For much of human history significant buildings were either arcuated or trabeated. That is to say, the structure was dependent on either arches or posts and lintels to provide the walls and interior spaces. Romanesque and Gothic architecture, for example, are arcuated. Stonehenge, Ancient Greek and much early industrial architecture is trabeated. These two words came to mind as we walked past the John Lewis department store in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire recently. The concrete outer frame and columns of the facade appear to be trabeated. But then we have curves and pointed arches in each segment of the facade. As I studied the arrangement of the materials it occurred to me that probably neither word applied here and a modern steel and concrete frame underpinned the building. What ever the construction the building presents a welcome break from the rendered and painted Regency style that dominates the town.
photo © T. Boughen Camera: Nikon Z 5
