Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 14(3), pp. 1555 - 1587
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140313
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Mediterranean Gothic Architecture and Its Constructive and Structural Logic: Mass, Buttresses, and Seismic Stability in Santos Juanes, Valencia, Spain

J. M. Molines Cano ^1,*, A. Almerich-Chulia ², J. Llinares Millán ¹, G. Bernardo ^3
1 Department of Architectural Constructions, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
² Department of Continuous Medium Mechanics and Theory of Structures, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
³ Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, Environment, and Cultural Heritage, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, Matera MT 75100, Italy

ABSTRACT

Located in the city of Valencia, the church of Santos Juanes offers an exemplary case for analysing how Mediterranean Gothic architecture responded to the seismic conditions of its geographical context. In contrast to Northern European Gothic models, typically characterised by slender structural systems, thinner walls, and the systematic use of flying buttresses, the Mediterranean tradition evolved towards a more compact and massive tectonic solution based on the continuity of load-bearing masonry, increased material density, and lateral stiffening provided by transverse diaphragm arches. Within this architectural framework, the concept of enjuta, as formulated by Pepa Cassinello, serves as a useful interpretative tool for understanding both the degree of compactness and the underlying structural logic of these buildings. The analysis of this case study shows that the absence of flying buttresses was compensated by the use of exceptionally large buttresses, which, acting together with the diaphragms and the rigidity of the walls, generated a global structural response comparable to that of a closed-box system. Rather than constituting a simplified version of Northern Gothic architecture, this solution reflects a deliberate adaptation to local material resources and a territory historically affected by seismic activity. Furthermore, comparison with other contemporary religious buildings, such as Valencia Cathedral and Tortosa Cathedral, highlights the specific characteristics of the Valencian example and confirms its relevance as a reference within Mediterranean Gothic architecture.

KEYWORDS
Mediterranean Gothic, Gothic Architecture, Diaphragm-Arch Buildings, Spandrel Structures, Pushover Analysis

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] J. M. Molines Cano , A. Almerich-Chulia , J. Llinares Millán , G. Bernardo , "Mediterranean Gothic Architecture and Its Constructive and Structural Logic: Mass, Buttresses, and Seismic Stability in Santos Juanes, Valencia, Spain," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 1555 - 1587, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140313.

(b). APA Format:
J. M. Molines Cano , A. Almerich-Chulia , J. Llinares Millán , G. Bernardo (2026). Mediterranean Gothic Architecture and Its Constructive and Structural Logic: Mass, Buttresses, and Seismic Stability in Santos Juanes, Valencia, Spain. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 14(3), 1555 - 1587. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2026.140313.