Reading Architecture

Arts and Music · 10 questions

Explore arches, vaults, architectural orders, and structural terms through distinct examples.

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1. Which arch type has an intrados shaped as a complete semicircle?

   1. Tudor arch
   2. Horseshoe arch
   3. Round arch
   4. Pointed arch
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   C) Round arch

2. Which vault is formed by extending a semicircular arch along an axis?

   1. Groin vault
   2. Cloister vault
   3. Rib vault
   4. Barrel vault
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   D) Barrel vault

3. In the ancient Greek Doric order, which part is generally absent beneath the column shaft?

   1. Column base
   2. Capital
   3. Architrave
   4. Frieze
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   A) Column base

4. Which element transfers the thrust of upper walls to external supports in Gothic buildings?

   1. Wall buttress
   2. Flying buttress
   3. Console
   4. Column base
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   B) Flying buttress

5. What are the regular vertical grooves running along a column shaft called?

   1. Capitals
   2. Flutes
   3. Bases
   4. Bands
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   B) Flutes

6. Which plan shape is often associated with dramatic spatial effects in Baroque church architecture?

   1. Rectangular hall plan
   2. Greek-cross plan
   3. Oval plan
   4. Basilica plan
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   C) Oval plan

7. Which support projects from a wall or structural member and carries a load?

   1. Architrave
   2. Console
   3. Pilaster
   4. Buttress
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   B) Console

8. In an ancient Roman basilica, which feature could separate the main hall from the side aisles?

   1. Arched gallery
   2. Half-dome
   3. Buttress row
   4. Colonnade
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   D) Colonnade

9. In a classical order, which three parts make up the entablature?

   1. Architrave, frieze, cornice
   2. Architrave, base, cornice
   3. Frieze, capital, cornice
   4. Stylobate, frieze, pediment
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   A) Architrave, frieze, cornice

10. If near-surface soil is too weak, which foundation can transfer loads to deeper strata?

    1. Strip footing
    2. Isolated footing
    3. Raft foundation
    4. Pile foundation
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    D) Pile foundation