I am a third year architecture student and this is my glossary explaining architectural terms to help out new students that are not familiar with the construction world. There are 20 terms with their definition, pronunciation, example and a demonstration image to understand very well each term. I went back in my old notes to analyse was terms was used repeatedly, and I selected what was the most important ones judged based on my experience.
blueprint
noun
A photographic copy of an early plan for a building.
synonym: plan
Example: The architect presented the blueprint of the new library, showing the detailed plans for each floor.
fr: plan
building
noun
A structure with walls and roof, such as a house or factory.
Example: The once-emoty site was now coverd with buildings.
fr: bâtiment
construction
noun
The action of building something, typically a large structure.
Example: 50,000 more jobs will go from construction.
fr: construction
design
noun
Something intended as a guide for making something else.
Example: The architect had a design on the walls.
fr: conception
dome
noun
A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure.
Example: A lot of the religious establishments have a dome-like roof.
fr: dôme
durable
adjectif
Able to last and be used for a long time without becoming damaged.
Example: You will need to build a good solid base for your shed.
fr: durable
elevation
noun
The front or side of a building as shown on a drawing.
Example: This plan shows the front, side, and back elevations of the new church.
fr: élévation
facade
noun
The principal front of a building, that faces on to a street.
Example: The house has a half-timbered facade.
fr: façade
functional
adjective
Designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive.
Example: The kitchen isn't very functional.
fr: fonctionnel
habitation
noun
The act of living in a building
Example: Some parts of the city were unfit for the human habitation.
fr: habitation
house
noun
A building that people, usually one family lives in.
Example: Her family lives in the house across the street.
fr: maison
innovation
noun
A new method, idea, product, etc.
Example: Technological innovations designed to save energy.
fr: innovation
perspective
noun
A graphical representation technique used to visualize and create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality in space. it is commonly used in architectural drawings and design projects such as landscapes, interiors, and furniture.
Example: The architectural drawing helps the clients to visualize what their kitchen will look like.
fr: perspective
plan
noun
A drawing of a building, town, area, machine, etc. that only shows its shape from above, its size, and the position of important details.
Example: I'll send a set of plans for the new building.
fr: plan
site
noun
A place where something is, was, or will be built.
Example: The company hasn't yet chosen the site for the new hospital.
fr: site
sketch
noun
A rough finished drawing, often made to assist in making a more finish picture.
Example: For the contest, the architects have to draw a rough sketch of a primary school.
fr: sketch
skyscraper
noun
A very tall modern building, usually in a city.
Example: The restaurant is at the top of one of the big downtown skyscrapers.
fr: gratte-ciel
structure
noun
Something that has been made or built from parts, especially a large building.
Example: This warehouse is a steel-truss structure.
fr: structure
urban
adjective
of or in a town or city
Example: Pollution has reached disturbingly high levels in some urban areas.
fr: urbain
window
noun
A space usually filled with glass in the wall of a building.
Example: Is it alright if I open/close the window?
