Vaults

Definition

Vaults are architectural forms that create a ceiling or roof over a space, using a series of arches or a single arch to support weight and distribute loads. This technique allows for the creation of large, open interior spaces, which was essential in classical architecture for structures such as temples, basilicas, and other monumental buildings. The development of vaults enabled architects to push the limits of design and engineering during this period, contributing significantly to the grandeur and stability of classical structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are different types of vaults, including barrel vaults, groin vaults, and ribbed vaults, each with unique structural characteristics and applications.
2. The use of vaults became prominent during the Roman Empire, allowing for the construction of large public spaces such as baths, amphitheaters, and basilicas.
3. Vaults enabled the creation of thicker walls with fewer windows, providing increased stability and improved acoustics in larger spaces.
4. The Gothic period saw innovations in vault construction, leading to the development of flying buttresses that allowed for taller and more intricate structures.
5. The principles of vault design were not only important for aesthetics but also essential for the structural integrity of many monumental buildings throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did the invention of vaults influence the design and construction of monumental buildings in classical architecture?
  • The invention of vaults significantly influenced classical architecture by allowing for larger and more open interior spaces. With the ability to span wider areas without the need for numerous supporting columns, architects could create grand structures such as temples and basilicas that showcased both artistic beauty and engineering prowess. This innovation helped define classical architecture's aesthetic and functional qualities.
• Discuss how different types of vaults contribute to architectural styles seen during the Roman Empire and later periods.
  • Different types of vaults played crucial roles in shaping architectural styles throughout history. For example, barrel vaults were commonly used in Roman baths to create expansive spaces with a unified ceiling. Groin vaults emerged when two barrel vaults intersected, allowing for complex designs in structures like churches. The introduction of ribbed vaults in the Gothic period further transformed architectural possibilities by enabling lighter roofs that could support stained glass windows, ultimately influencing the verticality and intricacy of Gothic cathedrals.
• Evaluate the impact of advancements in vault construction techniques on the evolution of architectural forms from classical to Gothic styles.
  • Advancements in vault construction techniques had a profound impact on architectural forms as they evolved from classical to Gothic styles. Initially, Roman architects focused on the durability and simplicity of barrel and groin vaults, which allowed them to create impressive public structures. However, as architectural knowledge expanded during the Gothic period, innovations such as ribbed vaults and flying buttresses emerged. These advancements facilitated greater height and complexity in buildings, enabling the creation of soaring cathedrals adorned with expansive stained glass windows. This shift reflected not only technical progress but also a change in aesthetic values, emphasizing lightness, verticality, and intricate details that would define Gothic architecture.

Related terms

Arch:

A curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight above it, forming the basis for vault construction.

Dome: A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure, often used to create a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.

Buttress: A support built against a wall to strengthen it and resist the outward thrust of vaults or arches.