A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

active system - a system that relies on electricity to heat and cool a building

A.D. - “Anno Domini,” Latin for “year of Our Lord;” often written with the date in cornerstones.

adaptive reuse - changing the function of a building while keeping some of the historic value.

aerial photograph - a photograph of the ground taken from an airplane

amphitheater - a round or oval shaped building with seats surrounding a center area used for contests or other public sporting events; the word “amphi” comes from the Latin words meaning “around, on both sides.”

arch - a curved structure over a door or a window opening

architect - designs and oversees construction of a building

architecture - the design and style of a building

architecture firm - an office and business where architects work

Art Moderne - style popular ca. 1930-1950 related to Art Deco in its celebration of industrialism and technology; it is more volumetric, streamlined, and totally devoid of historical references. Glass block and concrete were materials frequently used to achieve smooth, rounded corners, and aluminum and stainless steel were often used for door and window trim. While Art Deco stressed vertical lines, the streamlined effect of Art Moderne was achieved through horizontal lines that are emphasized by flat roofs and narrow bands of windows.