Structural Designs of a
Gothic Cathedral:

• Abutment : A reinforcing block or wall of masonry adding support to the great vaults & arches.
  
  
• Arcade : A row of arches set atop piers/columns. Sometimes refers to the arched roof itself.
  
  
• Corbel : A stone Abutment projecting from a wall supporting vaults, arches & roofs.
  
  
• Crossing : The area of intersection in a Cruciform church, formed by joining the Nave, Transept & Chancel.
  
  
• Groined vault : A rib-less vault formed by the meeting of a pair of equal barrel vaults at right angle to each other.
  
  
• Hammer beams : Right angled support beams projecting from wall tops to brace wooden roofs.
  
  
• Jamb : The vertical side masonry of a door, window or portal entranceway, often a place for the setting of statuary.
  
  Image at right: Jamb Statuary within the west portal at Rheims in France.
  
  
• Lancet window : A tall, narrow window which terminates in a pointed apex.
  
  
• Lantern tower : An extended tower or watch house illuminated in its uppermost windows.
  
  
• Net vault : A vault constructed of intersecting ribs which give the impression of a web or net.
  
  
• Oculus : A circular or eye shaped window.
  
  
• Portico : A ceilinged entranceway to a church, often bordered by columned masonry.
  
  
• Quadripartite vault : A four sectioned vault, divided by diagonal, transverse ribs.
  
  
• Relieving arch : A supportive arch constructed within a wall to absorb weight upon a passageway or portal below.
  
  
• Transom : The horizontal division of a window constructed of wood or stone.
  
  
• Transept : The lateral extensions which form the cross of a Cruciform cathedral or church.
  
  
• Transverse vaulting : The use of ribs or arches set at right angles from the corners of a structure.
  
  
• Tribune : A vaulted gallery which forms or covers the ceiling of an isle.
  
  
• Tympanum : The section atop the Lintel of a portal or doorway, enclosed by an arch, often featuring significant sculpture work.
  
  Image at right: Tympanum within the west portal of Notre Dame de Chartres, France.
  
  
• Vault : In all architecture; an arched structure of stone or masonry forming a ceiling.
  
  
• Wagon roof : A ceiling of curved wooden beams, often intersected in intricate designs.