Ribbed vault

Definition

A ribbed vault is a form of architecture that features a framework of ribs, which are the structural supports that define the shape of the vault, often creating a pointed arch. This architectural innovation allowed for more complex designs and lighter ceilings in Gothic cathedrals, contributing to the overall aesthetic and structural advancements of the Gothic style. Ribbed vaults work in harmony with other features like flying buttresses, which help distribute weight and support the higher walls typically found in Gothic structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ribbed vaults originated in Romanesque architecture but were perfected during the Gothic period, becoming a defining feature of Gothic cathedrals.
2. The design of ribbed vaults allows for a variety of shapes, including quadripartite and sexpartite vaults, depending on how many ribs are used.
3. By using ribbed vaults, architects were able to reduce the weight of stone ceilings, which contributed to taller building designs and more expansive window openings.
4. Ribbed vaults often feature decorative elements like intricate carvings or bosses at the intersection points of the ribs, adding to the visual appeal of the interiors.
5. The combination of ribbed vaults with flying buttresses enabled the creation of grand cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris, which showcased both structural innovation and artistic beauty.

Review Questions

• How did ribbed vaults contribute to the overall design and structural integrity of Gothic cathedrals?
  • Ribbed vaults played a crucial role in the design and structural integrity of Gothic cathedrals by distributing weight more effectively than previous vaulting techniques. The framework provided by the ribs allowed architects to create higher ceilings and more complex shapes while reducing the overall mass of the structure. This innovation not only enhanced stability but also facilitated larger windows, filling interiors with light and elevating the spiritual experience within these monumental spaces.
• Discuss the relationship between ribbed vaults and flying buttresses in Gothic architecture.
  • Ribbed vaults and flying buttresses are closely related elements that worked together to enable the development of Gothic architecture. Ribbed vaults reduced the weight of ceilings, allowing for greater heights and more intricate designs. Flying buttresses complemented this by transferring the load from the vaulted ceilings to external supports, thereby preventing lateral thrust from collapsing walls. This synergy between the two innovations made it possible for builders to construct towering cathedrals with vast expanses of stained glass windows.
• Evaluate how ribbed vaults reflect broader trends in Gothic architecture during the Middle Ages.
  • Ribbed vaults exemplify broader trends in Gothic architecture by illustrating advancements in engineering, aesthetics, and spirituality during the Middle Ages. The use of ribbed vaults allowed architects to push boundaries in terms of height and light within sacred spaces, reflecting a growing desire to create buildings that inspired awe and reverence. Additionally, as part of an overall shift towards verticality and luminosity in design, ribbed vaults signify a departure from earlier architectural styles, emphasizing innovation while serving religious functions at a time when cathedrals were central to community life.

Related terms

Gothic architecture: A style of architecture that emerged in the 12th century characterized by features such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, promoting height and light within structures.

flying buttress: An external support structure that transfers the weight of the roof and walls away from the building, allowing for taller structures with large windows.

pointed arch: An arch with a pointed top that is a key characteristic of Gothic architecture, allowing for greater height and stability compared to rounded arches.