spandrels
Triangles above arches
Spandrels are the roughly triangular spaces between the curve of an arch and the rectangular frame surrounding it.
In architecture, these areas are often filled with decorative elements or left as functional voids.
The term extends to biology, where it describes features that arise as byproducts of other adaptations rather than being directly selected for—the biological equivalent of architectural leftover space that evolution finds uses for.
Secondary outcome of production
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- side-effectUnintended secondary outcome
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
San Marco · pluralism · trait · incidental · non-functional · developmental · genetic drift
Corner arch supporting dome
- archCurved spanning structure
- vaultSecure storage chamber
- domeRounded vault forming roof
- triangularThree-cornered in form
corner · transition · curved · structural · Byzantine · Romanesque · cathedral · mosque
byproduct
Secondary outcome of production
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- side-effectUnintended secondary outcome
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
phenotype · San Marco · pluralism · trait · incidental · non-functional · developmental · genetic drift
squinch
Corner arch supporting dome
triangular · corner · transition · curved · structural · Byzantine · Romanesque · cathedral · mosque · ceiling
ornamentation
Decorative additions to something
gilded · carved · relief · arabesque · medallion · figural · evangelist · saint · angel · floral