Abacus

The flat stone slab underneath the entablature that forms the top of the capital of a classical column supporting a beam or A slab forming the crowning member of a capital. It consists of a square block, or one enriched with molding

Acanthus

A Stylized leaf motif, one of the primary decorative elements of classical architecture. With its origins in Greece, it was adopted by Romans and transmitted into the general classical tradition. A common plant of the Mediterranean, whose stylized leaves form the characteristic decoration on Corinthian & composite capitals, also appears on acanthus capitals, friezes, panels, and modillions.

Acropolis

The symbolic center of a Greek city-state, bringing together its most important sacred and civic buildings in one urban space, as in Athens where the Parthenon forms the heart of the Athenian acropolis. Acroterion - Blocks resting on the vertex and lower extremities of the pediment to support statuary or ornaments; an ornamental corner piece or cresting

Adamseque

An architectural style based on the work of Robert Adam (1728-1792) and his brothers. Basically neoclassical; it also adapted Gothic, Egyptian, and Etruscan motifs.

Apse

A semicircular and usually vaulted projection from a rectangular structure. Origins of the word are classical, but it is most commonly used to describe an element of a Gothic church. A recess, usually singular and semi-circular, at the east end of a Christian church. Or commonly the circular or multiangular termination of a church sanctuary, first applied to a Roman basilica.

Angle Iron

Provides supporting lintels for openings in masonry wall construction.

Arch

A curved structure used as a support over an open space, as in a doorway. A Semicircular opening in a wall, or a freestanding structure dependent for its structural stability on the horizontal load threatening to push it apart. Usually made from cut stone blocks forming interlocking wedges. A curved or pointed structural member which is supported at the sides or ends. Arches vary in shape from the horizontal flat arch to acutely pointed arches. An arch sometimes consists of wedge-shaped blocks called Voussoirs.

Art Deco

Deco was essentially a style of decoration and was applied to jewelry, clothing, furniture and handicrafts as well as buildings. Industrial designers created Art Deco motifs (patterns) to adorn their streamlined cars, trains and kitchen appliances. Art Deco ornamentation consists largely of low relief geometrical designs, often in the form of parallel straight lines, zigzags, chevrons and stylized floral motifs.