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Pointed arch

See also: Gothic architecture and Islamic architecture
Pointed arches form the rib vaults of Worcester Cathedral (1084–1504)

A pointed arch, ogival arch, or Gothic arch is an arch with a pointed crown meet at an angle at the top of the arch.[1] Also known as a two-centred arch, its form is derived from the intersection of two circles.[2] This architectural element was particularly important in Gothic architecture. The earliest use of a pointed arch dates back to bronze-age Nippur. As a structural feature, it was first used in eastern Christian architecture, Byzantine architecture and Sasanian architecture, but in the 12th century it came into use in France and England as an important structural element, in combination with other elements, such as the rib vault and later the flying buttress. These allowed the construction of cathedrals, palaces and other buildings with dramatically greater height and larger windows which filled them with light.[3]

  1. ^ Bechmann (2017), p. 322.
  2. ^ Woodman & Bloom 2003, Two-centred.
  3. ^ Mignon (2015), p. 10.

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