Exploring Architectural Vocabulary Quiz

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| Attempts: 13 | Questions: 25 | Updated: Nov 6, 2025
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1. What is a colonnade?

Explanation

A colonnade is specifically defined as a row of columns supporting horizontal beams, not any of the other options provided.

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About This Quiz
Architecture Quizzes & Trivia

Enhance your understanding of architectural terminology with this focused quiz. Master key architectural terms and concepts, crucial for students and professionals in the field of architecture. This engaging tool aids in reinforcing vocabulary, essential for academic and professional success in architecture.

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2. What is an architrave?

Explanation

An architrave is a specific architectural term related to columns and entablatures, not to music, fashion, or food.

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3. What is a Blind Arcade?

Explanation

A blind arcade refers to a row of decorative arches that are applied to a wall for ornamental purposes.

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4. What is a bay?

Explanation

A bay can refer to different things depending on the context, but in the architectural sense, it refers to a unit of interior space in a building.

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5. What is the definition of soffit?

Explanation

A soffit specifically refers to the underside of an architectural element, not to pasta, birds, or musical instruments.

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6. What is an archivolt?

Explanation

An archivolt refers to the architectural feature of bands or moldings surrounding an arched opening, commonly seen in doorways and windows.

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7. What is an Ogee or Ogive?

Explanation

The correct answer describes Ogee or Ogive as a specific architectural feature with pointed apex formed by two S curves, not to be confused with other types of objects or structures.

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8. What are intersecting arches?

Explanation

Intersecting arches refer to arches that cross over each other in an arcade, creating an intersecting pattern rather than following a linear or plain design. This architectural feature adds complexity and aesthetic appeal to the structure.

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9. What is a cornice?

Explanation

A cornice refers to the architectural feature described in the correct answer, serving as a decorative element at the top of a wall or beneath a roof.

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10. What is an eave?

Explanation

An eave is specifically related to the architectural feature of a building's roof and not related to trees, desserts, or musical instruments.

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11. What is a cupola?

Explanation

A cupola is a architectural feature that is commonly seen on buildings and structures, typically used for decoration and to provide light and ventilation.

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12. What is a drum?

Explanation

The correct term 'drum' refers to a cylindrical wall that provides structural support, often seen in architectural contexts such as supporting a dome.

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13. What is a frieze?

Explanation

A frieze is a specific architectural element found in buildings and is not related to desserts, dance styles, or pottery.

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14. What is a composite pier?

Explanation

A composite pier is made up of multiple components attached to a central member, rather than being made of a single material or type of construction.

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15. What is an Engaged/Applied Column?

Explanation

An engaged/applied column is specifically defined as a column that is attached to the wall in a way that only half of the form projects from the wall, providing structural support while remaining partially embedded.

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16. What is a quatrefoil?

Explanation

A quatrefoil is a specific ornamental design with four lobes or foils, often resembling a four-petaled flower. It is commonly used in architecture, art, and design to add decorative elements.

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17. What is a rib?

Explanation

A rib in this context refers to an architectural or decorative element with a specific form.

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18. What is a flying buttress?

Explanation

A flying buttress is an architectural element used to support the weight of a wall or roof vaulting system. It is not related to aircraft, mythical creatures, or gardening tools.

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19. What is an arcade?

Explanation

An arcade refers to a series of arches supported by columns or piers, commonly seen in architectural structures like cathedrals or monuments.

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20. What is a spandrel?

Explanation

A spandrel is specifically the triangular wall space between two adjacent arches, not to be confused with other architectural elements such as decorative moldings, structural support beams, or window treatments.

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21. What is a clerestory?

Explanation

A clerestory is a specific architectural feature of a building, which is an upper story with windows that are typically above adjacent roofs to allow natural light into the space.

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22. What is a pilaster?

Explanation

A pilaster is an architectural element that resembles a flat column and is used for decorative or structural purposes in building design.

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23. What is a springer in architecture?

Explanation

A springer in architecture refers to the lowest voussoir on each side of an arch, not related to mattresses, construction tools, or the highest point of the arch.

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24. What is a Blind Arch?

Explanation

A Blind Arch refers to an arch that is applied to a wall purely for decorative or aesthetic purposes without any functional structural role.

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25. What is a lantern?

Explanation

A lantern is specifically defined as a small structure with windows that sits atop a larger structure, typically found in architecture or lighthouses.

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What is a colonnade?
What is an architrave?
What is a Blind Arcade?
What is a bay?
What is the definition of soffit?
What is an archivolt?
What is an Ogee or Ogive?
What are intersecting arches?
What is a cornice?
What is an eave?
What is a cupola?
What is a drum?
What is a frieze?
What is a composite pier?
What is an Engaged/Applied Column?
What is a quatrefoil?
What is a rib?
What is a flying buttress?
What is an arcade?
What is a spandrel?
What is a clerestory?
What is a pilaster?
What is a springer in architecture?
What is a Blind Arch?
What is a lantern?
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