Glossary · V
Voussoir
Also called voussoirs
One of the wedge-shaped stones of an arch, cut so that its joints point towards the centre (or centres) of the curve.
Rules that use the word
Wedges that lock by their own weight. Build an arch of wedge-shaped stones (voussoirs) whose joints all point towards the centre of the curve: each stone can then fall only by forcing its neighbours apart, and so the ring holds itself up once the last stone, the keystone, is in place.
An arch is named by its curve. Classify arches by the geometry of the intrados: the number and position of the centres (one for round and segmental, two for pointed, three or four for basket and Tudor arches), or a single continuous curve (ellipse, parabola, catenary), and distinguish true arches, with voussoirs, from corbelled “arches” of oversailing courses.
Striped voussoirs. Alternate voussoirs of two colours (red brick and pale stone, or black and white stone) to make the structure of the arch legible as ornament.
Where it appears in the book
In the chapters The Arch, The Islamic World, The Americas.
A feature of Moorish (Western Islamic) architecture.
Nearby in the glossary
Vihara · Villa · Vimana · Volute · Wall rib · Wardian case · Wattle and daub · Web