Let Me Spark Your Interest in Architecture! Quiz

Answer: Caryatid

The term caryatid come from the Greek word 'karyatides', which means "maidens of Karyai", a reference to an ancient Peloponnesian town. This town had a temple, which is no longer standing, that is thought to have had some of the first caryatids. One of the most famous buildings to use this architectural feature is the Erechtheion, a temple to Athena and Poseidon located on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

Answer: Corbel

A corbel is an ornamental structural feature which provides support for the structures above it. They are usually stepped upward and outward from a vertical surface. Corbels often occur over repeated courses, with each block overhanging the one below it.

This often gives the appearance of inverted steps. The corbel was used for centuries before the development of vaults and true arches became popular.

Answer: Frieze

Some of the most elaborate bas-relief carving to be found in ancient buildings. Friezes can be found both inside and outside of buildings. The frieze is usually found above eye-level, and may be painted, sculpted or have mosaic tiles. While these are part of the construction of the building, their main purpose is usually decorative.

Answer: False

This is false. The image on the left is known as a baluster. They can be made of wood or stone and provide support for handrails around staircases and the coping stones around a parapet, as depicted in the image at the right. When grouped together they are called a balustrade, such as is shown on the right side of the picture.

They have been used since ancient times. and can be found in different types of architecture around the world.

Answer: Abacus

The abacus is a flat stone used to provide a large supporting surface and is found on top of the bell and capital of a column. While often a simple flat stone block, they are sometimes decorated with small mosaic tiles just like those found in tessellated floors or streets.

The shape of the abacus is defined by the shape of the object beneath it and can be found in a variety of shapes and styles.

Answer: Dutch door

Known as a Dutch door, or alternatively a stable door, this door was designed so that animals were kept out and children were kept in. It allowed for fresh air and sunlight to enter the house and provide circulation for the home. These doors were common in The Netherlands in the early 1600s, and their use spread across Europe before coming to America with many of the Dutch colonists.

Answer: Cupola

Cupolas are not just decorative, even though they may appear that way. They are usually used as a lookout, or to allow sunlight and fresh air enter a building. The word 'cupola' comes from the Latin term 'cupella' which means 'small cup'. Some cupolas hold bells or armaments, while others are simply fancy decoration.

Answer: Bay windows

The projection of bay windows usually forms a small recess within. Depending on the size of the windows, this recess may hold houseplants, or be large enough to provide a window seat. There are many different types of bay windows and they are often used in some of the more highly ornamental architectural designs.

The protruding design of a bay window usually allows great amounts of sunlight to enter a room, and they were a very popular addition to many churches, used to dispel the dark gloominess that appeared in some of the older structures.

Answer: False

These ornamental wooden decorations are known as lambrequins. They are a form of wooden drapery used on the edges of cornices, roofs and windows. While lambrequins are very distinctive and beautiful, they are not structurally necessary and do not provide any support for windows or roofs.

Answer: Corinthian

This is a depiction of a Corinthian order column found in Greek and Roman architecture. It is characterized by slender fluted columns and very elaborate capitals at the top. They were usually decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls. The Corinthian column can be seen decorating the U.S. Capitol Building.