This glossary about architecture is here to help anybody who's in this field of study or work or for people who are just curious. Here are 20 basic terms with their definition, their translation in French, images, audios and examples that are important to know in this field. I used my class notes to find these words and Pinterest for the images. Make sure you understand these words before engaging in any architectural talks, activities or practices.
contractor
noun
Professionals who build, repair, or renovate buildings and manage specialized labor.
Example: This is mainly due to their design development strategy, constant collaboration with other built environment professionals and partnership with a main CONTRACTOR.
en: entrepreneur
cost estimate
noun
Cost estimation is the process of predicting the financial and resource requirements needed to complete a project, product, or task within a defined scope.
Example: Clients were also encouraged to get another independent COST ESTIMATE for the agreed design as a safeguard for them.
en: estimation des coûts
demolish
verbe
Demolish means to completely tear down, smash, or destroy a structure like a building or bridge.
Example: Tons of explosives were used to DEMOLISH the building.
en: démolir
electrical system
noun
An electrical system is an interconnected network of components designed to generate, transmit, distribute, and utilize electrical energy.
Example: All ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS will be terminated.
en: système électrique
exterior cladding
noun
Exterior cladding is an outer protective layer installed over a building's structural walls to shield the structure from weather and improve its visual appeal.
Example: The building's EXTERIOR CLADDING consists of brick and stone.
en: revêtement extérieur
façade
noun
A façade is the front exterior wall of a building, or a deceptive outward appearance that hides someone or something's true nature.
Example: The concept of the "intelligent FAÇADE" proposes a more dynamic building shell.
en: façade
floor plan
noun
A floor plan is a scaled, top-down diagram that shows the layout of a room or building from above.
Example: In the project, the total FLOOR PLAN area in the airport is approximately 515,000 sq-metres.
en: plan d'étage
foundation
noun
A foundation is the solid base, support, or groundwork upon which a physical structure, an idea, an organization, or a system rests.
Example: In many cases the strength of soil, which determines the FOUNDATION size and type is an unknown until the construction starts on site. The soil excavation can create serious problems as the trial pits may not always determine all the issues related to FOUNDATION design.
en: fondation
framework
noun
A framework is a basic supporting structure, system, or plan used as a foundation to build, guide, or organize something else.
Example: The panels are attached to the building's steel FRAMEWORK.
en: ossature
house
noun
A house is a physical building or structure where people, usually a family or individual, live.
Example: Therefore, a HOUSE would seem to be the most plausible function for these structures, expressing the individuality of the occupants.
en: maison
interior design
noun
Interior design is the art and science of planning and shaping the inside of a building to make it functional, safe, and visually pleasing.
Example: Budget constraints forced them to be creative with their INTERIOR DESIGN choices, focusing on DIY projects and repurposing.
en: design d'intérieur
model
noun
An architectural model is a physical or digital three-dimensional representation of a building design used to study, test, and communicate spatial concepts.
Example: The architect presented a MODEL design for the new building.
en: maquette
modeling software
noun
Modeling software is a computer program used to create virtual, mathematical, or abstract simulations and representations of real-world objects, systems, or software designs.
Example: The project came to life, thanks to the MODELING SOFTWARE.
en: logiciel de modélisation
plumbing system
noun
A plumbing system is an interconnected network of pipes, fittings, valves, and fixtures that distributes fresh water into a building and safely removes wastewater.
Example: The architect coordinated the PLUMBING SYSTEM architecture early in the design phase to ensure that vertical water supply lines and drainage stacks aligned smoothly with the building's structural core.
en: système de plomberie
renovate
verbe
To renovate means to repair, improve, or update a building, room, or structure so that it is in good condition again.
Example: They decided to RENOVATE their old farmhouse.
en: rénover
structural engineer
noun
A structural engineer is a specialized civil engineer who designs and analyzes the "bones and joints" of buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they can safely support their own weight and withstand environmental forces.
Example: The design process was performed by a team made up of a STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, a construction planner, and a project manager.
en: ingénieur en structures
surveyor
noun
A surveyor is a professional who measures and maps the shape, boundaries, and physical features of the land.
Example: A person who is interested in becoming a land SURVEYOR should be comfortable working out of doors.
en: arpenteur
thermal insulation
noun
Thermal insulation is the reduction of heat transfer between objects or spaces with different temperatures.
Example: The house uses THERMAL INSULATION to save energy.
en: isolation thermique
user's safety
noun
User's safety architecture refers to the proactive structural design, frameworks, and mechanisms embedded into digital platforms, physical spaces, or products to protect, empower, and prioritize the end-user's safety and well-being from the outset.
Example: The USERS' SAFETY is the architect's first priority.
en: la sécurité de l'utilisateur
watertight
adjective
Watertight means built to keep water from entering or leaving, or planned so carefully that it has no flaws, mistakes, or loopholes.
Example: The coastal museum features a WATERTIGHT architecture with reinforced concrete and specialized seals to withstand extreme storm surges.
