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Quiz about Architecture ABCs
Quiz about Architecture ABCs

Architecture ABC's Trivia Quiz


Do you know your architectural terms? See what you can do with this array of words from A-J!

A photo quiz by ponycargirl. Estimated time: 3 mins.
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Author
ponycargirl
Time
3 mins
Type
Photo Quiz
Quiz #
374,785
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Easy
Avg Score
8 / 10
Plays
668
Awards
Top 10% Quiz
Last 3 plays: Guest 106 (7/10), Guest 176 (9/10), Verbonica (10/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. What is the term for a curved structure that spans a space while supporting considerable weight? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Also a term used for a church bell tower, what is another name for a siege tower? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Sculpted female figures are used as a columns in supporting the top of a building. What is the term for this type of pillar? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. The ancient Egyptians made impressive avenues that led to the entrance of their temples. What are these avenues called? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Ancient Greek architects utilized a design where moldings would lay horizontally on the top of columns, resting on the capitals. What is the term for this type of molding? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. What is the term for a vertical member projecting from a wall that is used to stabilize it and transmit the thrust to a heavy abutment by means of an arch or half-arch? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. What word describes the triangular portion of an end wall between the edges of a sloping roof? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Some buildings have roofs where all sides slope downwards to the walls. What is this type of roof called? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Used to decorate the roofs of Chinese official buildings, what are these small rows of figures called? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Indian temples that are Buddhist or Hindu are sometimes built on a raised terrace or platform. What are these surfaces called? Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 106: 7/10
Mar 15 2024 : Guest 176: 9/10
Feb 17 2024 : Verbonica: 10/10
Feb 14 2024 : PurpleComet: 10/10
Feb 03 2024 : Guest 182: 8/10
Feb 02 2024 : slay01: 8/10
Jan 30 2024 : ziggythepooh: 10/10
Jan 29 2024 : jackslade: 10/10

Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. What is the term for a curved structure that spans a space while supporting considerable weight?

Answer: Arch

The use of arches first appeared in ancient Mesopotamia, but it was the ancient Romans who were the first to use the technique in many different structures, such as aqueducts, bridges, and gates. They also made grand free-standing arches to celebrate great military victories, as well as vaults that were used for roofs or ceilings.

The picture shows the Roman use of the arch in the south gate of Jerash, Jordan. Many fine examples of Roman structures, such as a hippodrome, temples, and theatres can be viewed there today.
2. Also a term used for a church bell tower, what is another name for a siege tower?

Answer: Belfry

The medieval belfry was a specialized siege tower which was used to approach the defensive walls of a city. Many times the tower was as tall as the wall to allow archers to shoot from the top. Always in danger of destruction by fire, the belfry was usually protected with some type of non-flammable covering.

Many times the belfry was used as a last resort to breach the walls because the building of such a tower took a lot of time and resources. Built on wheels for mobility, when the tower drew close enough to the wall, a gangplank would drop and soldiers would rush the city.
3. Sculpted female figures are used as a columns in supporting the top of a building. What is the term for this type of pillar?

Answer: Caryatid

Probably the best known example of the caryatid column is the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens. Originally there were six figures, but one was removed to England by Lord Elgin and is now in the British Museum. All of the figures are of the same height and build; each statue is individually different with an elaborate hairstyle that helps to support the neck, which would be the structurally weakest point on the column.
4. The ancient Egyptians made impressive avenues that led to the entrance of their temples. What are these avenues called?

Answer: Dromos

The dromos of Luxor, much like similarly-used avenues in ancient Egypt, consists of an avenue of sphinxes that ends at the Temple of Luxor in front of the great pylon that was constructed by Ramses the Great. In Greek architecture the dromos is sometimes a covered passageway that leads to a building or tomb.
5. Ancient Greek architects utilized a design where moldings would lay horizontally on the top of columns, resting on the capitals. What is the term for this type of molding?

Answer: Entablature

The entablature is an element of classical architecture that usually consists of three parts. The architrave is similar to the lintel in post and lintel construction and immediately touches the column's capital. The frieze may or may not be decorated; the cornice, or projecting upper section, is on top.
6. What is the term for a vertical member projecting from a wall that is used to stabilize it and transmit the thrust to a heavy abutment by means of an arch or half-arch?

Answer: Flying Buttress

Connected with Gothic church architecture, and not fully developed until then, the flying buttress has two main components. First, the buttress, which is the vertical masonry block, is on the outside of the building. Next, the arch, which is the flyer, bridges the gap between the buttress and the wall.
7. What word describes the triangular portion of an end wall between the edges of a sloping roof?

Answer: Gable

The shape of the gable that is used depends on the structural system of the house and design concerns. Usually called the gable wall, the term refers not only to the gable, but also the wall below it. Gables became popular during the late medieval period and Renaissance.

The Greycliffe House in Sydney, Australia, is listed on the Australian Register of the National Estate. Completed in 1852, it has served as a private residence. Today it is used as a visitor center for Sydney Harbour National Park.
8. Some buildings have roofs where all sides slope downwards to the walls. What is this type of roof called?

Answer: Hip Roof

A building with a hip roof has no gables. Constructed in a variety of shapes, such as mansard and gablet, a squared-shaped hip roof is formed like a pyramid. The design is commonly used for cottages and bungalows.
9. Used to decorate the roofs of Chinese official buildings, what are these small rows of figures called?

Answer: Imperial Roof Design

The Imperial Roof Design with the row of small figures is only allowed on official buildings. This picture is of the Imperial Palace Museum of the Forbidden City, Beijing, China. The yellow glaze that is seen in the picture is reserved for the emperor. Normally at the beginning of the line of figures there is a man riding a mythical beast, which symbolizes the person serving the emperor. An imperial dragon is placed at the end of the figures to represent the authority of the state.

In between there are mythical beasts which are ready to pounce on the man if he fails in his duty to the emperor.
10. Indian temples that are Buddhist or Hindu are sometimes built on a raised terrace or platform. What are these surfaces called?

Answer: Jagati

The feature of the jagati is usually not seen on temples that are enclosed by walls, but is commonly used on more isolated temples. It allows for devotees to walk around the temple. The temple seen in the picture is Angkor Wat, a Buddhist temple in Cambodia.
Source: Author ponycargirl

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