Abstract
The vault in Amiens cathedral’s transept is one of the most important ones in European Gothic style. It is a square plan vault with five keystones built with a crossover and tierceron arches. Presumably it was finished by 1230 under the direction of Renaud Cormont, architect. Interest in this vault has its origin in a commentary by Eugene Viollet le Duc in which he specifies that it is the first time a tierceron vault is constructed in France and, therefore, we dare to say in Europe. Besides, the vault’s shape is especially interesting because, as a consequence of the singular broken ridge line with which the vault is built, the central keystone seems to be somehow lower than the perimeter keys, so the vault moves away from the vaulted shape and presents a convex one. When using this shape, the architect sought to minimize the horizontal thrusts by concentrating the load in the center of the vault. The construction of a scale model in Madrid’s Escuela Superior de Arquitectura allowed us to get to know exactly the construction details of this vault.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.