definition
strict definition
arc
Related terms: crescent · c-shape · u-shape
A building plan following a single open curve without reversing direction or closing into a loop.
An arc is a simple curve which does not change its direction and does not form a closed loop. It may appear like a C or a U, like a crescent moon, or a similar shape. The ends may be squared, rounded, pointed, or virtually any other shape, as long as the predominant shape resembles an arc in its simplified form.
The main curve can resemble a crescent, C, or U. The shape of its ends can vary while the overall plan follows the same unclosed curve.
A wave reverses its direction of curvature at successive bends. A circle forms a closed rounded outline, so its perimeter has a different overall arrangement from an open arc.
arc Photos
Related definitions
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circle
A roughly circular building outline, including regular polygons with nine or more sides and minor perimeter details. -
cross
A building plan formed by two straight members intersecting within 22.5 degrees of a right angle. -
ellipse
An oval or nearly oval building plan, including a rectangle with two curved sides blending into a continuous outline. -
heptagon
A building plan with seven discernible principal sides meeting at convex angles, with unequal sides permitted. -
hexagon
A building plan with six roughly equal principal sides meeting at similar convex angles. -
irregular
A building plan whose overall outline cannot readily be assigned to another defined perimeter form. -
jagged polygon
A building plan with many corners and several perimeter indentations, arranged regularly or irregularly. -
multi-winged
A building plan with at least two wings branching from a spine, excluding wings that all radiate from one point. -
octagon
A building plan with eight roughly equal sides, including sufficiently chamfered squares that appear octagonal. -
open angle
A building plan with two roughly linear segments meeting at one point, or a simple shape with a notch of at least 45 degrees. -
parallelogram
A floor plan with 4 sides in 2 parallel pairs which do not meet in right angles. -
pentagon
A building plan with five principal sides, allowing unequal lengths and minor notches or corner changes. -
radial-lobed
A floor plan in the shape of a flower or star, with radial wings arranged around a common center. -
rectangle
A floor plan with 4 sides meeting at right angles and one axis longer than the other. -
semicircle
A building plan with one main straight edge and one arc, occupying no more than 75% of the corresponding circle or oval. -
square
A four-sided building plan with right-angle corners and side lengths differing by no more than 5% of the shortest side. -
trapezoid
A four-sided building plan with nonparallel sides, distinguished here from square and rectangular plans. -
triangle
A building plan with three dominant straight sides, allowing unequal lengths and slightly rounded or chamfered corners. -
wave
A building plan following one curved path with at least two rounded bends in alternating directions. -
zig-zag
A floor plan with 3 or more sections connected in a line bending in alternating directions.