ARCOS, BÓVEDAS Y CÚPULAS

Arches, Vaults, and Domes in Architecture

In this video, Andrés Cervantes discusses the concepts of arches, vaults, and domes in architecture, exploring their definitions, construction methods, and variations.

Arches in Architecture

• Arches were used in constructions before the advent of steel and concrete to cover spaces instead of lintels. They consist of small stones called voussoirs that are precisely carved to fit together.

• Constructing an arch involves creating a temporary structure with the arch shape and placing the voussoirs from the ends towards the center until the keystone is inserted. This method ensures stability.

Types of Arches

• Key parts of an arch include the span (distance between columns supporting it), springing point (starting point), center (of the circle forming the arch), and radius (of the circle). Arches can be classified based on their number of centers.

• The segmental arch has its center at the springing line. It is a common type found in various architectural styles with variations like depressed or pointed shapes.

• The horseshoe arch has its center above the springing line but differs from a pointed arch as its radius extends to the starting point rather than being perpendicular to it.

Various Arch Types

• The pointed arch features two centers at its starting points and is prominent in Gothic architecture.

• The Tudor arch also has two centers and is seen in English Gothic architecture along with Arab and Indian styles.

• The lobed or multifoil arch includes lobes or cusps. All types of arches can have lobed versions for aesthetic purposes.

Vaults: From Barrel Vaults to Ribbed Vaults

Vaults are explored here, ranging from simple barrel vaults to complex ribbed vault structures found across different architectural styles.

Barrel Vaults

• A barrel vault results from repeating consecutive arches to cover buildings. The most common form is semicircular but can vary based on design requirements.

Variations of Barrel Vaults

• Different forms include lowered barrel vault from a depressed segmental arch, horseshoe barrel vault using horseshoe-shaped elements, and pointed barrel vault derived from pointed arches.

Ribbed Vaults

• Ribbed vaults emerge when two or more barrel vault intersections create new forms like groin vault by removing sections where they meet.

Domes: Spherical Marvels in Architecture

Domes are discussed as architectural marvels created by rotating an arc around its axis, resulting in various dome shapes seen across different cultures.

Dome Construction

• Domes originate from rotating an arc around its axis. Spherical domes stem from semicircular arcs while variations like lowered or raised domes exist based on design preferences.

Cultural Influence on Dome Designs