(pronounced ar-KAYD)

When most of hear this word, we immediately think of flashing colored lights and loud sound effects associated with coin-operated interactive video games. However, we’re actually referring to arcades of a more architectural nature. This term has a few meanings in that way:

1) an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between retailers and restaurants),
2) a long arched building, and
3) a series of arches that are supported by columns.

The latter can even be “blind,” – i.e., as having no actual openings because it’s merely applied to a wall surface as decoration.