Final answer:
A pointed arch is a key architectural feature of Gothic architecture, distinguished by its peak at the top which allows for more efficient weight distribution. It results in taller buildings with thinner walls, and it was likely adopted from Islamic influences in Spain. This type of arch enables the creation of larger windows and more light-filled spaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pointed arch is an architectural element that is characteristic of Gothic architecture. Unlike a traditional Romanesque arch that is rounded, a pointed arch comes to a peak at the top, which allows for a more efficient distribution of weight. The arch spreads the force downwards rather than outwards, enabling the construction of taller and more airy buildings with thinner walls. This architectural feature is often associated with the ribbed vaulting seen in the ceilings of Gothic cathedrals, where the arches meet at the center of the ceiling, creating a visually appealing as well as structurally supporting element.
The pointed arch, also called an ogival arch or a 'Gothic' arch, was likely adopted from Islamic architecture in Spain and became a fundamental feature of Gothic style. It distributes weight and stresses more vertically, which reduces the need for heavy walls and allows for the use of slender columns or piers. This resulted in revolutionary architectural advancements, with the Gothic style allowing for higher roofs and thinner walls, which in turn enabled the creation of larger windows and more light-filled interiors.
The equal radii and two centers of the pointed arch ensure that the curve of the arch is symmetrical, which is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. An arch composed of identical voussoirs culminates in a keystone, which locks all the stones into place, creating a strong and stable form.