Vault

Definition

A vault is an architectural element that consists of an arched structure, typically made from stone or brick, designed to support weight and create a ceiling or roof over a space. This innovative design allows for the creation of expansive interior spaces and is key in Roman architecture, enabling the construction of grand structures like basilicas and aqueducts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vaults were crucial in the construction of Roman buildings, allowing for larger and more open interiors compared to traditional post-and-beam construction.
2. The use of concrete in vault construction allowed the Romans to create complex shapes and forms that were both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Different types of vaults include barrel vaults, groin vaults, and ribbed vaults, each offering unique structural advantages and visual appeal.
4. The Pantheon in Rome features a large coffered concrete dome that showcases the advanced techniques used in Roman vault construction.
5. Vaulting techniques were influential in later architectural styles, including Gothic architecture, which further developed the use of ribbed and pointed arches.

Review Questions

• How did the invention of the vault impact the design of Roman buildings?
  • The invention of the vault had a significant impact on Roman architecture by allowing builders to create larger and more open interior spaces. This innovation meant that structures could be designed with higher ceilings and fewer supporting columns, resulting in more flexible floor plans. Additionally, vaults contributed to the aesthetic qualities of buildings, creating grand and impressive spaces that showcased the engineering prowess of Roman builders.
• Compare and contrast different types of vaults used in Roman architecture, highlighting their structural functions.
  • Different types of vaults, such as barrel vaults and groin vaults, served distinct structural functions in Roman architecture. A barrel vault is formed by extending a single arch along a length, creating a tunnel-like space, while a groin vault results from the intersection of two barrel vaults, allowing for more complex shapes. Each type of vault distributed weight differently, enabling Romans to build larger structures without compromising stability.
• Evaluate the influence of Roman vault construction techniques on later architectural styles, particularly during the Gothic period.
  • Roman vault construction techniques significantly influenced later architectural styles, especially during the Gothic period. The development of ribbed and pointed arches in Gothic architecture built upon Roman innovations like the groin vault. This allowed Gothic cathedrals to reach new heights with intricate designs and expansive interiors. The mastery of light and space achieved through these advanced vaulting techniques demonstrated a direct lineage from Roman engineering to Gothic accomplishments.

Related terms

Arch: A curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight above it, forming the basis for the design of vaults.

Dome: A rounded architectural feature that forms the ceiling or roof of a building, often created by extending a vault in a hemispherical shape.

Buttress: A support structure built against a wall to help counteract the lateral forces acting on the wall, allowing for taller vaults and arches.