Abstract
Gothic architecture can be viewed from several perspectives, including stylistic aspects, architectural theory, and structural analysis.As Gothic architecture is a skeletal construction, it is essential to achieve an equilibrium with the multiple loads and forces. Medieval master masons' architectural knowledge was firmly based on empirical learning, which stimulated the dynamic development of structural innovations.This paper emphasises and describes a particular type of vault springer, one of the most complicated and sensitive parts of Gothic construction. Known as tas-de-charge, it became especially characteristic of high Gothic architecture. According to its principle, the springer's lower courses contain the merged vault nerves and are carved from one single stone block in each course. The beds of these courses are not radial as those of the average voussoirs, but horizontal. Without the concept of tas-de-charge, the development of late Gothic vaults could not be imaginable. This particular solution made possible the creation of elegantly narrow imposts supporting the vault ribs, the double arch and the formerets. So far, tas-de-charge has not been a focus of interest in the historiography of Hungarian medieval architecture; however, it appears that it was commonly applied in our late Romanesque and early Gothic monuments.
Highlights
Gothic architecture is usually interpreted as a series of structural and constructional innovations
A series of interesting inquiries can be set up, such as how experienced the master mason was in stereotomy and design, or whether he was aware of the latest structural innovations, and if so, how he adapted them to the local architectural situation
The current paper focuses on a special type of vault springer, called tas-de-charge
Summary
Gothic architecture is usually interpreted as a series of structural and constructional innovations. The main question in the study of Hungarian medieval monuments is usually the relationship and influence of different lodges and masters. Admitting this question’s importance, it is worth examining and understanding how the buildings, especially the details, were designed. From the latter, a series of interesting inquiries can be set up, such as how experienced the master mason was in stereotomy and design, or whether he was aware of the latest structural innovations, and if so, how he adapted them to the local architectural situation
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