Glossary of Architecture - M

M

Maqsurah (maqsura)

In Islamic architecture, the sanctuary or praying-chamber in a mosque, sometimes enclosed with a screen of lattice-work; occasionally, a similar enclosure round a tomb.

Mandapa

In Indian architecture, a pillared outdoor hall or pavilion for public rituals.

Mansard roof

(French roof) A curb hip roof in which each face has two slopes, the lower one steeper than the upper; from the French mansarde after the accomplished 17th-century French architect noted for using (not inventing) this style, François Mansart, d. 1666.

Marriage stone

A stone lintel, usually carved, with a marriage date.

Mihrab

In Islamic architecture, a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of prayer.

Modillion

Enriched block or horizontal bracket generally found under the cornice and above the bedmold of the Corinthian entablature. It is probably so called because of its arrangement in regulated distances.

Monotriglyph

Interval of the intercolumniation of the Doric column, which is observed by the intervention of one triglyph only between the triglyphs which come over the axes of the columns. This is the usual arrangement, but in the Propylaea at Athens there are two triglyphs over the central intercolumniation, in order to give increased width to the roadway, up which chariots and beasts of sacrifice ascended.

Molding

Decorative finishing strip.

Mullion

Vertical bar of wood, metal or stone which divides a window into two or more parts.

Muqarnas

Type of decorative corbel used in Islamic architecture that in some circumstances, resembles stalactites.

Mutule

Rectangular block under the soffit of the cornice of the Greek Doric temple, which is studded with guttae. It is supposed to represent the piece of timber through which the wooden pegs were driven in order to hold the rafter in position, and it follows the sloping rake of the roof. In the Roman Doric order the mutule was horizontal, with sometimes a crowning fillet, so that it virtually fulfilled the purpose of the modillion in the Corinthian cornice.