Design Speak lets you in on a some industry lingo so that you will sound oh-so-smart. From abbreviations to acronyms to phrases to trendy words, we’ll do our best to cover it, and we’ll do it in language you’ll understand.

V

Vaastu Shastra

(pronounced VAH-stu SHAH-struh, with the “t” in both words pronounced softly)

Along the lines of the more well-known Chinese-based feng shui, vaastu (also spelled “vastu”) is the ancient Indian-based science of architecture and buildings practiced with the intention of creating harmonious, positive places to live and work. Bringing together art, astronomy, astrology, and science, it seeks to take advantage of the benefits and balance of the five elements of nature and their energy flow to bestow happiness, health, and prosperity upon inhabitants.

See also: feng shui

vaisselier

(pronounced veh-sehl-YAY)

This oo-la-la French term describes a tall storage piece consisting of a buffet / cupboard on the bottom and shallow, open shelves accompanied by railings on the top. In this way, decorative plates may be displayed above and less attractive workhorse items hidden below.

valance

(pronounced VAL-an(t)s)

A valance is a short drapery or any kind of horizontal element – such as a wood or metal frame – that is hung at the top of a window. Not only does it add ornamentation, but it also conceals the top of the curtains and/or window hardware for a finished appearance. A valance can also be a drapery that is hung along the edge of a shelf, canopy, bed, table, or altar. In any case, they can be lined, shaped, and trimmed to coordinate with the adjacent décor and decorative elements.

See also: cornice

value engineer

This term that people now use a verb sounds complicated because it has the word engineer in it, but it’s just a fancy term for “this project is too expensive so we’ve got to take out the fun / fancy stuff to get the price down.” You hear Construction Managers and Project Managers use this all time now. We started hearing it in construction meetings in the late 90s when companies started running out of money.

vampire electronics

(pronounced VAM-pIre ih-lehk-TRAH-nihks)

No, this term doesn’t refer to the iPod that would probably be found in the pocket of Edward, the modern, blood-sucking sex symbol of the insanely popular series Twilight. Rather, it describes all of the appliances and electronic gadgets we constantly leave plugged, which, even though they may be switched in the OFF position, still suck energy. This scary stat will make your blood run cold: Up to 40% of power drawn by vampire electronics is wasted in standby mode. Get to unplugging, baby, if you want to save some dough. Also referred to as phantom load.

Vitruvian scroll

(pronounced vih-TROO-vee-ehn skrohl)

Also known as a Vitruvian wave, a wave scroll and a running dog pattern (uh…one of these things is not like the other), a Vitruvian wave is a series of scrolls that form a stylized wave pattern. Whether in the form of a running ornament (2-dimensional) or a running mold (3-dimensional), this motif is common in classical ornament. But where does the “Vitruvian” part come from? From the Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who authored the oldest existing book about architecture and its classical orders.

VOCs

(pronounced as initials: vee-oh-seez)

The initials V-O-C stand for “volatile organic compound,” which is essentially any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere. Why are we listing this term in the DESIGN SPEAK section? Because they are a hot topic in the growing Sustainable Design trend. VOCs contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems. These organic substances easily become vaporous / gaseous, and they are often used as quick dry solvents which, upon evaporation, give off volatiles, an increasing environmental concern. You know that “new car smell” or the lingering aroma hanging in the air after the installation of new carpet, hard-surface flooring, paint, or wallcovering? VOCs! Therefore, in an effort to improve the health of the planet, as well as the health of the end-users of their products, many manufacturers have developed (and are continually refining) production methods to lower, and ultimately eliminate, VOCs in their products.

volute

(pronounced va-LOOT; rhymes with flute)

In its most simple terms, this beautiful word means a spiral or scroll-shaped form. This intricate form frequently occurs in nature due to its amazing structural strength (think shells and mollusks), and the Greeks recognized its beauty, adopting the delicate scroll shape as the distinguishing feature of the beloved Ionic capital. Skilled wood artisans will shape complicated volutes as decorative additions to furniture, cabinetry and trim. Yes, volutes are popular, and you should be able to recognize them.