http://wordie.org/words/spandrel Comments for the word 'Spandrel' http://wordie.org http://wordie.org/words/spandrel#comments In Stephen Jay Gould's "pluralistic evolution" schema, he used spandrel as a metaphor to indicate an <a href="/words/exaptation">exaptation</a>ary structure. A spandrel is a byproduct of an otherwise purposeful construction, which, then, in a biological rather than architectural process of natural selection is used as 'fresh meat' for further adaption. In architecture, a spandrel, being a serendipitous space, is frequently the site of decoration. Mon, 26 May 2008 20:45:55 +0000 http://wordie.org/words/spandrel#comments http://wordie.org/words/spandrel#comments 1. In <a href="/words/architecture">architecture</a>, the roughly <a href="/words/triangular">triangular</a> space between the left or right exterior curve of an arch and the <a href="/words/rectangular">rectangular</a> framework surrounding it. <br /> <br />2. In <a href="/words/philately">philately</a>, the decoration occupying the space at the corner of a <a href="/words/stamp">stamp</a>, between the border and an oval or circular central <a href="/words/design">design</a>. Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:11:39 +0000 http://wordie.org/words/spandrel#comments