Vault (architecture)
**Historical Evolution of Vaults**:
– Vault types have evolved over time, from corbelled vaults in prehistoric times to more complex forms developed by civilizations like the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Romans.
– Examples include barrel, cross, dome, and keystone vaults used in various structures such as the Pantheon and Assyrian palaces.
– Brick vaults have a long history, with pitched-brick vaults dating back to Mesopotamia in the 2nd and 3rd millennium BCE.
– Groin vaults, rib vaults, and different forms of barrel vaults have been utilized in architectural designs across different civilizations.
**Structural Characteristics of Different Vaults**:
– Barrel vaults, the simplest form resembling a tunnel, have been used in various ancient structures like the Baths of Caracalla.
– Groin vaults, formed by intersecting barrel vaults, distribute weight to piers and outer walls, with examples found in Roman and medieval constructions.
– Rib vaults, characterized by ribs or diagonal ribs, offer structural support and decorative elements in constructions like Cefalù Cathedral and Saint-Denis Abbey.
– The introduction of pointed arches and the use of different materials like brick and concrete have influenced the strength and appearance of various vault types.
**Technological Advancements in Vault Construction**:
– Roman and medieval builders introduced innovative techniques like using Roman bricks, concrete, and Pozzolana mortar to enhance the strength and stability of vaults.
– The development of groin vaults, fan vaulting, and lierne ribs in Gothic architecture revolutionized vault construction methods.
– English Gothic architecture, in particular, showcased advancements like sexpartite vaults, intermediate piers, and the use of pointed arches for greater structural integrity.
– Techniques such as rib and web decoration, centering support, and the use of different vaulting methods in England and France contributed to the evolution of vault construction.
**Cultural Influences on Vaulting Styles**:
– Byzantine architecture introduced unique dome and vaulting styles, as seen in structures like Hagia Sophia and Istanbul cisterns.
– Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in different regions like Asia Minor, France, England, and Germany showcased variations in barrel vaults, groin vaults, and rib designs.
– Gothic Revival and Renaissance periods in England, France, Germany, and Spain brought about decorative vaulting styles like fan vaulting, tracery, and pendants.
– Italian influence led to a revival of Roman geometrical surfaces in vault construction, while Gothic architecture emphasized intricate rib designs and innovative vaulting techniques.
**Architectural Innovations and Renaissance Influences**:
– The Renaissance period saw a resurgence of Roman geometrical vault surfaces and decorative rib designs in structures across Europe.
– Notable examples like Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence showcased advancements in vaulting techniques, including the construction of vaults without centering.
– Architectural innovations like fan vaulting in England, the use of pendants and tracery in Gothic rib designs, and the incorporation of decorative ribs in vaulting designs marked a shift towards more elaborate and aesthetically pleasing architectural elements.
– The Renaissance and post-Renaissance periods witnessed a fusion of historical influences, technological advancements, and artistic expressions in vault construction, shaping the architectural landscape of the time.
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In architecture, a vault (French voûte, from Italian volta) is a self-supporting arched form, usually of stone or brick, serving to cover a space with a ceiling or roof. As in building an arch, a temporary support is needed while rings of voussoirs are constructed and the rings placed in position. Until the topmost voussoir, the keystone, is positioned, the vault is not self-supporting. Where timber is easily obtained, this temporary support is provided by centering consisting of a framed truss with a semicircular or segmental head, which supports the voussoirs until the ring of the whole arch is completed.
