Today the arch is considered as an intrinsic decorative element. It is used often in areas where a solid door is not required between spaces but the space needs to be visually divided with an attractive element that is not a physical barrier and allows free flow of apace between areas and also adds to the ambience in the volume.

ARCHES INDOORS

The use of the arch in homes is multifarious. At the entrance it can be used in gardens, along a patio or a verandah. Exposed brick arches springing from omate cast iron pillars add a touch of the ethnic to the façade. Such aspects can also be combined with foliage to give the verticality a touch of the garden aura as the rustic colors of the brick and the greens and colours in nature project their own magic in contrasts. At the entrance door, the curve of an arch lends an elegant touch with woodwork embellished with brass making an artwork out of the elements. Within the home, arches can still be used as doors or dividers of spaces. To add a designer touch the vertical supports of the arches can be used as niches to place artwork and highlighted with focus lights. This not only enhances the simple aspect but unity, balance and proportion are upgraded due to the character lent to the simple arch. Added to this the arch is often considered as a very efficient method to span an opening as its engineering precision and load bearing capacity makes it’s the best solution.

ARCHES SHAPES

Configuration of arches is dependant on where they are used, the load they carry and the aesthetics required. The most common are the jack, segmental, semicircular and multicentered in buildings. The familiar one is the semicircular, due to its high structural efficiency though all the others are just as beautiful when used in buildings.

The flat arch is linear with a minimal or slight rise; the triangular is made of two straight sides rising to an apex. Since such alternatives are available, adapting to various situations in homes becomes easy. When this thematic element is being used in the building its use can be extended to window lintels, glazing panels and decorative features. In windows the lintels can be shaped as arches and the space within filled with stained glass for a spectacular effect. The flat arch is well suited to contemporary interiors where linearity plays a significant role in creating the ambience. Drapes and blinds may pose some difficulty to adapt to the shape though more often than not such opening do not require any covering.

The external appearance of the arch can be camouflaged if plastered and finished flush with adjoining walls or it can be exposed with pointing to create a bit of interest by contrasting it from surrounding finishes.

ARCH PLAN

Arches are well suited to larger spaces as they spring from around six inches from the ground and curve in a way that gives adequate head room for passage below. Thus the ceiling height must be enough for these dimensions to be accommodated. Too many arches in a small room may also be overpowering just as different varieties will be discordant. Ideally, when used minimally as an element of décor or in situations of structural requirement the arch is a great solution with multiple benefits.