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P

palazzi:  Italianate style buildings commonly characterized by a two-storied structure with exterior wall surfaces of smooth ashlar masonry, and rough-cast brick, stucco, or wood clapboard siding; classical columns, and pilasters; balustraded balconies.
palmettes:  A stylized palm leaf used as a decorative element, in classical moldings, reliefs, frescoes, and vase paintings.
paneling:  The lining of a wall with a wainscot.
parapet:  Any low protective wall or barrier at the edge of a balcony, roof, bridge, or the like.
paved: To cover or lay (a road, walk, etc.) with concrete, stones, bricks, tiles, wood, or the like, so as to make a firm, level surface.
pavillion:  An articulated portion of the façade of a building, usually higher than, or projecting forward from the rest of the building.
pediment:  A broad triangular or segmental gable as an ornamental  decorative feature surmounting a colonnade as a major part of a façade.  Found above entryways and windows.
pendant:  A hanging architectural member formed by ribs.  Pendants often appear in conjunction with fan vaults.
Perpendicular style (English or Gothic):  A Gothic style of the 14th and 15th centuries (or a revival of) with an emphasis on the vertical element and right angles. The Perpendicular Gothic period (or simply Perpendicular) is the third historical division of English Gothic architecture, and is so-called because it is characterized by an emphasis on vertical lines; it is also known as the Rectilinear style, or Late Gothic.  This perpendicular linearity is particularly obvious in the design of windows, which became very large, sometimes of immense size, with slimmer stone mullions than in earlier periods, allowing greater scope for stained glass craftsmen.

pier:  An upright support, generally square, rectangular, or  composite and more massive than a column.  In medieval architecture there are massive circular supports called drum piers.
pendentive:  The triangular and sloping surfaces beneath a dome that marks the transition from the circle of the dome (or its drum) to the square of the support.  The piece of vaulting between the arches that supports a dome and its rim.
peristyle: A colonnade surrounding a building or enclosing a court.
pentagon:  A polygon having five angles and five sides.
pergola:  A covered walk in a garden, usually formed by a double row of posts or pillars with joists above, designed to support climbing plants.
pilaster:  A rectangular column typically topped with a capital or corbel and trim for the base.  Projects partway from a wall and is made to resemble an ornamental column by adding a base and capital.
pillar:  An upright shaft or structure, of stone, brick, or other material, relatively slender in proportion to its height, and of any shape in section, used as a building support, or standing alone, as for a monument.
pinnacle:  A small  spire, usually pyramidal.
pitched roof: A pitched roof is a roof structure where the roof leans to one side of the house. It is also known as lean-to roof. The rafters are connected to the highest wall and then it is inclined to a lower wall, which then forms the pitched roof.
plinth:  A block used as the base of a column or other upright support.
polychrome:  Having or exhibiting many colors.
portal:  A gate or door; a grand entrance as into a cathedral.
port cochére:  A porch large enough for vehicle to pass through or to give shelter to.
portico:  Entrance area including façade; or a covered walkway, often leading to the main entrance of a building, that consists of a roof supported by pillars. Usually more elaborate than a porch.
post and lintel:  A method of construction in which vertical beams (posts) are used to support a horizontal beam (lintel).
Post Modern style:  Innovative individual architectural expression through the use of new building technology and materials to differentiate the structure, space and experience from all previous styles. 
purlins: A horizontal structure spanning between beams or trusses to support a roof deck. In slope glazing, purlins are the horizontal framing parts. 
Prairie Style:  Highlights are low-pitched roof; overhanging eaves; horizontal lines; central chimney; open floor plan; and clerestory window.  This style is designed to blend in with the flat, prairie landscape.  Use of plaster with wood trim or sided with horizontal board and batten; later concrete.  Design shapes include: Square, L-shaped, T-Shaped, Y-shaped, and even pinwheel shaped.
prefabricated:  A house whose substantial parts are made entirely, or in sections, away from the building site.
Pueblo style: Inspired by the simple adobe structures built by ancient tribes, comfortable, eco-friendly pueblo style homes are especially practical in dry climates. Traditional pueblo architecture dates back to the dawn of history; Pueblo Revival houses became popular in the early 1900s and are still a favored style in the southwestern regions of the United States.

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