Dome

A dome is a common structural element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Domes do not have to be perfectly spherical in cross-section, however; it is sufficient that they simply be curved surfaces.

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A dome can be considered as an arch which has been rotated around its vertical axis. As such, domes have a great deal of structural strength. They can be constructed of ordinary masonry, held together by friction and compressive forces.

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The concave triangular sections of vaulting that provides the transition between a dome and the square base on which it is set and transfer the weight of the dome are called pendentives. A less sophisticated version of a pendentive is a squinch.

Arch: An arch is a curved structure capable of spanning a space while supporting significant weight (e.g. a doorway in a stone wall). The arch was developed in Mesopotamia, Assyria Egypt and Etruria. It was later refined in Ancient Rome. The arch became an important technique in cathedral building and is ...

Masonry: : The term masonry can also refer to Freemasonry...

Dome related Images and Photos (experimental)

Dome	Le Dome	Florence Dome	Florence Dome
Dome of the U.S. Capitol Building	RCA Dome - Indianapolis	Dome of the Pantheon	Georgia Dome 2009
Half Dome and Elm	Dome at the Sunken Gardens	Half Dome Merced River Winter	Half Dome Winter Sunset Yosemite