Dome vs. Arch — What's the Difference?

Domes serve as the architectural crown of a building, encapsulating space beneath a rounded, often hemispherical shape, whereas arches function primarily as structural supports, spanning openings to distribute weight away from the opening. Domes cover entire spaces, providing a sense of enclosure and grandeur, while arches create passageways or support structures above, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.

While domes often symbolize authority or the heavens in buildings like capitol buildings or religious structures, arches have been used historically in bridges, aqueducts, and as decorative elements in doorways and gateways, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of past and present civilizations.

Domes can be seen as architectural focal points, often designed to be visible from great distances, enhancing the skyline of cities with their unique silhouette. In contrast, arches, though sometimes monumental, are more commonly integrated within the structure of buildings, serving as critical components of the overall architectural design.

Domes require precise engineering to distribute their weight evenly around their base, utilizing materials and techniques that allow for a seamless curved surface. Arches, on the other hand, rely on the principle of the keystone, the central stone at the top of the arch, which locks the other stones into place, allowing the structure to bear weight.

Both domes and arches have evolved through history, reflecting changes in architectural styles, materials, and engineering capabilities. Modern technologies have expanded the possibilities for both, allowing for more ambitious designs and applications in contemporary architecture.