{"id":15565,"date":"2023-10-15T16:44:03","date_gmt":"2023-10-15T15:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architecturemaker.com\/?p=15565"},"modified":"2023-10-15T16:44:03","modified_gmt":"2023-10-15T15:44:03","slug":"what-is-a-vault-in-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architecturemaker.com\/what-is-a-vault-in-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Vault In Architecture"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A vault is a structural element commonly seen in architecture. Very simply, a vault is an arching ceiling or roof, typically made of stone, brick, or concrete. Vaults have been used in buildings since ancient times, when they were constructed by laying successive courses of bricks over curvature. Over the years, different types of vaults have been developed, and today they are used in a variety of structures such as bridges, stadia, churches, and other monumental buildings. <\/p>\n

Modern vaults are usually constructed via the “cut-and-cover” method. This process involves building a temporary roof, cutting a hole through which the vault is installed, and then covering the hole with the permanent roof. The most common styles of vault are barrel vaults and groin vaults. Barrel vaults have a seamless, curved shape and are sometimes referred to as tunnel vaults; groin vaults involve the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles and have a more complex structure compared to barrel vaults. <\/p>\n

Vaulted ceilings are often employed to bring a sense of grandeur and history to a structure. However, they are not just aesthetic features. Vaults act as support structures that can bear a significant amount of weight, allowing for long spans of masonry, free of columns and beams. Consequently, vaulted ceilings are often used in areas which require a large open space or span. <\/p>\n

In addition to their structural properties, vaults can also be used to improve a building’s acoustics. Due to their curved shape, vaults can absorb sound, reducing reverberation within a room. This makes them ideal for auditoriums and concert halls, where recordings and live performances need to be heard clearly. <\/p>\n