- open planUndivided interior layout
- cantileverBeam supported one end
reinforced concrete · functionalism · prefabrication · free plan · industrial materials · asymmetry
Upright structural shafts
- pedimentTriangular architectural crowning element
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- ionicConcerning charged particles
- entablatureBeam structure on columns
frieze · portico · proportion · pilaster · cornice · architrave · colonnade · acropolis
Ornate organic decorative style
- deconstructivismPhilosophy challenging textual certainty
- expressionismDistorting reality for emotion
- futurismStudy of tomorrow's possibilities
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
organic · postmodernism · constructivism · art deco · high-tech · neo-classicism · beaux-arts · neo-gothic
Lack of complexity
- clean linesUnadorned, distinct boundaries
- open spaceUnobstructed outdoor area
- unclutteredFree from disorder
- neutral paletteUnobtrusive color range
geometric · natural light · spaciousness · restraint · understated · transparency · negative space · monochromatic
Decorative additions to something
- gildingApplying decorative gold coating
- volutesSpiral architectural ornaments
- frescoesPaintings on fresh plaster
- cupolaSmall rooftop dome
rococo · pilasters · cornices · stucco · trompe-l'oeil · coffered · putti · cartouche
Unfinished poured stone mixture
- monolithicMassive and undifferentiated
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- geometricRelating to mathematical shapes
- sculpturalRelating to carved forms
imposing · municipal · blocky · angular · utilitarian · institutional · barbican
Vegetation-covered rooftop system
- passive solarHeating through building orientation
- energy-efficientUsing minimal power
- net-zeroBalanced emissions state
- biophilicAttracted to living systems
recyclable materials · renewable resources · solar panels · rainwater harvesting · natural ventilation · thermal mass · daylighting · cross-ventilation
Relating to an area
- indigenousOriginating in a region
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- thatchDried plant roof covering
- adobeSun-dried clay bricks
timber-frame · courtyard house · pitched roof · cultural · rammed earth · folk · bamboo · terraced
flying buttress
External arch transferring thrust
- pointed archArch with angled apex
- stained glassColored window art
- gargoylesDecorative architectural waterspouts
cathedral · spires · tracery · rose window · lancet · pinnacle · ogive · cloister · apse · nave
skyscraper
Very tall urban building
- flat roofHorizontal building covering
- steel frameMetal structural support system
- open planUndivided interior layout
cantilever · reinforced concrete · functionalism · prefabrication · free plan · industrial materials · asymmetry
columns
Upright structural shafts
- pedimentTriangular architectural crowning element
- symmetryInvariance under transformation
- ionicConcerning charged particles
entablature · frieze · portico · proportion · pilaster · cornice · architrave · colonnade · acropolis · temple
art nouveau
Ornate organic decorative style
- deconstructivismPhilosophy challenging textual certainty
- expressionismDistorting reality for emotion
- futurismStudy of tomorrow's possibilities
metabolism · organic · postmodernism · constructivism · art deco · high-tech · neo-classicism · beaux-arts · neo-gothic
simplicity
Lack of complexity
- clean linesUnadorned, distinct boundaries
- open spaceUnobstructed outdoor area
- unclutteredFree from disorder
neutral palette · geometric · natural light · spaciousness · restraint · understated · transparency · negative space · monochromatic · essential
ornamentation
Decorative additions to something
- gildingApplying decorative gold coating
- volutesSpiral architectural ornaments
- frescoesPaintings on fresh plaster
cupola · rococo · pilasters · cornices · stucco · trompe-l'oeil · coffered · putti · cartouche · grandeur
raw concrete
Unfinished poured stone mixture
- monolithicMassive and undifferentiated
- massiveExtremely large and heavy
- geometricRelating to mathematical shapes
sculptural · imposing · municipal · blocky · angular · utilitarian · institutional · barbican
green roof
Vegetation-covered rooftop system
- passive solarHeating through building orientation
- energy-efficientUsing minimal power
- net-zeroBalanced emissions state
biophilic · recyclable materials · renewable resources · solar panels · rainwater harvesting · natural ventilation · thermal mass · daylighting · cross-ventilation · photovoltaics
regional
Relating to an area
- indigenousOriginating in a region
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- thatchDried plant roof covering
adobe · timber-frame · courtyard house · pitched roof · cultural · rammed earth · folk · bamboo · terraced · pueblo
- set designset construction, set design, set dressing, set decoration, set pieces
- terraced housingrow houses, townhouses, Victorian terraces, shared walls, party walls
- Heian JapanFujiwara, hiragana, court culture, waka, tanka
architectural stylestylelessness
Lack of distinctive manner
plain · simple · unornamented · austere · ornate
architectural styleinterior design
Planning indoor spaces
interior decoration · interior decor · interior decorating · landscape design · soft furnishings
style, stylish, architect, styling, architecture, styles, styled, unstylish, architects