Rib Vaults and Bay Rhythm: Saint‑Denis Nave

The nave is a grammar of forces. Ribs collect vault loads, pointed arches minimize lateral thrust, and bay modules choreograph vision. Repetition builds tempo; structure builds clarity.

📐 Geometry & Loads

• Rib convergence: Forces meet at bosses and piers.
• Pointed arch: Reduces horizontal thrust, allowing higher vaults.
• Bay grid: Predictable repetition that stabilizes sight.

$$ ext{Thrust Angle} = arctanleft(rac{ ext{rise}}{ ext{span}} ight) quad ext{(lower with pointed forms)} $$

👀 Sightlines & Rhythm

• Clerestory bands: Establish visual tempo.
• Pier alignment: Guides forward attention.
• Aisle contrast: Side aisles offer shadowed relief to the bright core.

📸 Gallery

Structure becomes order; order becomes experience.