Stories On Design // Modern Arches.

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Today’s Story is dedicated to one of architecture’s most fundamental elements, the one present in its very nomenclature: The Arch.

Perhaps you would have noticed the resurgence of Arches in many modern projects, from architecture and interiors, to furniture and product design. This thousand-year-old architectural element has managed to seamlessly incorporate itself into countless modern projects, becoming one of the strongest design memes in the recent years. Let’s face it, it’s not hard to see why – arches are mega cool, and definitely not only because of the way they look. Arches represent one of the most pivotal developments in the world of architecture, and a feat of structural engineering.

The Arch’s dual purpose, ranging from practical to monumental, featured long throughout history, until advances in building technology phased it out of everyday construction. Yet the arch’s seductive form has managed to make its way back, continuing to be at the heart of some of today’s most awe-inspiring creations, as well as the smallest of applications.

For thousands of years, the arch has formed both the basic structural supports for many buildings, in turn becoming the ultimate visual reference for so many of us. From soaring Gothic cathedrals to ancient Roman viaducts, the arch’s contribution to the world’s greatest architectural monuments cannot be understated.

The arch embodies a remarkable synthesis of weight, compression and construction, continuing to command a compelling and elegant presence today. While modern architecture has found other means of support — namely concrete and steel — the arch remains a widely used and instantly recognisable form with which to shape a structure.

Although the arch is historically frequently linked to Roman times, the Romans were not the ones who invented it. In fact, arches have been used since prehistoric times by ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks. However, the purpose of the arch in these cultures was limited to supporting small structures, restricting the scope and scale of buildings. The ancient Romans were the first in Europe, and perhaps the rest of the world, who recognised the advantages of the arch, and exploited its full potential for above ground buildings. How did the Romans achieve this? The answer lies in their version of concrete which was developed using a mixture of lime and volcanic sand, resulting in a very strong and durable material. But the Romans didn’t just stop at the arch – they combined the basic element to form ceilings or roofs, also known as vaults. They also followed the principles of the arch to form hemispherical ceilings and roofs known as domes. (Here’s a random fact for you – an early example of a dome is possibly my most favourite buildings in the world, the Roman Pantheon.)

So, without further ado, today we explore the shifting usage and form of the humble arch, with a series of projects that celebrate its graceful power.

Following is a collection of contemporary private homes, public buildings, galleries, hotels, retails spaces and beyond, that feature a range of semi-circular, elliptical and irregularly shaped arches that, in some cases, provide direct support to the building structures, or simply pay homage to this universally loved, far-reaching architectural element.

Respect.

See More ‘Stories on Design’ Curated by Yellowtrace.

Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome. In 2015, Fendi moved its global office to what is considered to be one of Rome’s most iconic structures. The symmetrical arches and travertine marble are an exceptional example of 20th century Roman architecture, originally commissioned by dictator Benito Mussolini in 1943, and designed by architects Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto Bruno La Padula and Mario Romano. The building was most recently renovated by local architect Marco Costanzi.

Special feature on Fendi FW15 collection shot at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana for the October issue of Harpers Bazaar UK. So much love!

Fendi Retail Flagship in Rome references the arches of Fendi’s HQ at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana via this incredible embossed travertine wall. So good, it’s sick. Photo © Nick Hughes/ Yellowtrace.

Arches Boulogne, France by Antonini Darmon. Photo © Pierre l’Excellent.

Arches Boulogne, France by Antonini Darmon. Photo © Benoit Fougeirol.

Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center by Architectural Design & Research Institute of SCUT. Photography by Yao Li.

Vault House in California by Johnston Marklee. Photography by Eric Staudenmaier.

Brother House in Otaru, Japan by Hiroshi Kuno Associates.

Courtyard in Kudamatsu, Japan by Container Design. Photography by Eiji Tomita.

Hongkun Art Gallery in Beijing, China by penda. Photography by Xia Zhi.

The Snow Apartment in China by penda.

Lee Matthews store by Studio Etic. Photography by Sean Fennessy.

Wedding Planner’s Office in Japan by Ryo Matsui Architects. Photography Masato Kawano/Nacasa & Partners.

Ferguson Center for the Arts at CNU by Pei Cobb Freed Partners.

Church of San Giovanni Battista in Switzerland by Mario Botta Mogno.