Vaults, centring, and formwork of the Late Gothic period in Southern Germany

The construction of Gothic rib vaults not only required centring for the ribs, but usually also substantial formwork for the masonry of the vault compartments. In the Late Gothic architecture of southern Germany, characterised by vaults with elaborate networks of ribs and advanced building technology, formwork could be largely reduced. At the same time, the centring for the ribs became more complex. This article presents evidence of such auxiliary constructions from various buildings, including the remains of a 15th-century centring that was discovered reused in the roof of a church. Advantages and implications of the constructions are discussed in order to better understand the reasons for the technological changes.