Building Components & Architectural Terminology | NATA & JEE Paper 2A 2027

Building Components & Architectural Terminology is an important topic for students preparing for NATA and JEE B.Arch. It covers the basic parts of a building, their functions, and the terms used to describe architectural structures. Understanding these concepts helps you identify building elements and answer related questions in the exams.

A building consists of several components, such as foundations, walls, columns, beams, slabs, roofs, doors, windows, and stairs. Each component serves a specific purpose. You should also understand terms related to classical architecture, arches, domes, and building facades.

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Building Components and Their Classification

A building is broadly divided into three parts: the substructure, the plinth, and the superstructure. Each part has a specific position and function.

1. Substructure

The substructure is the portion of a building below the plinth level. It transfers the building's loads to the ground. The foundation is an important part of this structure.

2. Plinth

The plinth is the part of a building between the surrounding ground level and the floor level. It raises the building above the ground and provides a transition between the foundation and the superstructure.

3. Superstructure

The superstructure is the portion of a building above the plinth. It includes walls, columns, beams, floors, roofs, doors, windows, and stairs.

These three parts form the basic classification of a building. Understanding their positions and functions is essential when studying Building Components & Architectural Terminology.

Foundation, Plinth and Damp Proof Course

The foundation, plinth, and Damp Proof Course (DPC) are important building components with different functions. Understanding their positions and purposes helps you identify them correctly in architectural terminology. 

Foundation

The foundation is the lowest structural component of a building. It transfers the building's loads to the soil and provides stability.

Its main functions include:

• Transferring structural loads to the soil.

• Providing stability to the building.

• Reducing excessive settlement.

Foundations are classified into two main types.

• Shallow foundation: Includes isolated footing, strip footing, and raft footing.

• Deep foundation: Includes pile foundation.

A footing acts as a base that supports the loads transferred through structural members.

Plinth

The plinth lies between the surrounding ground and the building's floor level. It raises the building above the ground and helps protect it from surface water.

Damp Proof Course (DPC)

DPC stands for Damp Proof Course. It is a waterproof layer designed to prevent moisture from rising through walls.

Remember the difference between these terms. The plinth raises the building above ground level, while the DPC helps protect it from rising damp and moisture.

Walls, Columns and Beams

Walls, columns, and beams are important structural or enclosure elements. Their functions differ according to their position and purpose.

Types of Walls

Walls are vertical building elements that enclose spaces and provide separation. They may or may not carry structural loads.

• Load-bearing wall: Carries structural loads from the parts above it.

• Partition wall: Divides interior spaces and generally does not carry the main structural load.

• External wall: Separates the interior of a building from the outside.

• Internal wall: Divides interior spaces.

• Curtain wall: A non-load-bearing exterior wall attached to the building's structural frame.

A common exam question asks which wall generally does not carry the main structural load. The answer is a partition wall.

Columns

Columns are vertical structural members that carry loads downward. They transfer loads from the supported building elements towards the foundation.

Beams

Beams are horizontal structural members. They carry loads from slabs and walls and transfer them to supporting elements.

The basic load path of a building can be remembered as:

Slab → Beam → Column → Foundation → Soil

This sequence helps you understand how structural loads move through a building.

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Slabs, Floors and Roofs

Slabs, floors, and roofs are different building elements. Their functions should not be confused.

Slab

A slab is a structural horizontal plate that forms a floor or roof.

Floor

A floor is the finished horizontal surface on which people walk or occupy a space.

Roof

A roof is the uppermost covering of a building. It protects the interior from weather conditions. Its design may be flat or sloping, depending on the building's design and climate.

Types of Roofs

The important roof types covered in architectural terminology include:

• Flat roof: Has a generally level form.

• Gable roof: Has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming a triangular gable at the end.

• Hip roof: Has sloping surfaces on multiple sides.

• Shed roof: Has a single sloping surface.

• Dome: A rounded roof or ceiling form.

Remember the basic distinction. A slab is a structural element, a floor is a finished usable surface, and a roof is the protective covering at the top of a building.

Doors, Windows and Openings

Buildings require openings for entry, exit, natural light, ventilation, views, and movement. Doors and windows serve different purposes. Several architectural terms describe the elements around these openings.

• Door: Provides access and movement.

• Window: Provides natural light, ventilation, and views.

• Sill: The horizontal lower part of a window opening.

• Lintel: A horizontal structural member placed above a door or window opening.

• Jamb: The side of a door or window opening.

Lintel vs Arch

A lintel and an arch both span openings, but their forms differ.

• Lintel: A horizontal structural member that supports the load above an opening.

• Arch: A curved structural form that spans an opening and transfers loads towards its supports.

An arch has several components, including voussoirs, a keystone, intrados, extrados, and a springing point.

Keystone: The central uppermost wedge-shaped stone of an arch.

For quick revision, remember that a lintel is straight, an arch is curved, and the keystone is located at the top centre of an arch.

Chhajja, Canopy and Parapet

These elements are commonly found in buildings and serve different purposes.

Chhajja

A chhajja is a projecting horizontal slab or architectural element placed above openings. It provides shade and helps protect the area below from rain and sunlight.

Canopy

A canopy is a projecting covering that provides shade or shelter.

Parapet

A parapet is a low protective wall or extension found along the edge of a roof, terrace, or balcony. Its main function is edge protection.

The key distinction is that a chhajja provides shade and rain protection, while a parapet provides protection along an exposed edge.

Staircase Terminology

A staircase provides vertical circulation between different levels of a building. The following terms describe its main parts.

• Tread: The horizontal surface of a step on which you place your foot.

• Riser: The vertical face between two treads.

• Nosing: The projecting edge of a tread.

• Landing: A horizontal platform between flights of stairs.

• Handrail: A support that people hold while using stairs.

• Balustrade: A railing system along a staircase or balcony.

• Baluster: An individual supporting member within a railing system.

A simple way to remember these terms is to associate the tread with the surface where your foot rests and the riser with the vertical face between steps.

Classical Architecture Vocabulary

Classical architectural terminology includes the parts of a column and the different Greek architectural orders.

Parts of a Classical Column

A classical column generally consists of three main parts.

• Base: The bottom portion of the column.

• Shaft: The vertical central portion.

• Capital: The top portion of the column.

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Greek Architectural Orders

The three important Greek orders discussed in architectural studies are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

Remember this shortcut for NATA architectural terminology: Doric is simple, Ionic has scrolls, and Corinthian features acanthus leaves.

Facade and Its Architectural Elements

A facade is the exterior face or elevation of a building. Several architectural elements are used to describe its appearance and details.

• Cornice: A projecting element that crowns or finishes a building element.

• Pediment: A triangular architectural feature traditionally associated with classical buildings.

• Pilaster: A shallow rectangular projection from a wall that resembles a column.

• Colonnade: A row of columns.

• Balusters: Vertical supporting members found in railing systems.

These terms help you identify the different elements of a building's exterior. Pay attention to their shapes, positions, and functions.

Dome, Vault and Cupola

Dome, vault, and cupola are architectural forms used in roofs and ceilings. Their shapes and structures distinguish them from one another.

Dome

A dome is a rounded roof or ceiling form. The Pantheon is an example associated with dome architecture.

Vault

A vault is a continuous roof or ceiling form that uses arches. The three types covered in the lecture are:

• Barrel vault: Formed by extending a single arch along a length.

• Groin vault: Formed by the intersection of vaults.

• Ribbed vault: Uses structural ribs to define and support the vault's form.

Cupola

A cupola is a small dome-shaped structure placed on top of a larger roof or dome.

For revision, remember the basic distinctions: a dome is a rounded roof form, a vault is an extended arched form, and a cupola is a small dome-shaped structure.

Important Questions on Building Components & Architectural Terminology

Practising objective questions helps you revise definitions and identify the correct architectural terms. The following questions cover the key concepts discussed in the lecture.

Q1. Which building component transfers structural loads to the soil?

A. Beam
B. Foundation
C. Plinth
D. Slab

Answer: B. Foundation

The foundation transfers the building's structural loads to the soil.

Q2. What is the horizontal structural member above a door or window opening called?

A. Sill
B. Jamb
C. Lintel
D. Cornice

Answer: C. Lintel

A lintel is a horizontal structural member placed above an opening.

Q3. Which Greek architectural order has a scroll-shaped capital?

A. Doric
B. Ionic
C. Corinthian
D. Tuscan

Answer: B. Ionic

The Ionic order is identified by its scroll-shaped capital.

Q4. What is the horizontal surface of a staircase step called?

A. Riser
B. Tread
C. Nosing
D. Landing

Answer: B. Tread

The tread is the horizontal surface on which a person places their foot.

Q5. What is the central uppermost stone of an arch called?

A. Voussoir
B. Keystone
C. Pilaster
D. Spandrel

Answer: B. Keystone

The keystone is the central uppermost wedge-shaped stone of an arch.

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How to Revise Architectural Terminology

When preparing for NATA and JEE B.Arch, revise each term with its definition, position, and function. Focus on the differences between similar elements, such as a lintel and an arch, a tread and a riser, or a chhajja and a parapet.

You can group the terms according to their functions:

• Structural elements: Foundation, column, beam, and slab.

• Building enclosure: Wall, door, and window.

• Opening components: Sill, jamb, and lintel.

• Staircase elements: Tread, riser, landing, and handrail.

• Classical architecture: Base, shaft, capital, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

• Architectural forms: Arch, vault, dome, and cupola.

• Facade elements: Cornice, pediment, pilaster, and colonnade.

These groups make the topic easier to revise and help you connect each term with its function.

Building Components & Architectural Terminology covers the essential parts of a building, their functions, and the vocabulary used to describe architectural structures. Focus on understanding the foundation, plinth, walls, columns, beams, slabs, roofs, openings, staircase elements, classical orders, and architectural forms.

For further preparation, you can refer to the PW Free Architecture Batches for 2027 Aspirants. You can also study 10 Iconic Buildings for NATA, UCEED and NID Aspirants, learn about Famous Architects and their Masterpieces, and follow the guide on How to Prepare for Architecture Exams.

Regular revision of definitions and practice with objective questions can help you recognise these terms and apply your knowledge while preparing for NATA and JEE Paper 2A 2027

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