In Gothic architecture, the vault that uses ribs and fan patterns is known as what?

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Multiple Choice

In Gothic architecture, the vault that uses ribs and fan patterns is known as what?

Explanation:
In Gothic architecture, a vault that uses ribs and spreads them into a fan-shaped pattern is best described as a rib and fan vault. This term emphasizes the combination of a ribbed structural framework with the distinctive fan-like arrangement of those ribs across the ceiling, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. It’s different from a dome (a hemispherical shell), a barrel vault (a continuous tunnel-like barrel), or a groin vault (formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults). So the phrase Rib and Fan Vault specifically captures the look and technique described.

In Gothic architecture, a vault that uses ribs and spreads them into a fan-shaped pattern is best described as a rib and fan vault. This term emphasizes the combination of a ribbed structural framework with the distinctive fan-like arrangement of those ribs across the ceiling, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. It’s different from a dome (a hemispherical shell), a barrel vault (a continuous tunnel-like barrel), or a groin vault (formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults). So the phrase Rib and Fan Vault specifically captures the look and technique described.

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