definition
strict definition
suspension beam
A building summit formed by a raised beam from which suspension cables are held.
A suspension beam is a vertical or diagonal beam attached to suspension cables which hold up a roof.
The beam is attached to the cables that suspend the roof. A decorative upright without that cable-support relationship does not meet the definition.
The beam can be vertical or diagonal. It describes the architectural summit only when it is the highest element belonging to the design.
Related definitions
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architectural framework
A building summit formed by an open arrangement of decorative beams, trusses, or poles integral to the architecture. -
architectural signage
A building summit formed by an advertising feature that belongs to the architectural design. -
balustrade
A building summit formed by an ornamental railing of closely spaced molded posts, typically stone but also other materials. -
cornice
A building summit formed by a projecting lip, usually overhanging the edge of a roof or setback. -
emblem
A building summit formed by a meaningful symbol used as an architectural adornment. -
finial
A building summit formed by a vertical decorative post, small spire, or sculpted element on a ridge or edge. -
flat roofplate
A building summit formed by a flat roof plate without a projecting edge lip, parapet, or higher architectural feature. -
lantern
A building summit formed by an architectural light fixture or lantern pavilion, excluding utility warning lights. -
masonry chimney
A building summit formed by a masonry-enclosed passage for steam, smoke, or other gas. -
ornamental rail
A building's architectural summit formed by a decorative roof or ridge fence, normally of metal. -
parapet
A building summit formed by a small projecting wall along a roof or setback edge, with a straight or irregular ridgeline. -
projecting wall
A building's highest architectural element formed by a vertical or diagonal slab projecting above its roof. -
roof peak
A building summit formed by the narrowing of an enclosed space at a point or a line. -
sculpture
A building summit formed by a three-dimensional artwork belonging to the architectural design. -
spire
A generally unoccupiable upright decorative element, sharp or blunt, forming a building's architectural summit. -
weathervane
A building's architectural summit formed by a decorative feature that rotates to indicate wind direction.