Things an Architect Should Know: The Arch

Arches are structures that enable spanning of openings in masonry walls. It is a basic unit of the dome and vault. Structurally it acts in compression and is suited for masonry structures like stone or brick.

Romans were among the first to fully develop the arch, and it became symbolic of Roman architectural technology. It was used for bridges, aqueducts, via ducts, walls, and domes. Arcades were used in structures like the Colosseum. Triumphal arches were used symbolically to represent military power of the Roman Empire.

The Gothic arch was an improvement on the Roman arch by introducing the pointed arch which reduced outward thrust.Perhaps the most creative use of the arch is by Antoni Gaudi who used a Catalan system of vaulting.