Ribbed vaults

Definition

Ribbed vaults are a type of architectural structure characterized by a framework of intersecting ribs that support a ceiling or roof, typically found in Gothic architecture. This innovative design allowed for greater height and the inclusion of large stained glass windows, enhancing both the aesthetic and structural capabilities of medieval buildings. Ribbed vaults represented a significant advancement in the use of stone in architecture, contributing to the dramatic verticality and light-filled interiors seen in many cathedrals and churches.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ribbed vaults emerged during the 12th century and became a hallmark of Gothic architecture, allowing for innovative designs in cathedrals and churches.
2. The ribs in ribbed vaults are structural elements that help distribute weight, making it possible to create higher ceilings and larger open spaces within buildings.
3. Ribbed vaults often work in conjunction with flying buttresses, which provide additional external support, enabling the walls to be thinner and filled with stained glass windows.
4. One of the most famous examples of ribbed vaults can be found in the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing their role in creating soaring interior spaces.
5. The use of ribbed vaults marked a shift from Romanesque architecture's heavier, more solid forms to the lighter and more ethereal qualities of Gothic design.

Review Questions

• How did ribbed vaults contribute to the development of Gothic architecture?
  • Ribbed vaults were crucial to the development of Gothic architecture as they allowed for greater heights and more expansive interior spaces. By using a framework of ribs, architects could support heavier roofs while also integrating large stained glass windows, which became iconic features of Gothic cathedrals. This innovation not only changed the aesthetic appeal of buildings but also enhanced their structural integrity, leading to more ambitious architectural designs.
• Discuss the relationship between ribbed vaults and flying buttresses in medieval church architecture.
  • Ribbed vaults and flying buttresses work together harmoniously in medieval church architecture. While ribbed vaults provide a strong framework that supports the ceiling, flying buttresses act as external supports that help distribute the weight of these heavy structures. This collaboration allows for thinner walls and larger windows filled with stained glass, which enhances both the visual beauty and structural soundness of Gothic cathedrals.
• Evaluate the impact of ribbed vaults on the architectural landscape during the medieval period and their influence on later architectural styles.
  • Ribbed vaults had a transformative impact on medieval architecture, enabling builders to create soaring cathedrals that emphasized verticality and light. This innovation led to a departure from earlier Romanesque styles that favored solid forms and limited heights. The techniques developed with ribbed vaults influenced later architectural movements, including Renaissance and Baroque styles, which incorporated similar principles of lightness and space into their designs. The legacy of ribbed vaults is still seen today in modern architecture that seeks to achieve grand scale and beauty through innovative structural engineering.

Related terms

Gothic architecture: A style of architecture that emerged in the 12th century, characterized by pointed arches, flying buttresses, and ribbed vaults, which allowed for taller structures and expansive stained glass windows.

flying buttress: An external support system used in Gothic architecture to help distribute the weight of the roof and walls, allowing for thinner walls and larger windows.

groin vault: A vault created by the intersection of two barrel vaults, which can also be supported by ribbing; groin vaults were often used alongside ribbed vaults to create complex ceiling designs.