Jerónimos Church Nave: Structure and Light

The main nave of Jerónimos is a forest of columns with vaults that appear to hover—a demonstration of Gothic mechanics refined by Renaissance poise.

🗜️ Structure at a Glance

• Slender columns carry ribbed vaults with modest thrust.
• Buttressing is internalized—mass and geometry absorb lateral loads.
• Light wells and clerestories manage glare vs. glow.

Walk the Load Path

1. Trace a rib from web to boss: forces gather and redirect.
2. Follow the rib to the springing: thrust migrates to columns.
3. Watch how arch profiles flatten nearer the nave center—cue to thrust control.

$$ ext{Equilibrium:}quad sum F = 0,; sum M = 0quad ( ext{static, simplified}) $$

Reading structure is like reading music: follow the motifs; feel the resolution.

✨ Light and Atmosphere

• Filtered by tracery and glazing, light modulates from nave to aisles.
• Material albedo of lioz limestone creates warm diffusion.
• Raking light turns ribs into calligraphy.

$$ ext{Illuminance }E propto rac{Phi}{A}quad ext{(qualitative)} $$

Where to Stand (3 Spots)

1. Mid-nave, slightly off-axis → column “forest” effect.
2. Under a boss → look straight up to feel the rib star.
3. Near the choir rail → read the whole nave in a single glance.

Photo tip: Lower your exposure by −0.3 to hold the limestone highlights.

[^rib]: The rib patterns guide thrust lines, distributing load into supports elegantly.