Ways of Building Quiz

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Question 1. Below is a diagram of the simplest method of building, as used by the Egyptians. It is often known as the post-and-lintel method. What other term is used to describe this method of construction?

arcuated

trabeated

Question 2. There are many different types of posts. What name is given to the cylindrical posts used in Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture?

pier

column

colonnade

Question 3. Columns were most often made from cylindrical drums, as you can see in this diagram. In some cases, however, they were made from a single piece of stone. Which term do we use to describe those columns?

monolithic

monstrous

monumental

Question 4. In this ground plan of a Greek temple, the colonnade (a row of columns supporting lintels) and the peristyle (where the colonnade is extended all the way around the inside of a courtyard or the exterior of a building) are named. Can you remember the name given to the a range of columns across the front of a building?

porch

portico

pediment

Question 5. In this diagram of an Egyptian temple, you can see how the post-and-lintel or trabeated system of building was used to cover extensive spaces. What structural innovation allowed for the introduction of light into the temple?

skylights

lamps

building a clerestorey

Question 6. The arcuated system of building is based on the arch. In the diagram below, most parts are named, but one part is not. Can you remember the name of the wedge-shaped stones that make up the arch on either side of the keystone?

voussoirs

side-stones

volutes

Question 7. The vulnerable point of arcuated construction was at the springing point where the arch met the vertical support. In order to strengthen the support, a mass of masonry or brickwork was sometimes built against it or out from it. What is the name given to that structure?

pier

vault

buttress

Question 8. What is the name given to several arches joined in a row?

colonnade

arcade

portico

Question 9. Arches can be repeated to form architectural structures which cover space. What is the name of this structure?

volute

vault

peristyle

Question 10. In the previous question, you saw an example of a tunnel vault. There are more complex forms where tunnel vaults intersect. Can you name two in this list?

multiple vault

groin vault

four-way vault

ribbed vault

Question 11. The diagram below shows a dome supported on a construction which is square in plan. Can you remember the name of the triangular-shaped supports that bridge the corners?

pendentives

buttresses

squinches

Question 1: Trabeated

Correct. Two vertical posts or supports could be spaced out to carry one horizontal lintel.

above Colonnades of the Temple of Amon-Ra at Karnak, Egypt (New Kingdom circa 1550 - 1070 B.C.)

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Question 2: Column

Correct.

above Columns of the hypostyle hall in the Temple of Amon-Ra at Karnak, Egypt (New Kingdom circa 1550 - 1070 B.C.)

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Question 3: Monolithic

Correct.

above Temple of Apollo at Corinth, Greece. 550BC

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Question 4: Portico

Correct.

above View of the east portico of the Parthenon. (447 - 438 BC, part of the Acropolis, Athens)

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Question 5: Building a clerestorey

Correct. Light could be introduced into the interior by raising the two central colonnades so that there was room for clerestorey windows between the different roof heights.

above Reconstruction of the Hypostyle Hall from the Temple of Amon-Ra at Karnak, Egypt

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Question 6: Voussoirs

Correct.

above Part of the lower level of the Colosseum, Rome, 96AD

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Question 7: Buttress

Correct. In the image below, you can see buttresses on the exterior wall of this church. Another kind of buttress is known as the flying buttress. Click here to see an example.

above Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury. 1220 - 1258

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above Flying buttresses on the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Chartres c.1260

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Question 8: Arcade

Correct. In an arcade, the weight of each arch is countered by the one next to it.

above Interior of San Apollinare in Classe, Ravenna. 6th century.

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Question 9: Vault

Correct. The barrel vault (as you see below) is in effect one arch placed behind the other to create a tunnel-like covered area which can be extended infinitely.

above Detail from The Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy. 315 A.D.

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Question 10: Groin vault

Correct.

above Groin vaults in the side aisle of St. Sernin, Toulouse 1080-1120

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Question 10: Ribbed vault

Correct.

above Ribbed vaults in the nave of Notre Dame Cathedral at Reims, France. 12th century

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Question 11: Squinches

Correct.

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Well done!

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Ways of Building Quiz: Do you know your architectural terms?

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