Spandrel is an architectural term referring to the roughly triangular space between the exterior curve of an arch and the rectangular framework surrounding it, or the space between two arches and the horizontal element above them. This architectural element, which emerged from the structural necessity of supporting arched constructions, has evolved into a significant decorative feature throughout architectural history. In classical and medieval architecture, spandrels became important canvases for ornamental expression, often adorned with intricate sculptural reliefs, mosaics, or painted decorations that complemented the overall architectural scheme. The functional aspect of spandrels lies in their role as load-bearing elements that help transfer the weight from the arch to the vertical supports, while their aesthetic potential has been extensively explored across different architectural styles and periods. In Gothic architecture, spandrels became particularly elaborate, featuring complex tracery patterns and religious iconography, while Renaissance architects employed them as spaces for depicting allegorical figures and classical motifs. The concept has also found modern applications in contemporary architecture, where designers utilize these spaces for innovative structural solutions and artistic expressions, often incorporating modern materials and minimalist aesthetics. The term has gained recognition in architectural competitions, including the A' Design Award's architectural category, where innovative treatments of spandrels are often highlighted as elements of outstanding architectural design. In structural engineering, spandrels have evolved to include the horizontal bands between floors on the exterior of multi-story buildings, particularly in curtain wall construction, where they play crucial roles in both load distribution and thermal performance.
architecture, structural engineering, gothic design, classical ornamentation, load-bearing elements, architectural decoration, medieval construction, arch support, building aesthetics
Spandrel is an architectural and design element that refers to the roughly triangular space between the exterior curve of an arch and the rectangular framework surrounding it, or the space between two arches or between an arch and a rectangular enclosure. This structural component, which emerged from classical architecture, has evolved to become both a functional and decorative element in design and construction. Originally serving as a necessary byproduct of arch construction, spandrels have been transformed into significant aesthetic features through various historical periods, particularly during the Gothic and Renaissance eras where they became canvases for elaborate decorative treatments including sculptural reliefs, mosaics, and painted ornamentations. In modern architectural and interior design, spandrels have adapted to contemporary building techniques, often appearing in curtain wall systems where they occupy the space between floors and windows in multi-story buildings. These modern interpretations maintain their functional role while incorporating new materials such as glass, metal panels, and composite materials, demonstrating how traditional architectural elements can be reinterpreted through technological advancement. The aesthetic treatment of spandrels has been recognized in various design competitions, including the A' Design Award, where innovative approaches to spandrel design have been celebrated for their contribution to architectural excellence. The engineering considerations for spandrel design involve careful attention to load distribution, thermal performance, and weather resistance, particularly in contemporary applications where they must meet strict building codes and performance requirements.
architecture, structural design, decorative elements, Gothic architecture, Renaissance design, building facades, curtain wall systems, architectural ornament, construction elements
Spandrel is an architectural term that refers to the triangular space formed between the outer curve of an arch, a horizontal line drawn from the apex of the arch, and a vertical line rising from the end of the arch. In structural terms, spandrels are the byproduct of constructing adjacent arches, and they serve to fill the space between the arches, providing both aesthetic and structural functions. Historically, spandrels have been used in various architectural styles, from ancient Roman and Gothic to Renaissance and modern architecture. They can be found in a variety of building types, including bridges, viaducts, and multi-story buildings with arched windows or arcades. Spandrels are often decorated with intricate carvings, mosaics, or other ornamental features, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the building. In some cases, they may also serve practical purposes, such as housing ventilation or drainage systems. The design and treatment of spandrels have evolved over time, reflecting the changing tastes, technologies, and structural requirements of different eras and architectural movements.
architecture, arches, decoration, ornamental, aesthetics
A spandrel is an architectural element that fills the space between two adjacent arches or between an arch and a rectangular frame. It is a decorative or functional feature that can be made of various materials such as masonry, wood, or metal. Spandrels can be found in a variety of shapes, including semicircular arcs, triangles, polygons, or flat rectangles. They can serve multiple purposes, such as providing structural support, creating a seamless transition between different materials or finishes, or adding aesthetic appeal to a building. One interesting aspect of spandrels is their use in art and design. Spandrels have been used throughout history as a canvas for artistic expression, with murals, sculptures, and other decorative elements adorning their surfaces. In some cases, spandrels have been used to convey religious or political messages, making them an important part of cultural heritage. Another aspect of spandrels is their use in engineering and construction. Spandrels can be designed to provide structural support to walls and arches, which is especially important in buildings with heavy loads or seismic activity. They can also be used to create a more efficient use of space, by filling in gaps or awkward areas between architectural elements. Overall, spandrels are a versatile and important architectural feature that have been used throughout history for both functional and aesthetic purposes. From their use in art and design to their role in engineering and construction, spandrels continue to be an important part of architectural heritage.
architecture, engineering, construction, art, design
Spandrel, in architecture, is the space between two arches or curved walls. It is usually filled with decorative elements such as sculptural reliefs or paintings, and it is often filled with a decorative element. In the Classical tradition, spandrels often filled the space between engaged columns, serving as an ornamental frame for the entire structure. The spandrels of a Classical façade would often feature niche-like elements and other decorative motifs, such as garlands and swags. In Gothic architecture, spandrels were used to create a sense of unity between the vertical elements of the façade, and to provide a visual transition between the pointed arches and the horizontal elements, such as the spandrels. In modern architecture, spandrels are often used to create an abstract composition, often utilizing a mix of curved and straight elements.
Arch, Columns, Engaged, Decoration, Façade
Spandrel, in architecture, is an area of space that is located between two arches or between an arch and a rectangular plane. It is commonly used to describe the space between a door or window and the ceiling or floor. Spandrels are often designed with decorative features such as moldings or painted murals. In traditional masonry construction, spandrels are created by cutting and laying stones in an arch shape. The stones are usually cut in a way that allows them to fit snugly together and form a solid arch. Once the arch is complete, the spandrel is filled with mortar and the stones are laid in a tight pattern to create a decorative pattern. Spandrels can also be used to create interesting visual effects such as the illusion of a larger space or to fill in an area of a wall or ceiling that is too large to be filled with a single stone.
Architecture, Masonry, Decorative, Arches, Mortar
Spandrel, in the context of architecture, is an area of a wall between two adjacent arches, windows, or other structural elements. It is often used to fill the space within a building, adding structural and aesthetic value. Generally, spandrels follow the curvature of a given arch and are usually filled with ornaments, murals, or other decorative elements. Spandrels may also be used to cover up awkward or unsightly gaps between structural elements. In this way, spandrels can be used to provide visual continuity to a building, while also providing a measure of structural stability.
Architecture, Aesthetics, Ornamentation, Structural Stability, Visual Continuity
Spandrel, in the context of architecture, is a curved surface that fills the space between two adjacent arches or between an arch and a rectangular frame. It is generally used to fill the space between two adjacent arches, or between an arch and a rectangular frame. It is a unique architectural feature that is often used to create an aesthetically pleasing structure. Spandrels are typically found in the form of a semicircular arc, but they can also be found in other shapes, such as a flat rectangle, a triangle, or a polygon. They are typically formed when the arch is curved or when the arch is connected to a rectangular frame. In some cases, the space between the arch and the rectangular frame is filled with a spandrel panel.
Arches, frames, semicircular arc, triangle, polygon, panel.
Masonry spandrels are architectural elements that span the space between two arches or walls. They are commonly used in construction to support and stabilize walls and arches, as well as to provide aesthetic appeal. Spandrels, while primarily constructed of masonry, can also be made of wood or metal. They are typically rectangular or triangular in shape and have a curved or angled top. Spandrels are often used to create a seamless transition between two different materials or finishes, such as stone and brick, or between two different heights. They can also be used to reinforce a wall or arch, and to provide additional support for heavy load-bearing walls. In some cases, spandrels may also be used to create a decorative feature.
Architecture, Masonry, Wall, Support, Aesthetic
The term Spandrel is a noun which may be defined as an ornamental or functioning architectural structure that is shaped like a curved triangle and located between the outer curve of an arch and the horizontal frame or wall. Synonyms of the word Spandrel may include alcove, panel, bay window and recess; while antonyms may include white wall, sand, plain and plainness. Cognates of the word Spandrel may include Spandrill, derived from a Germanic root and “Spandril” derived from an Old French root. Variants of the word Spandrel may include Spandrill, Spandrils, Spandrels, and Spandrils.
Etymological analysis, linguistic aspects, morphological features, lexicology, neology, word formation, loanwords, word histories, language development, linguistic change, lexico-semantic field, semantics, morphosyntax, phonological elements, grammatical
CITATION : "George Adrian Postea. 'Spandrel.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=222810 (Accessed on July 04, 2025)"
Linguistically speaking, the etymology and morphology of the term ‘spandrel’ are rooted in its historical evolution. The term is first found in European architectural writing in Stephen Gardiner's De Proprietatibus Rerum (On the Properties of Things) written in the late fourteenth century; it was derived from the Old French ‘espandre’, meaning ‘to spread’, which in turn derived from the Middle French verb ‘espander’. The semantic range of the term includes, but is not limited to, the curved surface of a wall defined by an arch and its accompanying archivault or architrave, and its basic form encompasses the combination of conical and elliptic shapes. The word itself has a pragmatic dimension in that it can be used to denote both the space located between the upper curves of an arch and the ceiling above it, as well as any other structure or entity that has a curved surface. Additionally, the term has been used to denote the space between two adjacent voussoirs, as well as the space between two adjacent concave arcs. These implications demonstrate the historical and linguistic evolution of the term ‘spandrel’ and its continued use as a descriptive tool in contemporary language.
Etymology, Morphology, Historical, Pragmatics, evolution
Spandrels are the curved or triangular portions of wall space that appear between two arches or any two adjacent windows or doors. They are architectural elements that are often decorative in nature and are used to fill in any space between two adjacent architectural features. They can also be used to create a distinctive look, as well as to create a sense of balance between two adjacent openings or between a door and a window, for instance. Spandrels are usually decorated with intricate stonework, or painted, to create the desired effect or to emphasize the design.
Spandrel, architectural element, curved wall space, triangular wall space, decorative feature.
We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and Spandrel has 12 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Spandrel today.