The Dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Firenze

This drawing shows how walls of bricks were constructed on platforms created by ribbing supported by the drum of the dome. Each octagonal section was divided into sub-sections which became proportionately smaller towards the top of the dome. The incline of the brick wall of the dome would normally result in its collapse. However the exterior wall is buttressed by an inner wall, and the eight sections combine to create a mutually-supporting cone underneath the lantern.

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