Arch

Definition

An arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight above it, commonly used in architecture to create doorways, bridges, and other forms of construction. The design of the arch allows for the distribution of weight, making it an essential element in structures that require stability and strength. Its invention marked a significant advancement in architectural engineering, leading to innovations like vaults and domes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Roman use of arches allowed for the construction of larger and more durable buildings, including aqueducts and amphitheaters.
2. Arches were made using concrete and stone, with the Roman concrete allowing for innovative designs that would not have been possible with traditional materials.
3. Different types of arches include semicircular, pointed, and ribbed arches, each serving various architectural purposes and aesthetics.
4. The introduction of the arch led to the development of barrel vaults, groin vaults, and domes in Roman architecture, greatly influencing later architectural styles.
5. In Romanesque art, arches played a crucial role in both structural design and aesthetic elements in sculpture, particularly in tympana and capital decoration.

Review Questions

• How did the use of arches transform Roman architecture compared to previous architectural methods?
  • The use of arches revolutionized Roman architecture by allowing for the construction of larger and more stable structures compared to earlier methods. This innovation enabled the Romans to create impressive buildings such as aqueducts and amphitheaters that could support significant weight without collapsing. Unlike post-and-lintel construction, where weight is carried only by vertical supports, arches distribute weight more evenly across their curves, leading to enhanced durability and design possibilities.
• Discuss how arches contributed to both structural integrity and artistic expression in Romanesque sculpture.
  • In Romanesque sculpture, arches not only provided structural integrity but also served as frames for intricate artistic expression. The design of tympana above doorways often featured detailed carvings that told biblical stories or depicted saints, all set within the embrace of an arch. This combination of structural function and artistic detail reflected the importance of conveying religious themes while ensuring the stability of church facades, ultimately blending architecture with visual storytelling.
• Evaluate the significance of arches in advancing architectural techniques from ancient Rome through the Romanesque period, focusing on their impact on later styles.
  • Arches played a pivotal role in advancing architectural techniques from ancient Rome through the Romanesque period by providing innovative solutions for building larger structures while maintaining stability. The mastery of arch construction led to developments like barrel and groin vaults, influencing Gothic architecture's soaring cathedrals with their ribbed arches. As architects built upon these principles, the use of arches became foundational for Renaissance and subsequent styles, demonstrating their enduring impact on Western architecture.

Related terms

vault: A vault is an extended arch that creates a ceiling or roof over a space, often forming a tunnel-like structure.

keystone: The keystone is the central stone at the top of an arch, which locks the arch together and allows it to bear weight.

triumphal arch: A triumphal arch is a monumental structure with one or more arched passageways, commemorating significant events or honoring individuals.