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.
