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.
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Córdoba, Spain
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Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk, United Kingdom
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Canterbury Cathedral, England (interlaced arches)
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Linköping Cathedral, Sweden
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Great Mosque of Kairouan (Mosque of Uqba), Tunisia
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Blind arcade on Ardmore Cathedral, Ireland, with sculpted Biblical scenes (12th century)
See also
References
- ^ a b 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
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