Quadrangle
The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture (third edition) was published in 1980. It was created for Penguin Reference and compiled by John Fleming, Hugh Honour and Nikolaus Pevsner.
It defines a quadrangle (or quad) as: ‘A rectangular courtyard enclosed by buildings on all sides and sometimes within a large building complex. The arrangement is often found in colleges and schools.’
A courtyard is an area that is open to the sky but surrounded by a building (or buildings) or walls. Courtyards are not always rectangular, which is why they are not all quadrangles. Another difference is that some quadrangles are covered, while most courtyards are not. Cloisters are another type of quadrangle.
As architectural elements, quadrangles are not always rectangular - some are square - but in most instances, the surrounding structures are either single buildings or a series of several small buildings that are situated side by side.
Quadrangles are typically found in Western architecture, in museums, palaces, government buildings, housing developments and so on. They are also a feature of Chinese culture, where quadrangles sometimes serve a symbolic function - with each side associated with different points on a compass.
In simple geometric terms, a quadrangle is a four sided polygon.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.