Byzantine architecture is a style of architecture that celebrated advancing technology and glamorous detailing. It became popular under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. One of the most famous examples of Byzantine architecture is Hagia Sophia, which features all the popular characteristics of the style including a higher than usual dome and dramatic ornamentation.
If you want to learn more about the Hagia Sophia, be sure to read our guide: What is Hagia Sophia? Learn How This Sacred Space Has Evolved Over Its Long History

Ornamental supports, usually of wood or pressed metal, which appear at the cornice line of a building. They may be incised into a scrolled patten or be more simply molded and are common to all Italinate style buildings, but often appear with other styles as well.

Brise soleil, or brise-soleil, is a French term that translates to “sun breaker.” It refers to deflecting the sunlight that heats a building to naturally cool the interior. One popular form of deflecting sunlight is through louvers, another term on this list.

Bracing is reinforcement to a structural system. One form of bracing is cross bracing which features two members organized in an X-shape so that one deals with tension and the other with compression.

A construction method for doors or walls in which the wood is arranged in vertical boards and held in place with a horizontal board called a batten.

Biophilia is the idea that humans have a natural desire to be surrounded by nature. Designers often use the hypothesis of biophilia as a directive, meeting this desire by introducing a visual or physical connection to nature within or near a building.

Biomimicry is when architecture copies processes or forms found in nature. Biomimicry is used in architecture both for aesthetics and for buildings functions. A building’s system for conditioning air might mimic a forest for efficiency. Columns may be designed to look like trees simply for aesthetics.

Béton brut translates to “raw concrete” from the original French. It refers to the aesthetic of unfinished concrete after being removed from formwork. This is an important term because the appearance of béton brut was a major pinnacle of modernism. Specifically, the aesthetic of béton brut led to the architectural style of Brutalism—and also gave the popular style its name.

The belfry is where the bell can be found in a bell tower—also where Quasimodo lived in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A belfry is a common feature in old churches.

The visual representation of a brand, including logos, slogans, websites, and packaging.