Which feature is associated with the Gothic architectural style?

The Gothic architectural style is characterized by its use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which collectively create a distinctive aesthetic and structural innovation. Pointed arches allow for greater height and stability in the building, as they distribute the weight more effectively than rounded arches. Ribbed vaults enhance the strength of the ceiling structures and allow for more elaborate designs, while flying buttresses provide external support to the walls, enabling them to be taller and filled with large stained glass windows. This combination of features not only contributed to the impressive verticality and light-filled interiors of Gothic cathedrals but also represented a departure from earlier Romanesque architecture.

In contrast, the other choices listed do not embody the defining characteristics of the Gothic style. Flat roofs and wide windows do not align with the height and grandeur typical of Gothic buildings. Spherical domes and rounded arches are more representative of Roman and Byzantine architecture, rather than Gothic. Similarly, intricate fresco murals and carvings are important in other styles but do not specifically represent the structural elements or innovations that are hallmark features of Gothic architecture.