Architecture

Definition of stay

Estancia is a term with several uses. In Latin America, an estancia is a country estate used for livestock and agriculture. It is a rural establishment that includes a house (the dwelling with other structures, such as stables, silos, etc.) and land for cultivation and grazing. It can be compared to […]

Definition of station

Season is the name given to each of the four parts into which a year is divided. The term comes from the Latin statio. The four seasons are summer, autumn, winter and spring. Each of them lasts three months, although the dates of their beginning and end will depend on the point on the Earth […]

Definition of perpendicular

From the Latin perpendiculāris, perpendicular is a term used in geometry to name the plane or line that, with another plane or line, creates an angle of ninety degrees. It is important to note that there are various forms of perpendicularity relationships. Two lines that meet in the same plane are perpendicular when they form a […]

Definition of concrete

From the Latin concrētus, concrete is an adjective that allows us to mention something solid, material or compact. The term is usually opposed to something general or abstract, since it refers to something determined and precise. For example: “I don’t want any more excuses, I need a concrete answer”, “I told him my ideas but he asked me for a project […]

Definition of plinth

A plinth is the lower body or edge of a work that allows the foundations to be raised to the same level. Originating from the Latin socculus, the word can also refer to other issues. The term is used in other areas of architecture, to name the frieze or skirting board (i.e. the baseboard) […]

Definition of plaster

Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulphate, which is usually white and compact or earthy. It is a term that comes from the Latin gypsum, although its origin dates back to the Greek language. Gypsum is dehydrated by the action of fire and hardens quickly when kneaded with water.

Definition of housing

A dwelling is a closed and covered place that is built to be inhabited by people. This type of building offers shelter to human beings and protects them from adverse weather conditions, as well as providing them with privacy and space to store their belongings and carry out their daily activities. House, apartment, flat, residence, flat, […]

Definition of villa

The etymological origin of the word villa, which we are now going to analyze in depth, is found in Latin. We specifically discover that it comes from the term villa, which can be translated as “country house.” Villa is a term with several uses linked to different types of towns and to certain particular styles of […]

Definition of beam

The concept of beam comes from the Latin biga, a term that was used to refer to a carriage with a pair of horses. The beam, with a “v”, identifies the curved piece (which can be made of iron or wood), present in old carriages with the purpose of allowing the connection between […]

Definition of lobby

A vestibule is the atrium or portal that is found at the entrance of a building. The term has its origin in the Latin vestibulum. For example: «Last night there was a strange man in the lobby who scared me», «Some neighbors throw garbage in the lobby and dirty the common areas of the building», «I am going to notify the […]