Quadrant (architecture)

Quadrant in architecture refers to a curve in a wall or a vaulted ceiling.

Generally considered to be an arc of 90 degrees (one quarter of a circle), or a half of the more commonly seen architectural feature (a crescent).

A quadrant arch was often employed in Romanesque architecture to provide decorative support, as seen in the flying buttresses of Notre-Dame de Chartres built in the second half of the 12th century.

During the 18th century, the quadrant once again became a popular design shape for the terraces of smart houses in fashionable spa towns such as Buxton.

Henry Currey's "Quadrant", built to rival the architecture of Bath, is considered one of Buxton's finest buildings.