Elements and Materials
Arch
Structural Element
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The curved span that carries load in pure compression, turning weight into an outward thrust its supports must resist. Known to Mesopotamia and Egypt but exploited at full scale by Rome in bridges, aqueducts and gates, it freed builders from the short spans of post and lintel; its pointed Gothic form directs thrust more steeply downward, which is what let medieval builders go so high.
Facts
Element Kind First Used EraAncient Mesopotamia and Egypt; monumental use from Rome 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
A vault is structurally an arch extended along a line, so the two elements are named together in the atlas's own description of each.
Seen In
Sources
1. Encyclopedia Britannica
Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture
Banister Fletcher, edited by Dan Cruickshank (20th edition), Architectural Press, 1996General history, arcuated construction
Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture
Banister Fletcher, edited by Dan Cruickshank (20th edition), Architectural Press, 1996Seen In: Taj Mahal
Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture
Banister Fletcher, edited by Dan Cruickshank (20th edition), Architectural Press, 1996Seen In: The Alhambra
Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture
Banister Fletcher, edited by Dan Cruickshank (20th edition), Architectural Press, 1996Associated With: Vault, General history, structural elements chapter, on the vault as an extruded arch
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