corps de logis
Corps de logis is the architectural term which refers to the principal block of a large, usually classical, mansion or palace. It contains the principal rooms, state apartments and entrance. The grandest and finest rooms are often on the first floor above the ground level: this floor is the piano nobile.
The corps de logis is usually flanked by lower secondary wings. When the secondary wings form a three sided courtyard, the court is known as the Cour d'Honneur.
Examples of a corps de logis can be found in many of the most notable classical buildings of Europe including the Palace of Versailles, Blenheim Palace and the Palazzo Pitti.
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
