Art Deco is a style of art and architecture that began in 1920s Paris and continued into

the 1930s. Art Deco was inspired by Egyptian and Aztec forms and was characterized by
the use of highly stylized geometric forms.
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late
medieval period. Its characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the
flying buttress.
Byzantine architecture: Byzantine architecture is the architecture of the Byzantine or
Later Roman Empire. This terminology is used by modern historians to designate the
medieval Roman Empire as it evolved as a distinct artistic and cultural entity centered on
the new capital of Constantinople rather than the city of Rome and environs. The empire
endured for more than a millennium, dramatically influencing Medieval architecture
throughout Europe and the Near East, and becoming the primary progenitor of the
Renaissance and Ottoman architectural traditions that followed its collapse.
Buildings increased in geometric complexity, brick and plaster were used in addition to
stone in the decoration of important public structures, classical orders were used more
freely, mosaics replaced carved decoration, complex domes rested upon massive piers,
and windows filtered light through thin sheets of alabaster to softly illuminate interiors.
Most of the surviving structures are sacred in nature, with secular buildings mostly
known only through contemporaneous descriptions.
Ogival Curves (pointed Arch): One of the defining characteristics of Gothic architecture
is the pointed or ogival arch. In Gothic architecture, ogives are the intersecting transverse
ribs of arches that establish the surface of a Gothic vault. An ogive or ogival arch is a
pointed, "Gothic" arch, drawn with compasses as outlined above, or with arcs of an
ellipse as described.
Arches of this type were used in the Near East in pre-Islamic[1] as well as Islamic
architecture before they were employed structurally in medieval architecture, and are
thought to have been the inspiration for their use in France, as at Autun Cathedral, which
is otherwise stylistically Romanesque.
Ogee: An ogee is a curve (often used in molding), shaped somewhat like an S, consisting
of two arcs that curve in opposite senses, so that the ends are tangential. Example: ogeearched doorway.
Arch: An arch is a structure that spans a space and supports structure and weight below
it.
1. Circular Arch: a circular form, also referred to as rounded arch, were commonly
employed by the builders of ancient, heavy masonry arches.

2. Pointed Arche: Pointed arches were most often used by builders of Gothic-style
architecture. The advantage to using a pointed arch, rather than a circular arch, is
that the arch action in a pointed arch produces less thrust at the base. This
innovation allowed for taller and more closely spaced openings, typical of Gothic
architecture
3. Vault: Vaults are essentially "adjacent arches [that] are assembled side by side." If
vaults intersect, complex forms are produced with the intersections. The forms,
along with the "strongly expressed ribs at the vault intersections, were dominant
architectural features of Gothic cathedrals."
4. Parabolic Arch: parabolic arch employs the principle that when weight is
uniformly applied to an arch, the internal compression resulting from that weight
will follow a parabolic profile. Of any arch type, the parabolic arch produces the
most thrust at the base, but can span the largest areas. It is commonly used in
bridge design, where long spans are needed.
5. Corbel Arch: A corbel arch (or corbeled / corbelled arch) is an arch-like
construction method that uses the architectural technique of corbeling to span a
space or void in a structure, such as an entranceway in a wall or as the span of a
bridge. A corbel vault uses this technique to support the superstructure of a
building's roof.
6. A corbel arch is constructed by offsetting successive courses of stone (or brick) at
the springline of the walls so that they project towards the archway's center from
each supporting side, until the courses meet at the apex of the archway (often, the
last gap is bridged with a flat stone). For a corbeled vault covering the technique
is extended in three dimensions along the lengths of two opposing walls.
7. Arch Types as per Shape: 1. Triangular Arch; 2. Rounded Arch or Semi-circular
arch; 3. Segmental Arch ( or arch that is less than a semicircle); 4. Unequal
round arch or Rampant round arch; 5. Lancet arch; 6. Equilateral pointed arch;
7. Shouldered flat arch -see also jack arch; 8. Cusped Arch - Trefoil arch, or
Three-foiled cusped arch; 9. Horseshoe arch; 10. Three-centered arch 11.
Elliptical arch; 12. Inflexed arch; 13. Ogee arch; 14. Reverse ogee arch; 15.
Tudor arch; 16. Parabolic Arch.
8. Blind Arch: A blind arch is an arch found in the wall of a building which has been
infilled with solid construction so it cannot serve as a passageway, door, or
window.[1] The term is most often associated with masonry wall construction, but
is also found (or simulated) in other types of construction such as light frame
construction. Some blind arches were originally built as open arches and infilled
at a later date. Others were originally built with solid infill as intentional stylistic

elements.
Arcade: An arcade is a succession of arches, each counter thrusting the next, supported
by columns or piers, or a covered walk enclosed by a line of such arches on one or both
sides.
Blind Arcade: A blind arcade is an arcade that is composed of a series of arches that has
no actual openings and that is applied to the surface of a wall as a decorative element: i.e.
the arches are not windows or openings but are part of the masonry face. It is designed as
an ornamental architectural element, and has no load-bearing function.
Post and Lintel: Post and lintel, "prop and lintel" or "trabeated" is a simple construction
method using a lintel, header, or architrave as the horizontal member over a building void
supported at its ends by two vertical columns, pillars, or posts. This architectural system
and building method has been commonly used for centuries to support the weight of the
structure located above the openings created by windows and doors in a bearing wall.[1]
Post and lintel is different from a beam joined between two posts, it must pass over the
tops of the supports. Post-and-beam is a general term for any kind of timber framing.
Architrave: An architrave (/rktrev/; from Italian: architrave, also called an epistyle;
from Greek , epistylo or door frame) is the lintel or beam that rests on the
capitals of the columns. It is an architectural element in Classical architecture.
Pier: A pier, in architecture, is an upright support for a structure or superstructure, such
as an arch or bridge. Sections of structural walls between openings (bays) can function as
piers. The simplest cross section of the pier is square, or rectangular, although other
shapes are also common. In medieval architecture, massive circular supports called drum
piers, cruciform (cross-shaped) piers, and compound piers are common architectural
elements.
Column: Column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural
element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other
structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member. The term
column applies especially to a large round support with a capital and base[1] and made of
stone, or appearing to be so. A small wooden or metal support is typically called a post,
and supports with a rectangular or other non-round section are usually called piers.
9. Doric (Classical order) Column: Doric columns typically have a simple,
rounded capital at the top; a heavy, fluted or smooth column shaft; and no base.
Flutes are vertical, parallel channels that run the length of a column.The Doric
order is the oldest and simplest of the classical orders. It is composed of a vertical
cylinder that is wider at the bottom. It generally has neither a base nor a detailed
capital. It is instead often topped with an inverted frustum of a shallow cone or a

cylindrical band of carvings. It is often referred to as the masculine order.

10. Doric (Tuscan order) Column or Roman Doric Column: The Tuscan order,
also known as Roman Doric, is also a simple design, the base and capital both
being series of cylindrical disks of alternating diameter. The shaft is almost never
fluted. The proportions vary, but are generally similar to Doric columns.
11. Ionic (Order) Column: The Ionic column is typically identified by its capital,
which includes large paired spiral scrolls, or volutes. It has the tallest base of the
three classic Greek orders. The Ionic column is considerably more complex than
the Doric or Tuscan. It usually has a base and the shaft is often fluted (it has
grooves carved up its length). On the top is a capital in the characteristic shape of
a scroll, called a volute, or scroll, at the four corners. The height-to-thickness ratio
is around 9:1. Due to the more refined proportions and scroll capitals, the Ionic
column is sometimes associated with academic buildings. Ionic style columns
were used on the second level of the Colosseum.
12. Corinthian (Order) Column: Corinthian columns are the most ornate, slender
and sleek of the three Greek orders. They are distinguished by a decorative, bellshaped capital with volutes, two rows of acanthus leaves and an elaborate cornice.
In many instances, the column is fluted. The Corinthian order is named for the
Greek city-state of Corinth, to which it was connected in the period. The most
ornate of the three main orders of classical Greek architecture, characterized by a
slender fluted column having an ornate bell-shaped capital decorated with
acanthus leaves.
Capital: In architecture the capital (from the Latin caput, or "head") forms the topmost
member of a column (or pilaster). It mediates between the column and the load thrusting
down upon it, broadening the area of the column's supporting surface. The capital,
projecting on each side as it rises to support the abacus, joins the usually square abacus
and the usually circular shaft of the column. The capital may be convex, as in the Doric
order; concave, as in the inverted bell of the Corinthian order; or scrolling out, as in the
Ionic order. These form the three principal types on which all capitals are based. The
Composite order (illustration, right), established in the 16th century on a hint from the
Arch of Titus, adds Ionic volutes to Corinthian acanthus leaves.
Byzantine capital
Corinthian Capital:
Doric Capital:
Gothic Capital

Indo-Corinthian Capital
Ionic Capital:
Lotus Capital: Lotus shaped
Romanesque capital
Persian capital the brackets are carved with the lion or the griffin projecting right and left
to support the architrave; on their backs they carry other brackets at right angles to
support the cross timbers.
Colonade: In classical architecture, a colonnade denotes a long sequence of columns
joined by their entablature, often free-standing, or part of a building.
Entablature: An entablature (/ntbltr/; Italian intavolatura, from in 'in' and tavola
'table') refers to the superstructure of moldings and bands which lie horizontally above
columns, resting on their capitals. Entablatures are major elements of classical
architecture, and are commonly divided into the architrave (the supporting member
immediately above; equivalent to the lintel in post and lintel construction), the frieze (an
unmolded strip that may or may not be ornamented), and the cornice (the projecting
member below the pediment). The Greek and Roman temples are believed to be based on
wooden structures, the design transition from wooden to stone structures being called
petrification.
Cornice: A cornice (from the Italian cornice meaning "ledge") is generally any horizontal
decorative molding that crowns a building or furniture element the cornice over a door
or window, for instance, or the cornice around the top edge of a pedestal or along the top
of an interior wall. A simple cornice may be formed just with a crown molding.
The function of the projecting cornice of a building is to throw rainwater free of the
buildings walls. In residential building practice, this function is handled by projecting
gable ends, roof eaves, and gutters. However, house eaves may also be called "cornices"
if they are finished with decorative molding. In this sense, while most cornices are also
eaves (in that they overhang the sides of the building), not all eaves are usually
considered cornices eaves are primarily functional and not necessarily decorative, and
a cornice has a decorative aspect to it.
Gable Roof with Cornice:
Projecting cornice
Baluster - Balustrade: A baluster also called spindle or stair stick is a moulded
shaft, square or of lathe-turned form, one of various forms of spindle in woodwork, made
of stone or wood and sometimes of metal,[1] standing on a unifying footing, and

supporting the coping of a parapet or the handrail of a staircase. Multiplied in this way,
they form a balustrade. Individually, a baluster shaft may describe the turned form taken
by a brass or silver candlestick, an upright furniture support, or the stem of a brass
chandelier, etc.
Banister: The word banister (also bannister) refers to the balusters of a stairway

Alabaster windows
Clerestory Window: In architecture, clerestory (/klrstri/; lit. clear storey, also
clearstory, clearstorey, or overstorey) are any high windows above eye level. The purpose
is to bring outside light, fresh air, or both into the inner space. Historically, clerestory
denoted an upper level of a Roman basilica or of the nave of a Romanesque or Gothic
church, the walls of which rise above the rooflines of the lower aisles and are pierced
with windows.
Harem Windows:
Lancet Window: A lancet window is a tall, narrow window with a pointed arch at its top.
[1] It acquired the "lancet" name from its resemblance to a lance.[2] Instances of this
architectural motif are typical of Gothic ecclesiastical structures of the earliest period.
Lancet windows may occur singly, or paired under a single moulding, or grouped in an
odd number with the tallest window at the centre.
Stained Glass: The term stained glass can refer to coloured glass as a material or to
works created from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied
almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant buildings. Although
traditionally made in flat panels and used as windows, the creations of modern stained
glass artists also include three-dimensional structures and sculpture.
Pinnacle: A pinnacle is an architectural ornament originally forming the cap or crown of
a buttress or small turret, but afterwards used on parapets at the corners of towers and in
many other situations. The pinnacle looks like a small spire. It was mainly used in Gothic
architecture.

The pinnacle had two purposes:

Ornamental adding to the loftiness and verticity of the structure. They sometimes
ended with statues, such as in Milan Cathedral.

Structural the pinnacles were very heavy and often rectified with lead, in order to
enable the flying buttresses to contain the stress of the structure vaults and roof. This was
done by adding compressive stress (a result of the pinnacle weight) to the thrust vector
and thus shifting it downwards rather than sideway.
Chhajja: A chhajja is the projecting or overhanging eaves or cover of a roof, usually
supported on large carved brackets. It was used extensively by Hindus for thousands of
years, and then more recently borrowed by the invading Muslim empires into the
common vocabulary of "Mughal Architecture".

It forms part of the architecture of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. In
Rajasthan they are particularly large.
Overhanging Eaves: An overhang in architecture is a protruding structure which may
provide protection for lower levels....
Overhangs are also common in medieval
Indian architecture, especially the Mughal architecture (16th -18th century), where it is
known as Chhajja, often supported by an ornate corbel and seen in Hindu temple
architecture as well. Later it was adapted into the Indo-Saracenic architecture which
flourished during the British Raj.[1] Extensive overhangs are incorporated the early
Buddhist architecture, seen in early Buddhist temples, later became part of the Tibetan
architecture, Chinese architecture, and eventually the traditional Japanese architecture,
where it became a striking feature.
Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture.
Chhatris are commonly used to depict the elements of pride and honor in the Rajput
architecture of Rajasthan. They are widely used, in palaces, in forts, or to demarcate
funerary sites. Originating in Rajasthani architecture where they were memorials for
kings and royalty, they were later adapted as a standard feature in all buildings in
Rajasthan, and most importantly in Mughal architecture. They are today seen on its finest
monuments, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Chhatris are basic
element of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture. The term "chhatri" (Hindi: ) means
umbrella or canopy.
Gabled Roof: (of a roof) constructed with a single slope on each side of the ridge
supported at the end by a gable or vertical triangular portion of an end wall
balustraded parapet: A railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people
from falling
'Travancore'-style tower
Corbelled Pillars

Eave: The eave is the bottom edge of a roof. The eaves normally project beyond the side
of the building forming an overhang to throw water clear of the walls and may be highly
decorated as part of an architectural style
Minaret: A minaret (Persian: menare, Turkish: minare,[1] from Arabic, manra (),
meaning "lighthouse", Munnaaru in dhivehi) is a distinctive architectural feature of
mosques, generally a tall spire with an onion-shaped or conical crown, usually either free
standing or taller than associated support structure. The basic form of a minaret includes a
base, shaft, and gallery.[2] Styles vary regionally and by period. Minarets provide a
visual focal point and are used for the call to prayer.
Charminar
Chinese Style Minaret
Octogonal Minaret
Qutubminar
Square shaped minaret
Square shaped two / three / four tiered minaret
Spire: A spire is a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building,
particularly a church tower. Etymologically, the word is derived from the Old English
word spir, meaning a sprout, shoot, or stalk of grass.
13. Conical stone spires: These are usually found on circular towers and turrets,
usually of small diameter.
14. Masonry spires: These are found on medieval and revival churches and
cathedrals, generally with towers that are square in plan. While masonry spires on
a tower of small plan may be pyramidal, spires on towers of large plan are
generally octagonal. The spire is supported on stone squinches which span the
corners of the tower, making an octagonal plan. The spire of Salisbury Cathedral
is of this type and is the tallest masonry spire in the world, remaining substantially
intact since the 13th century. Other spires of this sort include the south spire of
Chartres Cathedral, and the spires of Norwich Cathedral, Chichester Cathedral
and Oxford Cathedral.
15. Openwork spires: These spires are constructed of a network of stone tracery,
which, being considerably lighter than a masonry spire, can be built to greater
heights. Many famous tall spires are of this type, including the spires of
Strasbourg Cathedral, Ulm Minster, Vienna Cathedral, Prague Cathedral, Burgos
Cathedral and the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral.

16. Complex spires: These are stone spires that combine both masonry and openwork
elements. Some such spires were constructed in the Gothic style, such as the north
spire of Chartres Cathedral. They became increasingly common in Baroque
architecture, and are a feature of Christopher Wren's churches.
17. Clad spires: These are constructed with a wooden frame, often standing on a
tower of brick or stone construction, but also occurring on wooden towers in
countries where wooden buildings are prevalent. They are often clad in metal,
such as copper or lead. They may also be tiled or shingled. Clad spires can take a
variety of shapes. These include:
18.

Pyramidal spires, which may be of low profile, rising to a height not much
greater
than its width, or, more rarely, of high profile.

19.

Rhenish helm: This is a four-sided tower topped with a pyramidal roof.

each
of the four sides of the roof is rhomboid in form, with the long
diagonal running from the
apex of roof to one of the corners of the
supporting
tower; each side of the tower is
thus topped with a
gable from whose peak a ridge runs to the apex of the roof.

20.

Broached spires: These are octagonal spires sitting on a square tower,

with a
sections
of spire rising from each corner of the tower, and
bridging the
spaces between the corners and four of the sides.

21.

Bell-shaped spires: These spires, sometimes square in plan, occur mostly

in Northern,
Alpine and Eastern Europe, where they occur alternately
with
onion-shaped domes.

Gothic style (multiple spires)

Neo-Gothic spire
Tower: A tower is a tall structure, usually taller than it is wide, often by a significant
margin. Towers are distinguished from masts by their lack of guy-wires. Towers are
generally built to take advantage of their height, and can stand alone on the ground, or as
part of a larger structure or device such as a fortified building or as an integral part of a
bridge.