Coffers are which of the following?

Coffers are which of the following?

• A. Sunken square decorative panels used to lessen the weight of a dome or ceiling.
• B. Small circular windows in a dome.
• C. Ribs forming a groin vault.
• D. External supporting arches.

Answer: (A)

Coffers are recessed panels in ceilings or domes that lighten the structure and provide a decorative pattern. The description precisely matches coffers: sunken square decorative panels used to lessen the weight of a dome or ceiling, arranged to reduce mass while adding visual rhythm. The other terms describe different features—an oculus is a small circular window in a dome, ribs forming a groin vault belong to ribbed vaulting, and external arches are separate supporting elements. So the sunken panels option best captures what coffers are.

Coffers are recessed panels in ceilings or domes that lighten the structure and provide a decorative pattern. The description precisely matches coffers: sunken square decorative panels used to lessen the weight of a dome or ceiling, arranged to reduce mass while adding visual rhythm. The other terms describe different features—an oculus is a small circular window in a dome, ribs forming a groin vault belong to ribbed vaulting, and external arches are separate supporting elements. So the sunken panels option best captures what coffers are.