Architectural terms: Façade

Façade {fuh-sahd'} is a French word meaning "face" or "front". In architecture the term identifies the side of a structure, normally the front, that is architecturally or visually more significant than the others. The term façade may designate any prominent outer facet or surface of a building.


Source: 2001 Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, ©2000 Grolier Interactive Inc. — All Rights Reserved.
Relevant publications: Robin S. Oggins, Cathedrals (1996). Otto von Simson, The Gothic Cathedral: Origins of Gothic Architecture & the Medieval Concept of Order (1988). Stan Parry, Great Gothic Cathedrals of France (2001).
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