Ben Lenthall Jun 10, 2010:

Voici la définition de lanternon (dictionnaire de l’architecture) : Petite construction élancée en forme de lanterne, installée au sommet d’un toit et percée de fenêtres. Une coupole est souvent éclairée par un lanternon aménagé au sommet d’un dôme.

Alan Douglas (X) Jun 10, 2010:

Pity about that... and I thought that I really was on the right track. Based on the the image of the structure in Brittany, I can think of no precise architectural term which fits the bill other than "decorative lanterns", i.e. they have the form of small "lanterns" but a purely decorative function.

Miranda Joubioux (X) (asker) Jun 10, 2010:

Not THE Arc de Triomphe Hi Alan, you have obviously done quite a bit of research. Unfortunately, this doesn't refer to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but a structure in Brittany. There is a photo of it below. Thank you for the time and trouble you went to to answer this question.

Alan Douglas (X) Jun 10, 2010:

Clerestory windows Scroll down through this link for an original architect's cross-section of the Arc du Triopmphe. There are no "lanternons"; the flanking windows illuminate internal spaces and, while not at the highest level would be above head height internally. Given that they also fall within the clerestory zone externally, "clerestory window" seems to be the most appropriate term.

http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/lha_1...

Alan Douglas (X) Jun 10, 2010:

Having googled as many images if the Arc du Triomphe as I could find there is no evidence of anything that could be described as "lanternons" or any or the suggested translations (including my own). The only possible conclusion that the original author used the term without actually knowing what it means.

At clerestorey level, above the main cornice, centred on each side (flank) is a 'window' or 'opening', which could be described as just that. In this instance it seems probable that, internally, the windows provide high-level illumination to spaces below. In that instance they are "clerestory windows" or "clerestory lights".

All of us are busily trying to find the correct translation for a term which was incorrect in its choice in the first place. Hence no glossary entry possible on this one. Personally I would go with "clerestory window" on the basis of author's intent rather than the word that was actually used.

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/uncyclopedia/images/4/4a/A...

http://architecture.about.com/od/structural/g/clerestory.htm

B D Finch Jun 7, 2010:

Light? They look to me as though they probably do let extra light into stairwells on either side of the structure. Small lantern (turrets) seems right to me.

Evans (X) Jun 7, 2010:

Yes I agree. Here they do seem to be purely decorative, but they are obviously being given the name because that it is what their design derives from.

Ben Lenthall Jun 7, 2010:

It's interesting though isn't it, in that the prime function of a lantern is to give out or let in light which is not the case here at all as the "lanternons" seem purely decorative. Yet they're clearly not cupolas either. Yes, I'd still stick to 'small (decorative) lantern towers' I think.

Miranda Joubioux (X) (asker) Jun 7, 2010:

Picture I have managed to find a picture of the 'lanternon' in question here.
http://www.bretagne.feroc.com/IMG/jpg/enclos2.jpg
It is neither a dome nor a latern light, and it is in a very odd place.
I think 'small lantern tower' is probably as close as I'll get.

Tony M Jun 7, 2010:

Lantern As far as I can see, these are what we would call lanterns — little raised things to let in light. However, I find it a little difficult to see just how such a think could ever be said to 'flank' anything...?