Arcade
Contents |
[edit] What is an arcade?
In classical architecture, the term ‘arcade’ refers to a series of arches supported by columns or other vertical elements such as piers. This can be used to form a passageway between arches and a solid wall, or a covered walkway providing access to commercial buildings or markets. Arcades are structurally very strong, and so can carry large loads and stretch for large distances. Arcades have also featured in medieval cloisters, Islamic courtyards, Renaissance commercial streets, Middle Eastern bazaars and Baroque marketplaces.
[edit] Contemporary arcades
Arcades are also used in modern language to describe covered locations that house different types of activities, normally laid out in series or in a row, such as shop fronts or games machines: Shopping arcade or gaming arcade (also used in the singular called an arcade cabinet).
[edit] History of arcades
Arcades were first developed by the Romans, who took inspiration from ancient aqueduct designs. They used arcades to construct large wall structures; the most famous example being the Colosseum in Rome which has 80 arcaded openings on its first three storeys.
Roman arcades came to be distinguished by the use of pilasters that were attached to piers carrying an entablature. The form developed to become arches resting on the capitals of a row of columns. This style was also adopted during the Gothic period as a decorative element used to divide a church’s nave wall into three horizontal parts.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Agora.
- Arches.
- Architrave.
- Balustrade.
- Barrel vault.
- Blind arcade.
- Canopy.
- Classical orders in architecture.
- Cloister.
- Colonnade.
- Corridor.
- Courtyard.
- Difference between pillars and columns.
- Elements of classical columns.
- Flying buttress.
- Loggia.
- Narthex.
- Pedestal.
- Pergola.
- Pilaster.
- Pilotis.
- Portico.
- Pteron.
- Roman Colosseum.
- Spandrel.
- Vault.
- Walkway.
Featured articles and news
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this.