JANUARY DESIGN INTERVENTION: “A” is for Arch

Gregg Scott begins a new series for 2015 using the 26 successive letters of the alphabet to explore interesting architectural terms; some may be familiar while others are less common elements. Clearly “X” and “Z” could be a challenge but “A” is easy! 

“A” is for arch.  The simplest description for an arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight above by deflecting it to the sides.  Although the Romans did not invent the arch, they are credited with expanding its uses; especially the famous aqueduct arcade that conveyed water long distances across varied terrain.  Before the advent of the arch, spans were limited to the tensile or bending resistance of a rock slab or heavy timber.  Click Here for the full article that appeared in Lancaster Newspapers.