squinch

(noun)

A structure constructed between two adjacent walls to aid in the transition from a polygonal to a circular structure; as when a dome is constructed on top of a square room.

Related Terms

Examples of squinch in the following topics:

  • Architecture and Mosaics in the Middle Byzantine Empire

    • The Katholikon is also a Greek cross-plan style church but instead of the dome resting on pendentives, the dome of the Katholikon rests on squinches, which create an octagonal transition between the square plan of the church and the circular plan of the dome.
    • The difference in style between the pendentives and the squinches allow for different relationships between the architecture and the decoration and different play of light and darkness in the shapes the squinches provided.
    • Unlike the Church of the Theokotos, the dome of the Katholikon rests on squinches.

  • The East

    • Squinch-net vaulting was developed in Herat, and madrasa-khanaqh complexes were commonly built.