
The work on my memoir continues. I’m on chapter fifteen of the second draft. That’s about of a third of the way through the book. I also signed up for a memoir writing course later this summer.
But today I need your help. I’m not great with architectural terms. In the picture above, what do you call the area between the courtyard in the foreground and the classrooms behind the rear wall? It’s a roof supported by pillars. It goes along two sides of the courtyard inside the school.
There is a different view in the picture below. It is to the right where the three girls are standing.
Thoughts?

That’s a big porch, Chris! 😂
I thought of referring to it as a porch, but usually porches are on the front of houses. Let’s see what others say.
Could it be a courtyard? If it has walls all around it, then it’s a quadrangle.
Thank you, Hien. I called the open area a courtyard. It has classrooms on three sides and a wall on the forth.
It could even be classified as a portico 😊
Hmmm, I like that, A portico is defined as “a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.” That seems to fit the bill. Thank you.
My first thought agrees with Sean:
por·ti·co
A structure consisting of a roof supported by columns at regular intervals, typically attached as a porch to a building.
Thank you, John. I agree. I wanted to find the right word because I’ll likely be asked to submit a chapter for the writing class. It makes sense to submit the first chapter and that word is in there. I wanted to get it right.
According to Google: related words for portico, like: porch, arcade, terrace, veranda, atrium, colonnade, covered wall, balcony, piazza and patio.
Portico seems to be the favorite, though.
Thank you, Lois. I wrote down “portico, terrace, and patio”. I will likely use portico but the otehr words will help to describe it and it’s use.
Lol. I love your “adventures”.. to me it would be part of the courtyard is open and the other is covered. will be interested in seeing what you come up with.. 2d draft, that is impressive you have been going at this in a very disciplined way.. bravo.
Thank you. The idea of taking a class is a bit scary. Mostly because it’s another thing that will tax my time. But it will be good to get some feedback and ideas. The word portico seems the ost apt so far.
Architecture was part of my art history studies, so if there’s a next time you’re searching for a term you know my email adress… 😉
Good to knwo – Thank you