Date: Thursday 27th November 2019

Venue: G04a

Time: 13:00 - 14:00

Some of the most remarkable features of medieval works of architecture, particularly greater churches and cathedrals, are the ribbed vaults spanning their vast interior spaces. For over nine hundred years, they have inspired worshippers and visitors alike, their eyes drawn heavenwards by these captivating constructions and prompted to ask ‘how did they do that?’ Across sites, the interaction between 2D and 3D geometries shows great variety and astounding levels of creativity. This AHRC funded project investigates the design and construction of medieval vaults at significant sites in England using the latest digital surveying tools, producing accurate records of their forms. Digital analysis tools are then used to forensically examine the vaults, allowing new readings of their design to a level of detail not previously possible with analogue techniques. Using this pioneering process we can identify patterns at individual sites, in addition to trends across related sites, complicating existing interpretations and prompting new questions which our research will address. This talk will focus on the choir aisle vaults at Wells Cathedral, where we have identified the use of four different design processes in a space which was previously considered to only use one, thus supporting new interpretations of the design input, construction sequence and site management. The talk will finish by offering a hypothesis of the 2D and 3D processes used to design the south west choir aisle.