GATE Architecture 2016

Question : Beam or lowest division of the entablature which extends from column to column, is known as

(A) Arabesque                         (B) Arcade                   (C) Architrave             (D) Arbour

Answer: (C) Architrave

 Entablature has three sections- {remember AFC}   Architrave, Frieze and Cornice

o    Arabesque: surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils or plain lines.

o    Arcade: a series of adjoining arches.

o    Arbour: a leafy gateway shaded by trees, climbers, shrubs, etc., especially when trimmed to give shape. Topiary is trimming of plant to give some geometric shape. When the shape is in form of animals it is zoomorphic.

Other Islamic terms in Architecture.

·         Arabesque- interlacing plant motifs like decoration.

·         Arcade- series of arches.

·         Drum- A cylindrical wall that supports the dome.

·         Hammam- public bath (In Rome it was thermae)

·         Hareem- women folk

·         Mashrabiya- wooden lattice work placed infront of building for ventilation and privacy.

·          Mihrab- a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla; that is, the direction of the Kaaba.                 (GATE 1991)

·         Mimbar- a pulpit placed on the right of mihrab used by imam for Jumma lecture.

·         Muqranna- decorative pattern consisting of small niche arranged like honey comb and made mostly from plaster for internal treatment of curved surface especially in transitional zone between dome and their support i.e. pendentive and squinch.

·         Nave- main central aisle leading to the Mihrab.

·         Squinch- arch placed at corners of square base to support the dome.

·         Stucco- plaster used for coating and making decorative casts.