Acoustics is the science concerned with the production, control, transmission, reception, and the effects of sound. The term refers to the natural laws governing sound and the design of structures to utilize sound in the best way. These laws are similar in many ways to those for the reflection and refraction of light. Architectural acoustics with interior GFRC or GFRG panels is primarily applicable to the design of opera houses, concert halls, churches and other religious meeting spaces, convention centers, hotels and similar facilities. GFRC and GRG panels can be curved and shaped to reflect sound in the desired direction. Both GFRC and GRG can be textured in various degrees to reflect, diffuse and absorb sound as may be required. The weight per square foot of GFRC and GFRG can be varied depending on the desires of the acoustical consultant. For a good example of acoustic panels see the Ave Maria page.

An organization founded in 1857 for the purpose of promoting the professionalism and accountability of its members, and a devotion to design excellence. AIA, 1735 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006. American Institute of Architects http://www.aia.org/

Founded in 1899, is the professional organization of landscape architects in America. ASLA 4401 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Establishes test standards for materials and products in the United States, including those used in building construction. ASTM 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia PA 19103

A way of classifying buildings that share common attributes. Architectural styles are often related to a particular period of time, country of origin or region.

Architecture taught at and associated with, the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Characterized by formalism in design, heavily rusticated arches, mansard roofs, Symmetrical plans, sculpted figures, banded columns, arched dormers, cartouches, cantons, floral patterns, ornamented keystones, quoins, engaged columns, paired columns, roof line balustrades and garlands. American architects who graduated from the Ecole, include Richard Morris Hunt, designer of the Breakers, William Ware, Charles McKim, Louis Sullivan and Julia Morgan. Facades are typically symmetrical, often with a projecting central pavilion. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) architectural elements are available in the Beaux Arts style including dentils, classical columns, enriched entablatures, pilasters, balconies, cornices, sculpted spandrels, sculpted figures, ornamental keystones, egg and dart moldings, leaf decorations, swags, wreaths, domes, fireplace surrounds and mantles, quoins, cartouches, dormers, fountains, domes, etc.

Style architecture typified by simplicity dignity and purity of design sometimes referred to as Jeffersonian classicism, because it is often associated with the work of Thomas Jefferson. Examples include Jeffersons home at Monticello, the University of Virginia, and the Virginia State Capitol. It was later revived with some modifications and referred to as the neoclassical style. GFRP (architectural fiberglass) elements that are available in the classical revival style include triangular pediments, columns in the Doric or Tuscan order, Roman Ionic and Corinthian orders. Dentils, triglyphs, fireplace surrounds, door surrounds, moldings, cornice, mantles and balustrade.

One of the three classical orders of architecture. While the Corinthian order takes its name from the city of Corinth in Greece. It actually seems to have been developed in Athens during the fifth century BC. The leaves surrounding the capital represent stylized acanthus leaves. The legend of its origin is that a sculptor, visiting the grave of a young girl, found an urn filled with her possessions, on top of her grave, covered with a square tile on top to protect the contents. An acanthus plant had grown around the urn, curling over at the corners of the tile. Moved and inspired by the sight, he created a column capital in the shape of a round urn encircled with acanthus leaves. The details of the Corinthian column base, shaft and entablature are similar to the Ionic order. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) Corinthian columns are available as standard mold items, and even-numbered diameters (10 inch, 12 inch, 14 inch, etc.) GFRC (glass fiber and first concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) Corinthian pilasters are available in the same sizes. As a loose rule of thumb, Corinthian columns are typically 8 to 12 diameters in height, for example a 1 foot diameter (measured lower shaft) column would be eight to 12 feet tall, and a 2 foot diameter column would be 16 to 24 feet in height.

The Doric Order is the oldest and simplest of the three Greek architectural orders and was invented by the Dorian Greeks. The Doric order is characterized by sturdy proportions and a simple capital. The columns are thicker relative to their height than in the other orders. The Greek Doric column is fluted and has no base. The Roman Doric is usually not fluted and has a base. The entablature is deeper and visually heavier than that of either the Ionic or Corinthian Orders. Doric columns are available in GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) in a variety of standard sizes with shaft diameters typically in even numbered increments (12 inch, 14 inch, 16 inch, etc.)

An English style of architecture, it was the transitional style between Gothic architecture and Renaissance architecture.

The French version of the Renaissance style, the architectural style developed in early 15th century Italy and spread to France during the rebirth (rinascimento) of classical art and architecture. Heavily influenced by Vitruvius’s Treatise on Architecture, originally written in the time of Augustus, and later published in Rome in 1486. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) is uniquely suited to the replication of Renaissance style architectural elements. Renaissance style GFRC, columns, capitals, fireplace mantles, balustrade, ceilings, garden urns and planters, etc are available as stock patterns, or able to be custom produced.

The architectural style of the high middle ages in Western Europe. Typified by the great cathedrals, characterized by their flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, tracery, pointed arches, rose windows, etc.

The style of architecture following the forms and spirit of Gothic architecture. GFRP (architectural fiberglass) and GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) architectural elements for Gothic revival architecture include GFRC ashlar masonry, GFRP and GFRC battlements, decorative brackets, foliated ornaments, finials, hood moldings, pinnacles, Crockets, rose windows, pointed arches, quatrefoils, trefoils and turrets. Gothic revival chimneys often feature high, ornamental chimney stacks and chimney pots. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) rose windows and lancet windows as well as various types of tracery are also produced, as well as glass fiber reinforced concrete Gothic columns, Gothic arches and even gargoyles. fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) elements such as door heads, planters, panels, cartouches, etc.

The dominant style of architecture in England during the 18th century, named Georgian after the reigns of the three King Georges from 1714 to 1820. Inspired by the ideals of Andrea Palladio (1508-80)and roman classical architecture popularized by Robert Adam (1728-1792). In the USA, Georgian is similar to and is also referred to as Federal. In New England, Colonial architecture is also referred to as “Georgian.”. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) is uniquely suited to the replication of Georgian style architectural elements, including Georgian style GFRC, columns, capitals, fireplace mantles, cornice, entryways, window and door surrounds, balustrade, ceilings, garden urns and planters, cupolas, domes, dormers, quoins, porticos, keystones, etc.

Style architecture based on ancient Greek forms in architecture such as the Greek orders (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian). Buildings in the Greek revival style were generally rectangular in shape or a combination of rectangles. GFRC and Architectural Fiberglass elements produced the Greek revival style include raked cornice, classical pediments, anthemion, dentils and egg and dart molding. Greek revival style columns in GFRC (glass fiber and first concrete) and GFRP (Architectural Fiberglass) include round or square columns especially Doric columns, Ionic columns and Corinthian columns. Greek revival style entryways in GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) generally wide and imposing and framed by pilasters or engaged columns.

One of the five orders of classical architecture. The Ionic Order takes its name from Ionia, the Greek name for those parts of Asia Minor which were settled by people of Greek origin (now modern day Turkey). The curls or “volutes” on its capital resemble rams’ horns, but may have been derived from other natural spirals, from the nautilus, the lotus flower or seashells. To the ancient Greeks, the slim proportions and elegance of the Ionic Column represented the female form, while the sturdiness and simpler details of the Doric Column represented the male. Ionic columns were widely used by the Romans, and the style was adapted and used by Robert Adams. Ionic columns are found in architecture of the Classical Style, Adams Style, Federal Style, Neo Classical style into the present. Ionic columns are typically slender, at 8 to 12 diameters in height (a 1’ diameter column would be 8’ to 12’ tall). GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) Ionic columns are available from stock molds in column shaft sizes of even diameter (12”, 14”, 16” etc.). Column shafts may be made in halves to wrap a structural member or made in stacking sections. Column shafts may also be one piece if they are small enough to be transported.

Style architecture influenced by Italian villas. GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and GFRP (architectural fiberglass) Italianate elements include columns, balustrade, belt courses, balustraded balconies, projecting cornices with decorative brackets and corner quoins. Roof cupolas, belvedere and domes, brackets and other Italianate GFRC and GFRP elements are available.

Architectural style influenced by the Renaisance palazzi of Italy. Appropriate GFRC and Architectural Fiberglass elements include an elaborate belt course between stories, rusticated corner quoins, pilasters and a large cornice. Rounded arches, balcony balustrade and frequently rooftop balusters and balustrade are also featured. Door and window surrounds often featured pedimented heads.

A reinterpretation of classical Greek and Roman architecture. Neoclassical style includes Classical revival style, Greek revival style and Federal style. Characteristics of the neoclassical style include large porticos and columns of the Greek and Roman orders. Columns and pilasters of the Corinthian, Ionic and Doric order.

In classical Greek architecture the orders are Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. The Romans added the Tuscan and Composite. Each order carries its own entablature, column and base.

A uniquely American architectural style, associated worth the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan.

An architectural style named after the French second Empire of Napoleon III.

The architectural style of the Spanish missions, and settlements of the American Southwest. Also known as Mission Architecture. Common architectural elements include columns, domes, canales (water spouts through the roof parapet,) vigas, carved rafter tails and low relief carved door surrounds and window surrounds. Other features sometimes used are decorative cornices and corbels and columns and pilasters along a long covered portale (porch) or arcade, balconies and loggias.

The Tuscan Order was the simplest of the Classical Orders . It developed from Etruscan and early Roman temples. The column capitals and bases are simpler than those of the other orders and the shaft is not fluted. Palladio recommended that its plainness made it suitable for use in buildings of utilitarian function.

A style derived from the villas of Tuscany, similar to the Italionate style, but symmetrical in plan.