Vault vs. Arch — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
A vault is an architectural structure forming a ceiling or roof with a series of arches, providing extensive coverage, whereas an arch is a curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight from above, used singularly.
Difference Between Vault and Arch
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Key Differences
Vaults and arches are fundamental elements in architecture, each serving distinct structural and aesthetic purposes. The arch, a curved structure designed to span an opening and support weight from above, is a critical component in the construction of bridges, doorways, and windows. Its design efficiently distributes the weight of the structure it supports down into the foundations, allowing for the creation of large open spaces within buildings. On the other hand, a vault is essentially an extension of the arch concept, forming a ceiling or roof by extending an arch along a given path, often straight or curved. Vaults can cover wide areas and are used to create spacious interiors in buildings such as cathedrals, basements, and tunnels. While an arch is a single curved span, a vault consists of multiple arches constructed in sequence to form a continuous surface.
The use of arches dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were primarily used for bridges and aqueducts. The strength and durability of the arch made it a key feature in Roman architecture. With the evolution of architectural techniques, the vault emerged as a means to cover larger spaces, leading to the development of various types of vaults, such as barrel vaults, groin vaults, and rib vaults, each offering different structural benefits and visual effects.
While an arch provides support and stability for openings within a structure, a vault expands this concept to create enclosed spaces. This distinction is crucial in architectural design, as it influences the choice between using an arch for support or a vault for coverage. The visual impact of these structures also varies; arches often convey a sense of strength and entrance, whereas vaults contribute to the overall interior ambiance, enhancing the spatial experience with their form and detailing.
Both arches and vaults have played significant roles throughout architectural history, influencing the design of religious, civic, and residential buildings. Their development reflects advancements in engineering and a deep understanding of geometry and forces, showcasing the architects' ability to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Despite their differences, the arch and the vault are interconnected, with the vault's design fundamentally relying on the principles of the arch. This relationship highlights the innovative spirit of architecture, where simple elements are transformed into complex structures that meet both practical and aesthetic needs.
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Comparison Chart
Structure
A single curved span that supports weight from above
A series of arches forming a ceiling or roof
Use
Spanning openings such as doorways, windows, bridges
Covering spaces such as corridors, rooms, large areas
Construction
One archway
Multiple arches constructed in sequence
Historical Use
Bridges, aqueducts, entranceways
Cathedrals, basements, tunnels
Visual Impact
Conveys strength, entrance
Enhances spatial experience, extensive coverage
Compare with Definitions
Vault
An architectural element forming a ceiling or roof with a series of arches.
The medieval castle's underground vault was a marvel of engineering, with its curved ceiling providing both strength and beauty.
Arch
Utilizes the principle of compression to distribute forces.
Each block in the Roman arch was precisely cut to transfer load to the foundations.
Vault
Types include barrel, groin, and rib vaults, each with unique characteristics.
The Gothic cathedral's rib vaults were intricately designed, featuring ornate patterns that enhanced the sanctuary's heavenly ambiance.
Arch
Symbolizes strength and entrance in architectural design.
The ceremonial arch stood as a gateway to the old city, welcoming visitors with its imposing presence.
Vault
Reflects advancements in architectural techniques and design.
The innovation of the groin vault allowed architects to cover rectangular spaces more efficiently, leading to more complex floor plans.
Arch
Essential for creating large open spaces within structures.
The arches in the ancient aqueduct allowed water to flow across valleys and terrain.
Vault
Can be straight or curved, covering wide areas within buildings.
The barrel vault of the Romanesque church created a majestic interior space, drawing eyes upwards.
Arch
Found in various architectural elements like doorways and windows.
The gothic cathedral featured pointed arches above its grand entrance.
Vault
Used to create spacious and aesthetically pleasing interiors.
The grand hall's vaulted ceiling was adorned with frescoes, telling stories of ancient legends.
Arch
A curved structure spanning an opening, supporting weight from above.
The stone arch bridge elegantly crossed the river, its ancient curves blending with the landscape.
Vault
An arched structure, usually of masonry or concrete, serving to cover a space.
Arch
An arch is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may not support the weight above it, or in case of a horizontal arch like an arch dam, the hydrostatic pressure against it. Arches may be synonymous with vaults, but a vault may be distinguished as a continuous arch forming a roof.
Vault
An arched overhead covering, such as the sky, that resembles the architectural structure in form.
Arch
A usually curved structure forming the upper edge of an open space and supporting the weight above it, as in a bridge or doorway.
Vault
A room or space, such as a cellar or storeroom, with an arched ceiling, especially when underground.
Arch
A structure, such as a freestanding monument, shaped like an inverted U.
Vault
A room or compartment, often built of steel, for the safekeeping of valuables
A bank vault.
Arch
A curve with the ends down and the middle up:the arch of a raised eyebrow.
Vault
A burial chamber, especially when underground.
Arch
(Anatomy)An organ or structure having a curved or bowlike appearance, especially either of two arched sections of the bony structure of the foot.
Vault
(Anatomy) An arched part of the body, especially the top part of the skull.
Arch
To provide with an arch:arch a passageway.
Vault
The act of vaulting; a jump.
Arch
To cause to form an arch or similar curve.
Vault
A piece of gymnastic equipment with an upholstered body used especially for vaulting. Also called vaulting horse.
Arch
To bend backward:The dancers alternately arched and hunched their backs.
Vault
To construct or supply with an arched ceiling; cover with a vault.
Arch
To span:"the rude bridge that arched the flood"(Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Vault
To build or make in the shape of a vault; arch.
Arch
To form an arch or archlike curve:The high fly ball arched toward the stands.
Vault
To jump or leap over, especially with the aid of a support such as the hands or a pole.
Arch
Chief; principal
Their arch foe.
Vault
To jump or leap, especially with the use of the hands or a pole.
Arch
Mischievous; roguish
"She ... was arch enough to inform the queen whenever I committed any folly that she thought would be diverting to her majesty" (Jonathan Swift).
Vault
To accomplish something suddenly or vigorously
Vaulted into a position of wealth.
Arch
Teasing, ironic, or sardonic
"I know, Edy Boardman said none too amiably with an arch glance from her shortsighted eyes. I know who is Tommy's sweetheart" (James Joyce).
Vault
An arched masonry structure supporting and forming a ceiling, whether freestanding or forming part of a larger building.
The decoration of the vault of Sainte-Chapelle was much brighter before its 19th-century restoration.
Arch
An inverted U shape.
Vault
Any arched ceiling or roof.
Arch
An arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward.
Vault
Anything resembling such a downward-facing concave structure, particularly the sky and caves.
The stalactites held tightly to the cave's vault.
Arch
(architecture) An architectural element having the shape of an arch
Vault
The space covered by an arched roof, particularly underground rooms and church crypts.
Arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway.
To pass into the arch of a bridge
Vault
Any cellar or underground storeroom.
Arch
An arc; a part of a curve.
Vault
Any burial chamber, particularly those underground.
Family members had been buried in the vault for centuries.
Arch
A natural arch-shaped opening in a rock mass.
Vault
The secure room or rooms in or below a bank used to store currency and other valuables; similar rooms in other settings.
The bank kept their money safe in a large vault.
Arch
(anatomy) Curved part of the bottom of a foot.
Vault
Any archive of past content.
Arch
(obsolete) chief
Vault
(computing) An encrypted digital archive.
Arch
To form into an arch shape.
The cat arched its back
Vault
An underground or covered conduit for water or waste; a drain; a sewer.
Arch
To cover with an arch or arches.
Vault
An underground or covered reservoir for water or waste; a cistern; a cesspit.
Arch
Knowing, clever, mischievous
I attempted to hide my emotions, but an arch remark escaped my lips.
Vault
A room employing a cesspit or sewer: an outhouse; a lavatory.
Arch
Principal; primary
They were arch enemies.
Vault
An act of vaulting, formerly by deer; a leap or jump.
Arch
Any part of a curved line.
Vault
(gymnastics) A piece of apparatus used for performing jumps.
Arch
Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed.
Vault
(gymnastics) A gymnastic movement performed on this apparatus.
Arch
Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge.
Vault
(equestrianism) volte: a circular movement by the horse.
Arch
Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta.
Vault
(gymnastics) An event or performance involving a vaulting horse.
Arch
A chief.
My worthy arch and patron comes to-night.
Vault
(transitive) To build as, or cover with a vault.
Arch
To cover with an arch or arches.
Vault
(ambitransitive) To jump or leap over.
The fugitive vaulted over the fence to escape.
The fugitive vaulted the fence to escape.
Arch
To form or bend into the shape of an arch.
The horse arched his neck.
Vault
An arched structure of masonry, forming a ceiling or canopy.
The long-drawn aisle and fretted vault.
Arch
To form into an arch; to curve.
Vault
The canopy of heaven; the sky.
That heaven's vault should crack.
Arch
Chief; eminent; greatest; principal.
The most arch act of piteous massacre.
Vault
A leap or bound.
Arch
Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad.
[He] spoke his request with so arch a leer.
Vault
To form with a vault, or to cover with a vault; to give the shape of an arch to; to arch; as, to vault a roof; to vault a passage to a court.
The shady arch that vaulted the broad green alley.
Arch
A curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
Vault
To leap over; esp., to leap over by aid of the hands or a pole; as, to vault a fence.
I will vault credit, and affect high pleasures.
Arch
A curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs (especially arches of the feet)
Vault
To leap; to bound; to jump; to spring.
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself.
Leaning on his lance, he vaulted on a tree.
Lucan vaulted upon Pegasus with all the heat and intrepidity of youth.
Arch
A passageway under an arch
Vault
To exhibit feats of tumbling or leaping; to tumble.
Arch
(architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
Vault
A burial chamber (usually underground)
Arch
Form an arch or curve;
Her back arches
Her hips curve nicely
Vault
A strongroom or compartment (often made of steel) for safekeeping of valuables
Arch
(of persons) highest in rank or authority or office;
His arch rival
Vault
An arched brick or stone ceiling or roof
Arch
(used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension
Vault
The act of jumping over an obstacle
Arch
Expert in skulduggery;
An arch criminal
Vault
Jump across or leap over (an obstacle)
Vault
Bound vigorously
Common Curiosities
Where are arches commonly used in architecture?
Arches are used in doorways, windows, bridges, and as structural elements in buildings to support weight and create open spaces.
Can vaults exist without arches?
No, vaults are essentially constructed from a series of arches and rely on the architectural principles of the arch for their structure.
What types of vaults are there in architecture?
There are several types, including barrel vaults (simple, curved ceilings), groin vaults (formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults), and rib vaults (featuring a framework of ribs or arches).
What is the primary difference between an arch and a vault?
The arch is a single curved structure supporting weight from above, while a vault consists of multiple arches forming a ceiling or roof.
What is the significance of the arch in architectural history?
The arch has been a fundamental element in architecture since ancient times, utilized for its strength and the ability to create large, open spaces, significantly influencing the design of bridges, aqueducts, and buildings.
How did the development of vaulting techniques impact architecture?
The advancement of vaulting techniques allowed for the construction of larger and more complex interior spaces, leading to significant developments in architectural design, particularly in religious and civic buildings.
Are vaults only used in historical buildings?
While vaults are prominent in historical architecture, they continue to be used in modern construction, offering both structural solutions and aesthetic qualities.
How do the principles of the arch contribute to the stability of a vault?
The arch's ability to efficiently distribute weight and forces is fundamental to the stability of a vault, as each segment of the vault acts like an arch, supporting the structure above.
How do vaults enhance the interior space of buildings?
Vaults not only provide structural coverage for large areas but also contribute to the aesthetic and spatial quality of interiors through their form and the possibility for decoration.
What role do arches play in modern architecture?
In modern architecture, arches are used both for their structural benefits and aesthetic appeal, featuring in a variety of contexts from bridges to contemporary building designs.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
