Learn English – Architectural term for this large horizontal structure below an external window

Architectureimage-identificationterminology

What would one call the large horizontal structural fixture (on which the five faces are embedded)?

The image is from the Chicago Civic Opera Building, built in 1928.

This throne-shaped 49-story skyscraper is home to the internationally
renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago. It features Art Deco and Art Nouveau
styling and ornamentation, musical motifs and an impressive arcade
that runs the length of the east facade

Source: Open House Chicago

detail showing the bas relief on the horizontal panel

Is there a precise, technical architectural term for such a substantial, protruding, horizontal structure below an external window?

Note that I am not asking about the decorations on the structure, the faces, but the structure itself, which would presumably have the same name even if it were plain (if that's not the case, please do mention that in your answer).

Best Answer

What would one call the large horizontal structural fixture [...] specifically the component between the two corbels?

The most appropriate term I found, and one which matches the description and the image posted by the OP is

balconet / balconette

Civic Opera House facade

If we look at the definition of corbel we find:     

     enter image description here

corbel: A masonry block projecting from a wall to support a superincumbent element.

Technically, the central structure featured in the OP's question, is a “superincumbent element”. It also resembles a balcony owing to the presence of the corbels; however, the central protruding section is extremely narrow and the wall particularly low, which suggest that it is only a decorative element of the façade with no practical function or use. The question arises whether it is actually deep enough for a person to stand. Moreover, the “adornment” does not appear to be an extension of the double-hung windows, which would rule out the answers; sill suggested by @Phil Sweet, and the stronger contender (in my opinion) apron (now deleted) given by @Joe Blow.

I propose the following: balconet or balconette

From Sturgis' Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture and Building (1901-02)

BALCONET; BALCONETTE

A railing or balustrade at the outer plane of a window reaching to the floor, and having, when the window is wide open, the appearance of a balcony.

From Volume III the following term, parapet, as defined below could also be taken into consideration.

enter image description here

Cont'd.
of the first to be emphasized by panelling and tracery, often peierced with great richness and delicacy of detail ...

Because images speak louder than words.

Why that structure cannot be a sill nor an apron

... stone window sills are an excellent choice for supporting, decorating, and accenting window frames. […] Stone window sills are very strong, help support the entire window frame, and are long-lasting. […] Exterior window sills are exposed to rain and airborne contaminant particulates. They also are in direct contact with temperature and pressure fluctuations.

enter image description here

Source: Windowsills.com

For more diagrams and illustrations of window frames, sills etc. I found these two sites the most helpful

  1. https://ask-a-saint.silversaints.com/posts/830528-sash-cord-replacement
  2. https://bloomington.in.gov/media/media/image/jpeg/6995.jpg
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