Blind arcade
A blind arcade, also called a blank arcade,[1] is an arcade (a series of arches) that lacks actual openings and is applied to the surface of a wall as a decorative element; that is, the arches are not openings, but form part of the masonry façade. It is designed as an ornamental architectural element, without any load-bearing function.
Similar structures
Whereas a blind arch is usually a single arch or a series of joined arches as a frieze (sometimes called Lombard band), a blind arcade is composed of a series of arches that have well-defined columns in between its arches.
A blind arcade may resemble several blind windows (false/blank windows or sealed-up windows)[1] or blind niches that are side by side.
Examples
Blind arcades are a common decorative features on the facades of Romanesque and Gothic buildings throughout Western Europe, and are also a common feature in Byzantine Orthodox churches in Eastern Europe, and in Armenian churches.
Córdoba, Spain
Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Canterbury Cathedral, England (interlaced arches)
Linköping Cathedral, Sweden
Great Mosque of Kairouan (Mosque of Uqba), Tunisia
Blind arcade on Ardmore Cathedral, Ireland, with sculpted Biblical scenes (12th century)
See also
References
- 1 2 Harris, Cyril M. (2013). Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. Courier. ISBN 978-0-486-13211-2.
Blank arcade. Same as blind arcade. […] blank/blind/false window. 1. A recess […] having the external appearance of a window. 2. A window which has been sealed off but is still visible.
External links
- Dictionary of French Architecture from the 11th to 16th century/Volume 1/Blind Arcade
- The Monasery of Marmashen