DEVELOPMENT OF WEIGHT

SHIFTING TECHNIQUES OF
DOMES & ROOFS THROUGHOUT
THE ANCIENT ROMAN ERA TO GOTHIC ERA
BIPUL ROY
DEPATMENT: B.Sc. INTERIOR DESIGN
ROLL NO: 20011
SUBJECT: HISTORY, CONTEXTUAL & CULTURAL STUDIES ( 201 )
SEMESTER: ll
INSPIRIA KNOWLEDGE CAMPUS
CONTENTS:

1. Introduction of terms 9. Romanesque Architecture

1.1 Domes 9.1 Roofing Systems
1.2 Vaults 9.2 Examples

2. History of Domes 10. Gothic Architecture

10.1 Roofing Systems
3. History of Vaults 10.2 Examples

4. Types of Domes 11. The difference between Romanesque and

architecture
5. Types of Vaults

6. Ancient Roman Architecture

6.1 Roofing Systems
6.2 Examples

7. Early Christian Architecture

7.1 Roofing Systems
7.2 Examples

8. Byzantine Architecture
8.1 Roofing Systems
8.2 Examples
1. INTRODUCTION :
1.1 Domes :
•  A dome is an element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere.
•  Dome structures made of various materials have a long architectural lineage extending into prehistory.
• A dome is a rounded vault made of curved segments, meaning an arch rotated around its central vertical axis.
•  Domes can be made much thinner than corresponding arches of the same span. For example, a hemispherical dome can be 2.5
times thinner than a semicircular arch.
1.2 Vaults :
• A vault, in architecture, is an arch- shaped structure, usually of masonry, used as the ceiling of room or other enclosed space, as
the roof of a building, or as the support for a ceiling or roof.
• Masonry vaults are usually composed of wedge-shaped pieces called voussoirs, which are held in place, like the stones of an
arch, by the pressure of the neighboring pieces.
• Because of the combined pressure of its components, any arch exerts an outward pressure at its base
2. History of Domes :

• Roman domes are found in baths, villas, palaces, and tombs. Oculi are common features.They are customarily
hemispherical in shape and partially or totally concealed on the exterior. 
•  In order to buttress the horizontal thrusts of a large hemispherical masonry dome, the supporting walls were built up
beyond the base to at least the haunches of the dome and the dome was then also sometimes covered with a conical or
polygonal roof The earliest discovered may be four small dwellings made of Mammoth tusks and bones. 
• The first was found by a farmer in Mezhirich, Ukraine, in 1965 while he was digging in his cellar and archaeologists
unearthed three more. They date from 19,280 - 11,700 BC. 
•  The Dome developed through centuries and transferred to Europe through ancient Roman.
3. History of Vaults :

•  In ancient Egypt brick vaulting was used, chiefly for drains.
• The Chaldeans and Assyrians used vaults for the same purpose but seem also to have made architectural use of high domes The vaulting
technique of the Etruscans was absorbed by the Romans, who started in the 1st cent. A.D. the development of a mature vaulting system.
• The semicircular arch was universally employed in Romanesque vaulting throughout Europe, and the Roman cross vault was the type used
for covering square or rectangular compartments. 
• The Gothic structure is a skeletal system that transfers roof loads down to the ground at discreet points Ribs to strengthen the groins and
sides of a cross vault were first employed in the Church of Sant'Ambrogio, Milan (11th cent.).
4. Type of Domes :

1. Semi Circular Domes ( sphere )

2. Segmental Domes ( semi-sphere )

These two types are from Roman architecture style.

3. Simple Domes
4. Compound Dome
5. Dome with circular drum

These two types are from Byzantine architecture style.

6. Dome vaults

This style where used it some Gothic Cathedrals by using a Ribbed vault as a dome.
5. Types of Vaults :

1. Barrel Vault ( semi-circular vault )

2. Groin Vaults ( cross vaults )
3. Rib Vault
4. Fan Vault

Elements of Vaults :

Abutment :
A structure built to support the lateral pressure of an arch or span, e.g. at the end of a bridge.
Impost :
Top course of a pillar or a wall that supports the arch or vault.
Intrados :
Inner curve of an arch or vault.
Voussior :
A wedge shaped or tapered stone used to construct an arch or a vault.
6. Ancient Roman Architecture :

• Roman Architecture covers the period from the establishment of the Roman Republic 509BC, to
about the 4th century, after which it becomes reclassified as Late Antique or Byzantine
architecture.
• The Romans adopted the columnar and treated style of the Greeks, and joined to it the Arch, the
Vaulted and the Dome, which it is presumed they borrowed from the Etruscans, and this union of
beam and arch is the keynote of the style in its earliest developments.
6.1 Roofing systems in Roman architecture :

• Roman vaults were the basis on which more complex and varied forms were developed in the Middle Ages.
•  The barrel vault spans between two walls, like a continuous arch. 
• The cross, groined, vault is formed by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults, producing a surface
that has arched openings for its four sides and concentration of load at the four corner points of the square or
rectangle. 
• The main types are:
1. Barrel Vault ( semi circular vaults )
2. Groin Vault ( cross vaults )
3. The Dome ( semi spherical and semi domes )
Barrel Vaults:

• The Barrel vault is the most straight forward single curvature shell construction.
• Any number of continuous spans are possible but sufficient gaps should be given.

Two types of Barrel vaults :

1. Long span Barrel vaults.
2. Short span Barrel vaults.

Fig. Barrel vault

6.2 Example of Roman architecture :

The Pantheon, Rome

• The 4,535 metric tons weight of the Roman concrete dome is concentrated with 43.3 diameter on a ring of voussoirs
9.1 metres (30 ft) in diameter that form the oculus, while the downward thrust of the dome is carried by eight barrel
vaults in the 6.4 metres (21 ft) thick drum wall into eight piers. 
• The thickness of the dome varies from 6.4 metres (21 ft) at the base of the dome to 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) around the
oculus. 43.3m.

Fig. Pantheon
The Colosseum :
• The Colosseum at Rome is a good example of this union in which the Pires between the arches on the different
stories are strengthened by the semi- attached columns which act the part of buttresses ; thus becoming part of the
wall, and no longer carrying the entablature unaided. 

Fig. Colosseum
7. Early Christian Architecture :

• The Early Christian period is generally taken as lasting from Constantine to Gregory the Great, or from A.D.
300 to 604. 
• The Teutonic invasions of Italy commenced about A.D. 376, and Teutonic settlements took place within the
empire about this time, these movements being caused by the incursions of the Huns into Germany. 
7.1 Roofing systems in Early Christian architecture :

•  The earlier basilican churches had their columns closely spaced, and were crowned with the entablature which
supported the main wall, on which rested the wooden roof but as the arch came more into general use these
columns were spaced further apart, being connected by semicircular arches The basilican church with three or five
aisles, covered by a wooden roof, is the special type of the style as opposed to the vaulted types of Cross vaults &
Barrel vaults.
7.2 Examples of Early Christian architecture :

• The plans of the basilicas, or Roman halls of justice were copied by the early Christians for
their places of worship.

Santa, Clemente, Rome

• Which although rebuilt in the eleventh century, contains the original internal
arrangement of the churches of the fifth century. 
• An atrium or forecourt, being an open space surrounded by arcades, formed an imposing
approach in most of the Basilican churches.

Fig. Santa, Clemente

8. Byzantine Architecture :

• Byzantine architecture is that which was developed at Byzantium on the removal of the capital from Rome to that city. 
•  It includes not only the buildings in Byzantium but also those which were erected under its influence, as at Ravenna and Venice, also in
Greece, Russia, and elsewhere.
• During the reign of Justinian (A.D. 527-565) Italy was recovered to the Eastern Empire, accounting for the style of some of the buildings.

Fig. Domes and pendentive parts of one hemisphere Fig. ABCD is the square area over which a dome is to be created
8.1 Roofing in Byzantine Architecture :
• The general architectural character depends on the development of the dome, induced by the adoption of circular and polygonal
plans for churches, tombs and baptisteries.
• This is in contrast with the Romanesque style, which developed the vault in Western and Northern Europe .

Types of Domes :
1. Simple Dome :
It is a type of byzantine dome in which the curve (arch) of the pendentive and the Dome are
the same.
2. Compound Dome :
In this type the pendentives and the Dome have deferent curvature.
3. Dome with Circular drum (support) :
In this type of domes , a ring of concrete lies between the dome and the pendentives. 
 

Fig. revolution of dome

Dome on Pendentive :
• It is a curved support shaped like an inverted triangle.
• It is used to hold a dome
• Using pendentive, Byzantine architect could build a higher and wider dome.

Dome
Drum
Pendentive

Fig. Domes on pendentive

Dome on Squinch :

• A small arch in the inside corner of the square base to connect the dome to the squinch
base and transfer its load to the corners.
• Straight walls are erected on a square base, a dome is placed on the top of the
these four walls.
• A heavy structure like dome needs uniform weight distribution hence the load
must be transferred through the corners of the square as well.

Fig. Dome on Squinch

8.2 Examples of Byzantine architecture :
Hagia Sophia :
• The church of the holly wisdom.
• It widely acknowledged as an architectural revolution.
• The city where Hagia Sophia built was built has been known as Byzantine.

St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice :

• This architecture is an example of venetian architecture and late
Fig. Hagia Sophia
Byzantine architecture.
• The plan of ST. Marks is the form of a Greek cross, of equal arms,
covered by dome in the center.
• The interior is covered by colored glass mosaic with full of narrative
icons.

Fig. St Mark’s Basilica

9. Romanesque Architecture :

• Romanesque architecture derives its name from the similarity to ancient roman
buildings. Most notable its reliance on rounded arch and stress in individual parts to
create unity.
• Romanesque style arises during the early middle ages (5th – 9th centuries). During
those time Europe becomes Christianized and the church exerts more spiritual,
economic and political influence.
• Signified building, with exception of monasteries and churches before 11th c. is rare
because of constant warfare and poor economic conditions.
9.1 Roofing in Romanesque architecture :

Groin Vaults :
• The word ‘groin’ refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults.
• Groin Vault is created by two barrel vaults intersecting at right angles.
• The arches of groin vaults are round or pointed. It is also known as a Cross vault or Double Barrel vault. 

Fig. Groin Vault

Rib Vaults :
•  Rib Vault A vault reinforced by masonry ribs is known as a rib vault.
• When this type of vault has two masonry ribs dividing it into four sections, it is called a quadripartite rib vault.
• A vault divided by three masonry ribs that make six sections is called a sexpartite rib vault.

Fig. Rib Vault

9.2 Examples of Romanesque architecture :

St. Etienne :
•  Ribbed groin vaults replace barrel vaults and allow the addition of clerestory windows. Rib vaults
are groin vaults reinforced with extra stone ribbing.
• These vaults at St. Etienne are some of the earliest ribbed vaults.
• They are supported by large complex piers covered with pilasters and engaged columns. 

Pisa Cathedral :

• With Baptistery, Campanile and Campo Santo, together form one of the most famous
building groups in the world.

Pisa cathedral

Fig. St. Etienne

10. Gothic Architecture :

•  Gothic Architecture is a style of architecture which flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque
architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture.
• Originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was known during the period as "the French
Style" (Opus Francigenum), with the term Gothic first appearing during the latter part of the Renaissance as a stylistic insult.
• Its characteristic features include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress. 
10.1 Roofing in Gothic Architecture :

Gothic Ribbed Vault :

•  Ribbed Vault The intersection of two or three barrel vaults produces a rib-vault or
ribbed vault when they are edged with piped masonry often carved in decorative
patterns.
• Mechanics of the weight of a groin vault and its transmission outwards to the
supporting pillars remains, the new use of rib vaults demonstrates the skill of the
masons and the grandeur of the new ideas circulating at the introduction of Gothic
architecture in the end of the eleventh century.
• Cathedrals doors and windows design resembles with resonance, glowing from inside
and its also indicates that the inclines towards more religious.
Types of Ribbed Vaults :

Ribbed vault is defined as the intersection of two or three barrel vault. Rib vaults is reinforced by masonry ribs.

There are two types of Rib vaults:

1. Quadripartite Rib vault :
when two masonry Ribs dividing into 4 sections.

2. Sexpartite Rib vault :

when three masonry Ribs dividing into 6 sections.

Fig. Quadripartite vault Fig. Sexpartite vault

Fan Vault :

• A fan vault is a form of vault used in the Perpendicular Gothic style, in which the ribs are all of the same curve and spaced equidistantly,
in a manner resembling a fan.
• The initiation and propagation of this design element is strongly associated with England.
• The earliest example, dating from about the year 1351, may be seen in the south walk of the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral, built by
Thomas of Cambridge.
• In the fourteenth century the structure was known as the Abbey Church at Gloucester.
• A fine later example, from 1640, is the vault over the staircase at Christ Church, Oxford.
• The largest fan vault in the world, however, can be found in the chapel of King's College, Cambridge

Fig. Fan vault

10.2 Examples of Gothic Architecture :

Fig. King’s college Chapel, England

Fig. The depressed arch supported by fan

vault at King’s college Chapel
11. The difference between Romanesque architecture and Gothic
architecture:

Romanesque architecture: semicircular vault

Gothic architecture: Pointed vault

Depending on which style of vault is used, height of the vault as well as the transvers arches can
differ.
12. Conclusion :

• All the cultures and style s were effecting each other since the last Islamic architecture, so there is no basic difference
in using the arches everywhere.
• The semi circular arch where used from Roman architecture till the gothic came with the pointed arch and other types
of Gothic arch.
• The Barrel and cross vault where used in Roman architecture than Byzantine, Romanesque and the Ribbed and fan
vaulted used by the Gothic style architecture.
• The Dome started with the Roman sphere and semi sphere domes, then the simple, compound dome on ring which
was used in Byzantine style, Gothic’s preferred using vaults on using domes, while domes was widely used in
Renaissance style and become a part of churches.
THE END
THANK YOU