Architectural Design Concepts

adverb separately or at a distance

preposition separated by a distance or interval

• The two buildings are situated apart from each other.
• We live in apartments right next to each other, but our schedules are so different we hardly see each other.
• We used to be best friends, but now we're totally apart.
• Their opinions on the matter are poles apart.

noun a curve formed by a flexible chain or string hanging freely from two points and forming a U shape

adjective relating to or resembling a catenary

• The catenary curve is the shape that a hanging chain or cable takes under its own weight when supported only at its ends.
• The catenary of the suspension bridge is really cool to look at.
• That catenary curve is like a perfect swoop, man.
• The catenary of life's challenges can be unpredictable but beautiful in its own way.

verb to make something appear shorter or smaller by using perspective

• The artist had to foreshorten the figure in order to accurately depict the perspective in the painting.
• I had to foreshorten my presentation because I ran out of time.
• I'll have to foreshorten my workout today, I'm feeling too tired.
• Sometimes in life, we have to foreshorten our plans in order to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

noun a fierce or angry stare

verb to stare fiercely or angrily

• The professor fixed a stern glare on the student who was talking during the lecture.
• I could feel my mom's disapproving glare from across the room.
• The bouncer gave us a mean glare when we tried to sneak in without IDs.
• The spotlight on the stage was so bright, it felt like a glare in my eyes.

adverb in a harmonious manner; in a way that is in agreement or in tune with others

• The team worked harmoniously to complete the project ahead of schedule.
• The band members played together harmoniously during the concert.
• The roommates are vibing harmoniously in their new apartment.
• The colors of the painting blend harmoniously to create a beautiful masterpiece.

noun a design or figure carved, incised, or engraved into a hard material, typically a gemstone or piece of metal

adjective relating to or denoting a design or figure carved, incised, or engraved into a hard material

• The intaglio printmaking technique involves carving a design into a surface to create a raised image.
• I learned how to do intaglio printing in my art class.
• Check out this cool intaglio print I made!
• Her words were like an intaglio, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who heard them.

adjective poorly or hastily constructed; flimsy or shoddy in construction

• The contractor was criticized for constructing a jerry-built structure that did not meet safety standards.
• My uncle's shed is so jerry-built, I'm surprised it hasn't fallen down yet.
• That car looks so jerry-built, I wouldn't trust it to make it across town.
• Her argument was jerry-built, with weak evidence and flawed reasoning.

noun a room or area where food is prepared and cooked

adjective relating to a kitchen or suitable for use in a kitchen

• The chef spent hours perfecting the dishes in the kitchen.
• I'll meet you in the kitchen for a snack later.
• Let's hang out in the kitchen and chat.
• The kitchen of creativity is where ideas are cooked up and served to the world.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating the manner, place, time, or degree of the action

• The government's new policy aims to bring more transparency by putting all information out in the open.
• Let's just lay all our cards out in the open and see where we stand.
• We need to spill the tea and put everything out in the open.
• Her emotions were out in the open for everyone to see after the breakup.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case describing something that has been developed excessively

• The city's downtown area has become overdeveloped with high-rise buildings and commercial complexes.
• I think this neighborhood is a bit overdeveloped, don't you?
• Man, this place is totally overbuilt, it's like a concrete jungle.
• Her sense of humor is so overdeveloped that sometimes it can be off-putting.

noun a polyhedron or other object with many plane faces

adjective relating to or denoting a solid figure with many plane faces, especially a polyhedron

• The architect designed a polyhedral structure for the new museum.
• I saw a cool polyhedral building downtown.
• That polyhedral shape is so rad!
• His mind was like a polyhedral puzzle, complex and multifaceted.

noun the process of manufacturing or constructing something in advance, especially in standardized sections that are easily shipped and assembled on site

• The construction company utilized prefabrication techniques to speed up the building process.
• I heard they're using prefabrication to put up that new office building down the street.
• The crew is all about that prefabrication life to get things done faster.
• In her writing, the author used prefabrication of ideas to create a seamless narrative flow.

adjective relating to or having the form of a prism; exhibiting a play of colors like that of a prism

• The scientist used a prismatic lens to separate the different wavelengths of light.
• I bought a prismatic phone case that changes colors when you move it.
• Check out these prismatic sunglasses, they're so cool!
• Her prismatic personality shines brightly in any situation.

adjective relating to or characterized by a strict adherence to a particular style or form, especially in language or art

• The architect designed the house with a puristic style, focusing on clean lines and minimalistic elements.
• I really like the puristic look of your new furniture, it's so simple and elegant.
• That puristic car design is so sleek, it's like something out of a sci-fi movie.
• Her puristic approach to cooking involves using only the freshest ingredients and letting the flavors speak for themselves.

noun a square or rectangular area

verb to make square or rectangular

adjective square or rectangular in shape

• The biologist studied the quadrate bone in the skull of the animal.
• I heard that the quadrate bone is important for jaw movement.
• Check out the quadrate on that dude, it's massive!
• Her ability to multitask is like a quadrate puzzle, fitting everything together perfectly.

adjective Roughhewn is an adjective that describes something that is roughly or crudely shaped or formed, often in a rustic or unpolished manner.

• The roughhewn table was crafted from reclaimed wood.
• I love the roughhewn look of that old dresser.
• Check out that roughhewn log cabin in the woods.
• His roughhewn personality made it difficult for others to get close to him.

noun a secluded place or a state of isolation

• The writer sought seclusion in a remote cabin to work on his novel.
• After a long week, she enjoys some seclusion at her favorite coffee shop.
• Let's ditch this party and find some seclusion at the beach.
• His emotional seclusion kept him from forming close relationships.

noun a residential area on the outskirts of a city or town

• The development of new housing estates is rapidly expanding suburbia.
• I grew up in suburbia, where everyone knew each other's business.
• Suburbia is so boring, there's never anything fun to do.
• She felt trapped in the monotony of suburbia, longing for adventure in the city.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun, in this case 'tiny' describes the size of something.

• The tiny seed grew into a mighty oak tree.
• I found a tiny frog in the backyard pond.
• That car is so tiny, it's like a clown car!
• His influence may seem tiny, but it has a big impact.

adjective an adjective describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case 'top heavy' describes something that has more weight or importance on the top compared to the bottom

adverb an adverb modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, in this case 'top heavy' describes how something is distributed in terms of weight or importance

• The company's financial structure is considered top heavy with a disproportionate amount of funds allocated to upper management.
• The team is a bit top heavy with more experienced players dominating the lineup.
• The new car looks cool but it's a little top heavy on the price.
• Her argument was top heavy with emotional appeals rather than logical reasoning.

adjective in a state of confusion or disorder; upside down

adverb in a disordered or chaotic manner

• The economy was thrown into a topsy-turvy state after the stock market crash.
• My room is always so topsy-turvy, I can never find anything!
• After the party, the house was totally topsy-turvy.
• Her emotions were topsy-turvy as she tried to make sense of the situation.

noun a structural framework, usually made of wood or metal, used to support a roof or bridge

verb to tie up or bind tightly with ropes or straps

• The truss is a framework of beams, bars, or rods used to support a roof or bridge.
• I saw the construction workers putting up the truss for the new building.
• Let's make sure to truss up the tent properly so it doesn't collapse.
• The truss of support from her friends helped her get through a difficult time.

noun a small scale model or rough draft of an unfinished sculpture or architectural design

• The architect presented a detailed maquette of the new building design.
• Check out the cool maquette the artist made for the upcoming exhibit.
• I saw a mini maquette of the sculpture at the art fair.
• The maquette of his dream house symbolized his aspirations for the future.

noun a concept in interior design where traditional open-plan layouts are divided into separate zones or areas

adjective describing a living space that is not completely open-plan, but has distinct areas or zones

• Broken-plan living is a modern interior design concept that combines open spaces with partially divided areas for a more versatile living environment.
• I love the idea of broken-plan living - it's like having separate areas in one big room!
• Broken-plan living is all the rage these days - it's like open-concept living but with a twist.
• In the world of interior design, broken-plan living breaks down traditional barriers to create a more dynamic and fluid living space.

noun A housing development that is either completely or partially uninhabited or unfinished, often due to economic or financial reasons.

• The government is considering redeveloping the ghost estate to address the housing shortage.
• I heard they're finally doing something about that creepy ghost estate down the road.
• That ghost estate gives me the heebie-jeebies, man.
• The abandoned mall felt like a ghost estate, with empty storefronts and no signs of life.

adjective relating to or suitable for a particular occasion or purpose

• The accessional fee must be paid in order to attend the event.
• You'll need to get a ticket to gain access to the accessional areas.
• I heard only VIPs have access to the accessional lounge.
• Having access to the accessional knowledge gave her a unique advantage in the competition.

adjective having an upward slope; ascending

• The hikers struggled to climb the acclivitous mountain slope.
• That hill is so steep, it's practically acclivitous!
• I can't believe we have to hike up this acclivitous trail.
• The company's profits have been on an acclivitous trajectory.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

• The acoustic area of the concert hall was carefully designed to enhance the sound quality for the audience.
• The acoustic area in this room is perfect for playing music, it sounds amazing!
• I love how the acoustic area in this cafe makes the music sound so chill.
• In the acoustic area of her mind, she could hear the echoes of memories long past.

noun a member of a Greek tribe that settled in Thessaly

adjective relating to or caused by the wind; specifically relating to a mode of musical composition

• The Aeolian mode in music is characterized by a particular sequence of intervals.
• I love the sound of Aeolian wind chimes in my garden.
• Let's go chill at the Aeolian beach this weekend.
• The artist's brushstrokes had an Aeolian quality, flowing effortlessly like the wind.