What are transepts used for?

transept A rectangular area which cuts across the main axis of a basilica-type building and projects beyond it. The transept gives a basilica the shape of a Latin cross and usually serves to separate the main area of the building from an apse at the end.

What are transepts in a cathedral?

transept, the area of a cruciform church lying at right angles to the principal axis. The nave of a church with a cruciform plan usually extends toward the west from the crossing, the choir and sanctuary toward the east. The arms of the transept are then designated by direction, as north transept and south transept.

What is ambulatory in architecture?

Ambulatory, in architecture, continuation of the aisled spaces on either side of the nave (central part of the church) around the apse (semicircular projection at the east end of the church) or chancel (east end of the church where the main altar stands) to form a continuous processional way.

What is aisle in architecture?

aisle, portion of a church or basilica that parallels or encircles the major sections of the structure, such as the nave, choir, or apse (aisles around the apse are usually called ambulatories). The aisle is often set off by columns or by an arcade.

What is a Westwork in architecture?

westwork (from German Westwerk): An entrance area at the west end of a church with upper chamber and usually with a tower or towers. It is normally broader than the width of the nave and aisles.

What is a Triforium and what was its purpose?

triforium, in architecture, space in a church above the nave arcade, below the clerestory, and extending over the vaults, or ceilings, of the side aisles. The triforium became an integral part of church design during the Romanesque period, serving to light and ventilate the roof space.

What is a Triforium in architecture?

What is clerestory in architecture?

clerestory, in architecture, any fenestrated (windowed) wall of a room that is carried higher than the surrounding roofs to light the interior space. In a large building, where interior walls are far from the structure’s exterior walls, this method of lighting otherwise enclosed, windowless spaces became a necessity.

What’s the difference between Isle and aisle?

An aisle is a walkway between rows of something, usually seats or shelves. An isle is a small island or peninsula.

What is Spire architecture?

spire, in architecture, steeply pointed pyramidal or conical termination to a tower. In its mature Gothic development, the spire was an elongated, slender form that was a spectacular visual culmination of the building as well as a symbol of the heavenly aspirations of pious medieval men.

What is a Westwork in art?