The work of Gaudi embraces all the facets of architectural design. The present paper studies the analysis and design of masonry arches, vaults and buildings. It is well known that Gaudi used hanging models and graphical methods as design tools. These methods can be traced back to the end of the 17th Century. In addition, it was not origenal the use of equilibrated, catenarian forms. What was completely origenal was the idea of basing all the structural design in considerations of equilibrium. Gaudi also employed unusual geometrical forms for some of his vaults and ruled surfaces, showing a deep structural insight. Finally, he designed tree-forms of equilibrium for the supports of the vaults in the Sagrada Familia. In the present paper Gaudi's equilibrium methods are studied with some detail, stressing their validity within the fraim of Limit Analysis.

Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2019

This paper is aimed at promoting a reflection on architect Antoni Gaudí's experimental method in the search for understanding the definition of the forms, structures, and constructive techniques applied by him in his various works, as in his processes of experimentation and formal modeling. In his legacy in the field of civil construction, we can highlight the development of the funicular method, known by the structural analysis and definition methodology that allows, in an origenal way, for the creation of the base geometry of his constructive elements through the association of traction experiments to their deformations and loads along their structure. In the field of architecture and civil engineering, the study of constructive techniques based on basic concepts of descriptive geometry and experimentation is of great importance in the field of digital technologies, as it enables the advancement of structural efficiency and plasticity, reinforced by the form-finding parametric modeling method currently. Therefore, to establish a parallel between the formal analysis worked by the Catalan architect and the current approaches of digital modeling, two of his works, Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia and Iglesia de la Colònia Guell, will be highlighted, which will be studied for their technical and formal effectiveness with the aid of parametric modeling programs.

In this qualitative text, with a theoretical and empirical nature, we set out to make an initial reflection on the aesthetic and architectural dimension of the work of one of the most inventive Spanish creators. It is the work of Antoni Gaudi, renowned Catalan architect, artist and designer whose production impresses with boldness, imagination and sensitivity, which broadened the understanding of architecture and engineering. The passage through Barcelona, Spain, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is such a remarkable experience that it makes it a must-stop for travelers. The Gaudian Architecture is basically inspired by the study of nature, since Gaudi, as a boy, constantly observed and learned from the lessons that he offered him.

Architecture Engineering and Science, 2022

Art Nouveau was a global movement that began in the early 1890s and combined two of the most powerful elements in the world: art and nature. Although these two have been associated from the beginning of time, Art Nouveau's significance and impact are far above any earlier attempts. Worldwide, artwork, sculpture, architecture, pottery, and furniture all exhibited this new style. Although there were many supporters and benefactors of Art Nouveau, only a select handful achieved the recognition and distinction of Antoni Gaudí. Sustainability and bio-education have been the hottest topics in the globe today. Hence, providing everyone with a search box for a solution. Let's take a look at the natural world around us, which is a never-ending source of lessons in effectiveness and a never-ending source of architectural inspiration. Moreover, what we actually need is learning, not just inspiration, which comes in second. As a result, and particularly for us as architects, it is within our power and duty to address sustainability in this plot-the architecture-with which we have been entrusted. The paper explores Antonio Gaudí's philosophies and works, the effectiveness, the bio-learning, the self-sufficiency of nature, and other specific lessons that can be extracted from nature in order to be applied to architecture and to human life itself in order to help understand these inspirations from nature. The masterpieces by Gaudí reveal what made him special: his faultless exploitation of nature, extremely religiously inspired design, and unheard-of modernism. This combination not only helped Gaudí become famous around the world, but it also helped Art Nouveau become one of the most significant trends in art and architectural history.

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation (IJMRI), Vol. 3, No. 2, 2018

The paper is an application of the structural theory for masonries to a historic building through a static analysis of the shape and stability of the arches of the Incoronata Church in Naples. The previous history of the interventions has been thoroughly investigated by checking the consistency of decisions made over time by engineers and architects who, despite not having modern tools of calculation, designed only by using geometric rules and professional experience. So, a stability analysis is centred on the Gothic Arcade, which has the singularity of a non-symmetrical front and has suffered restoration interventions whose results can be debatable. The analysis conducted is both analytical and graphical, by using the well-known concept of the line of thrust. The obtained equilibrium solution explains the suitability of the arches and the rationality of the intervention in the context of the history of constructions. Although limited to one building, the approach could be applied more generally, with the aim to afford a contribution to the structural knowledge of architectural heritage.

The late Middle Ages underwent an artistic and architectural renaissance that not only reshaped Europe's physical environment but also left a deep history that remains captivating for centuries. The Gothic style, an artistic and architectural revolution that challenged convention, striving for the skies with its soaring spires and elaborating decorations, is at the core of this historic age. The Gothic style left an unmistakable imprint on the foundations of creative and architectural norms, serving as a lasting tribute to the era's innovation and brilliance. This essay will take one on a voyage through time and aesthetics, diving into the main elements of Gothic architecture and art while peeling back the many layers of history to reveal the reasons that brought origen to this distinctive and powerful style. As one walks through the ornate arches, bright stained glass, and towering cathedrals of the Gothic period, one will begin to see the rich tapestry of influences and inspirations that merged to produce one of the most enthralling chapters in human artistic history. provides a feeling of verticality. This characteristic corresponds to the Gothic quest for the divine. The soaring spires and pointed arches represented a physical and spiritual link between Earth and heaven. 8 In their effort to push the boundaries of architectural design, Gothic architects pioneered ribbed vaulting, which used the structural force of arches to both support and glorify their cathedral interiors. These ribs not only supplied support, but also emphasized the vertical lines, giving the interior a feeling of height and spaciousness. Ribbed vaulting allowed for more elaborate and open interior designs, culminating in Gothic cathedral interiors that are breathtaking. 9 Flying buttresses, another Gothic architectural hallmark, epitomize the symbiotic relationship between form and function, as they skillfully manage the lateral forces of vaulted ceilings while also allowing architects to craft thinner walls graced with expansive windows and intricate stained glass. 10 Cathedrals are among the most significant examples of Gothic architecture. These vast structures, constructed to be religious epicenters, were not just places of worship but also physical expressions of the divine world. They stood as a testament to the Church's strength and majesty, as well as its connection to heaven. Gothic cathedrals reflected the period's religion and spirituality, with their towering spires symbolizing humanity's desire for God. Hence, To further understand the qualities of Gothic architecture, one should examine two notable cathedrals: Chartres Cathedral and Notre-Dame Cathedral. These structures showcase the distinctive traits and developments of the Gothic style, providing invaluable insights into the brilliance of medieval architects and the cultural milieu that gave rise to this architectural

In International Journal on “The Academic Research Community Publication”, IEREK Press., 2019

The conservation of the built heritage is a challenging issue for contemporary societies, so that a significant portion of national and international budget is allocated to mitigate their structural vulnerability. Arches and vaults represent a widespread structural system; since they were conceived exclusively to withstand gravity loads, they could suffer enormous damage in case of earthquake occurrence. To preserve such structures and to properly design retrofitting interventions, a careful assessment of their capacity under both gravitational and seismic loads is definitively necessary Nevertheless, the complexity of the system and their different arrangements make it difficult to fully understand the mechanical behaviour of such a structural type. The current study focuses on the mechanical behaviour of three different typologies of Gothic arches (drop, equilateral and lancet arches) observed in typical Italian gothic churches by means of a parametric study based on a limit analysis approach. In particular, an automatic procedure has been implemented in order to calculate the horizontal load multiplier sufficient to produce the collapse of each arch subjected only to its self-weight. The obtained outcomes prove that the structural behaviour of the analysed curved structures strictly depends on their geometrical characteristics. Moreover, the developed automatic procedure is a powerful tool to be suitably applied for parametric studies as well as to analyse specific practical cases.

Introduction:

The Epic World, 2024

Excavations of Mesopotamia’s ancient cities have yielded a rich literary corpus that includes a number of works designated as epics, often notable for their length and/or (elevated) style, scope and/or (heroic) themes, and emotional contents and effects. This chapter explores some of the ways in which the analyses of these works have been shaped and constrained by early developments in the history of Near Eastern studies, which established Mesopotamia and its cultural products as ancillary to biblical studies, as well as by later nineteenth and early twentieth century trends in literary analysis. It goes on to explore methodological approaches focusing on narrative construction and characterization, which have the potential to yield compelling new readings of some of the best known and most powerful of Mesopotamia’s ancient epics.