Arches in Interior Design: Transforming the Classical Shape

PENTHOUSE / P-M-A-A. Image

Arches have been a prominent element in architecture for centuries, embodying both functionality and aesthetic appeal. From the Romans to contemporary designers, arches have evolved and taken on new forms, bridging together structural necessity and artistic expression.

An Evolution of Form and Function

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Throughout history, different civilizations and cultures have embraced arches, each adding their own unique touch. The Romans popularized the semicircular arch, while the Abbasids introduced the pointed arch with religious significance. Gothic architecture featured pointed arches and vaults, while the Middle Ages brought the segmental arch for optimized bridge construction. In the 19th and 20th centuries, architects like Gaudi explored the Catenary arch, shifting the focus from structure to architecture. Today, arches continue to be reimagined in endless styles and functions.

The Structural Advantages

Arches have stood the test of time due to their structural superiority. Compared to lintels and horizontal beams, arches require less material and can span wider openings. The pressure traveling downwards pushes the stones forming the arch together and downwards, distributing the weight to the vertical supports. Rows of consecutive arches and vertical supports distribute the weight even further. Today, arches are rehabilitated in adaptive reuse projects, maintaining their structural purpose while adding a contemporary touch.

Library, Museum and Community Center ‘De Petrus’ / Molenaar&Bol&vanDillen Architects Image © Stijn Poelstra

Samna Restaurant / YOD Group Image © Andrey Bezuglov

Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp / KAAN Architecten Image © Karin Borghouts

Arches in Facade Openings

Arched doors and windows in adaptive reuse projects balance traditional warmth with contemporary edge. The addition of arches creates a striking visual contrast against the linear geometry of modern architecture, animating facades and structures. Architects even describe arched openings as a "child-friendly approach," adding curves and playfulness to the space.

Empire Stores / S9 Architecture Image Courtesy of S9 Architecture

FRISTO, Frozen Market / EFEEME arquitectos Image © Gonzalo Viramonte

Valetta House / Office S&M Image © French + Tye

Arches as Interior Walls and Partitions

Arched interior walls and partitions serve as soft interventions that connect spaces while maintaining boundaries. The load-bearing capability of arches allows for seamless integration without compromising structural integrity.

NUBO Kindergarten / PAL Design Image © Michele Young, Amy Piddington

Flagship Store Mietis / Evvo Retail Image © Nerea Garro

Golden Age Wine / David Baker Architects Image © Rob Culpepper

SSAB Flagship Store / Bogdan Ciocodeica Studio Image © Vlad Patru

Samna Restaurant / YOD Group Image © Andrey Bezuglov

Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, Phase 02 / onion Image © Wworkspace

Adding Motif and Depth

Designers often introduce "false walls" with arch motifs to create depth and a dual-space illusion. These decorative additions highlight the contrast between the existing and created surfaces.

ARKA Flower Shop / Maly Krasota Design Image © Dmitriy Sergienko

Flagship Store Mietis / Evvo Retail Image © Nerea Garro

Garden Tour / PADSTUDIO Image © Rongkun Chen

The Impact of Arch Installations

Arch-shaped installations create inviting structures that establish visual continuity and guide visitors. These installations are carefully designed to create a sense of direction and provide a memorable first impression.

XYTS Shop / WGNB Image Courtesy of WGNB

Installation by Diebedo Francis Kere Image © Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2014. Image © James Harris

Arcades by Troika Image Courtesy of Troika

Furniture and Accessories with Arch Designs

Designers pay homage to historic architecture through furniture, accessories, and ornaments. The incorporation of arches in smaller scales adds a timeless touch to interior designs.

Agora Office / SCEG Architetti Image © Barbara Corsico

ARKA Flower Shop / Maly Krasota Design Image © Dmitriy Sergienko

Ulupinar Textile Headquarters Showroom / Zemberek Design Image © Ibrahim Ozbunar

The Architectural Impact

Arches evolve from individual elements to defining architectural forms, creating immersive interior spaces. Extended arches and barrel vaults elongate the space and establish a visual connection with the surrounding environment. Additionally, arched structures facilitate air circulation and provide a conceptual reference to historic elements or natural phenomena.

OFMA Offices in a Vineyard / MAPAA Image © Pablo Cassals Aguirre

Terraces of Manantiales / MSGSSV Image Courtesy of MSGSSV

Bewboc House / Fabian Tan Architect Image © Ceavs Chua

Sforza House / Taller de Arquitectura X / Alberto Kalach Image © Alex Krotkov

3D Printing Concrete House / Professor XU Weiguo‘s team from the Tsinghua University School of Architecture Image Courtesy of XWG Archi Studio at Tsinghua University

Explore more arch projects in architecture and interior spaces in this curated My ArchDaily folder by the author.

This article is part of an ongoing series that showcases the features of interior architecture. From our extensive database, we highlight how architects and designers worldwide integrate new elements, characteristics, and signatures into interior spaces. We encourage our readers to contribute their ideas and suggestions for specific topics to cover in future articles.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on May 05, 2021.