The arch is most closely associated with which architectural form?

• A. Vault
• B. Dome
• C. Concrete
• D. Stone

Answer: (A)

The arch is a curved spanning element that distributes weight outward to its supports. When arches are aligned or extended in one direction, they form a vault—the space roof or ceiling created by arches. So the arch is most closely associated with the vault, because a vault is essentially arches working together to cover a space (think of a barrel vault, where a single row of arches creates a long passage). Domes can incorporate arches or ribs, and stone or concrete are materials you can use to build arches and vaults, but the form most directly linked to the arch itself is the vault.