Cross Vault
Intersecting vaults forming a cross.
Overview
Cross vaults, built with stone, create strong ceilings, common in Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Core Characteristics
- Cross-shaped intersections.
- Structural stability.
- Romanesque and Gothic use.
Notable Examples
- Speyer Cathedral (Germany, 1061, cross vaults).
- Durham Cathedral (UK, 1135, cross vaulting).
Architectural Connections
- Romanesque: Structural focus.
- Religious: Cathedrals.
- Romanesque Architecture: Core movement.
Influence and Legacy
Led by Romanesque masons, it supports large interiors.
Related Concepts & Techniques
Vaulting (technique), Structuralism (theory), Vault (element), Gothic Architecture (movement)