Arch History

Arch Design History 

Roman Architecture 

The Roman arch is the ancestor of modern architecture.Roman architecture differed fundamentally from traditional architecture because of the discovery, experimentation and exploitation of concrete, arches and vaulting. Romans in the first century C.E discovered how to use arches in the construction of bridges, aqueducts and buildings. The Roman arch is largely responsible for the expansion of infrastructure across the Roman Empire [1]. 

Colosseum 

The Colosseum was commissioned around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. Measuring some 620 by 513 feet (190 by 155 meters), the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. the Colosseum was a freestanding structure made of stone and concrete. The distinctive exterior had three stories of arched entrances–a total of around 80–supported by semi-circular columns [2].

Islamic Architecture 

Known for its radiant colors, rich patterns, and symmetrical silhouettes, this distinctive approach has been popular in the Muslim world since the 7th century. What is often referred to as Islamic architecture stems from Christian, Persian, and Indian roots.

Taj Mahal 

The Taj Mahal  is a monument located in Agra, India, constructed between 1631 and 1654 by a workforce of 22,000. The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture.The building material used is brick-in-lime mortar veneered with red sandstone and marble and inlay work of precious/semi-precious stones [3].

Gothic Architecture 

Gothic architecture is a style in Europe that lasted from the mid-12th century to the 16th century, particularly a style of masonry building characterised by cavernous spaces with the expanse of walls broken up by overlaid tracery [4].The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch, which was likely borrowed from Islamic architecture that would have been seen in Spain at this time. The pointed arch relieved some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements. It then became possible to reduce the size of the columns or piers that supported the arch [5].

Amiens Cathedral 

Amiens Cathedral, also called Notre-Dame d’Amiens, is a Gothic cathedral located in the historic city of Amiens, France. The cathedral, mainly built between 1220 and 1288, is a masterpiece of gothic architecture for its interior elevations, sculpted decorations and stained glass [6]. It is the largest of the three great gothic cathedrals built in France during the 13th century and remains the largest in France.

Modern Architecture 

Modern architecture is an architectural style that emerged in the early years of the 20th Century. It is characterized by its heavy use of new technologies. with particular emphasis on the use of glass, steel, and, of course, reinforced concrete.

Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center 

This cultural center is endowed with multiple functions, serving not only as the recreation center of the city, but the essential cultural site for the introduction of local religion and history as well.  Architect He Jingtang reinterpreted the concept of the traditional mosque with new materials and technologies by creating petal-shaped arches and petalous shells for the dome [7]. The construction of the cultural center was complete in 2015. 

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