Many people think designing is all about drawing, especially in architecture. While it is vital, writing is also important. Without it several things would be very difficult, including creating a brief. Many of the terms an architect may use have quite an interesting etymology (history). As one of the best architects London has, we wanted to look at some of these.

Architect

The best place to start is the term we use for someone who designs various structures. The word dates back to the Greek term architekton. The two parts, archi and tecton, mean first and mason or builder. Therefore it literally means the person who is in charge of the masons.

Building

Incredibly this common term is actually Old English. The original word, blydan, means construct a house or dwelling.

Material

In Latin materia means both wood and matter. There is also a belief that it could relate to mater; this means mother in Latin.

Place

The oldest origins of this word are also Latin and it has influenced different phrases in several languages. The original term is platea, meaning a courtyard or open space. This shapes Old French (place), as well as Italian (piazza) and Spanish (plaza).

Urbanism

This is yet another one with a Latin origin. Urbe or urbs means a city/town surrounded by walls. The suffix ism refers to a system or mode.

Wall

In Old English the word was weall but it came from a Latin term vallum. The interesting thing about the latter is it means a surface as we know it today or a rampart or row of stakes.

Window

This word has origins in both Old Norse and Old English. The first, vindauga, means winds eye, reflecting the fact that the opening allows air in as well as letting people see out. The second word translates to eye-hole or eye-door.

Support

The original Latin word is supportare. It’s two parts, sub and porto, mean below and carry or load.

At Coffey Architects we appreciate that people can get a little confused by some of the complex terms people use in our industry. We understand the jargon and also work hard to provide clear explanations. If you want to work with some of the friendliest and most approachable architects London has, call us. We look forward to helping you.