The diagrams above show three typical types of vault construction used in Gothic architecture. The first is a semi-circular vault, often used in the side-aisles of the first (Norman period) cathedrals from the late 11th to the late 12th Centuries. The second is a pointed vault, which took over from the semi-circular vault from the mid-12th Century onwards, and became the 'typical' Gothic vault construction (in the central spaces as well as side-aisles of cathedrals) until the end of the Gothic era at the beginning of the 16th Century. The third is a fan vault - a structurally much more sophisticated type of construction from the other two, and in occasional use from the late 14th Century.

Moving your mouse over the larger diagram will change its position (horizontal movement) or its transparency (vertical movement). Once your cursor is over the diagram, clicking or tapping will fix its position. Clicking on another part of the diagram will animate it to the new position.

Clicking on one of the smaller diagrams will move it to the main display, where you can move it in the same way. The diagrams begin with a pointed vault in the main display, a semi-circular vault upper right, and a fan vault lower right.

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