The Birdblack Design team used archways to honour cultural context while maintaining a modern edge. Inspired by their client's Sri Lankan heritage, these bold openings create movement, drama, and dialogue within the kitchen's layered design.
Back to School: The History and Geometry of Arches
Arches have been used in architecture for thousands of years, originating in Mesopotamia and reaching their pinnacle in ancient Roman engineering. The Romans perfected the true arch, enabling the construction of vast aqueducts, bridges, and monumental buildings like the Colosseum. During the Gothic period, pointed arches enabled the construction of soaring cathedrals and intricate vaulting. The Renaissance revived classical semi-circular forms, while Islamic architecture introduced horseshoe and ogee variations. Arches remained prominent throughout the Baroque and Neoclassical eras and experienced a resurgence in 20th-century modernism. Today, they're celebrated not just for structural efficiency but also for their elegance, versatility, and timeless appeal across architectural styles.
Understanding the geometry behind an arch is crucial to both its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Below are four common arch types frequently used in interior architecture:
Semi-Circular Arch
A perfect half-circle, this arch is rooted in Roman tradition. It has an equal rise and radius, creating a bold, symmetrical curve that often requires greater clearance height.
Segmental Arch
Flatter and less dramatic than a semi-circular arch, this shape is formed from a segment of a circle. It's ideal for openings with limited head height and offers a more relaxed curve.
Three-Centred Arch
Also known as a basket-handle arch, this form uses three arcs to create a broader, more elliptical curve. It allows for generous width without excessive rise, making it ideal for doorways and wide transitions.
Four-Centred Arch
Often associated with Tudor or Persian architecture, this arch has a more pointed apex formed by four arcs. It offers a subtle, graceful silhouette well-suited to refined or formal interiors.
Each of these profiles offers unique opportunities for designers to influence spatial character, proportion, and visual movement.