Haunch

Haunch

Haunch is a significant architectural term referring to the curved or angled portion where an arch meets its supporting pier or wall, forming a critical transitional element in structural design. This architectural feature, which emerged prominently during the Roman period and evolved through medieval architecture, serves both structural and aesthetic purposes in building construction. The haunch plays a vital role in distributing the loads from the arch to its vertical supports, effectively transferring forces while maintaining structural integrity. In Gothic architecture, haunches became increasingly sophisticated, often incorporating elaborate stone carving and decorative elements while maintaining their essential load-bearing function. The engineering principles behind haunch design have remained relatively consistent throughout architectural history, though modern materials and construction techniques have expanded their application possibilities. Contemporary architects and structural engineers continue to employ haunches in both traditional and innovative ways, particularly in bridge design and large-scale architectural projects where they contribute to both structural efficiency and visual appeal. The importance of proper haunch design has been recognized in various architectural competitions, including the A' Design Award's structural design category, where innovative applications of this classical element are evaluated for their technical merit and aesthetic contribution. In modern construction, haunches are carefully calculated using advanced computational methods to ensure optimal load distribution and structural performance, while still maintaining their historical significance as architectural elements that bridge the gap between vertical and horizontal forces.

structural support, arch construction, load distribution, architectural elements

— Lucas Reed

CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Haunch.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=475428 (Accessed on June 09, 2025)"