Gothic Architecture

                                       Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture evolved from Romanesque architecture and flourished during the late medieval period. It is most familiar in architecture of many great cathedrals and churches in Europe.

It’s characteristics include pointed arches, stained glass windows, the rib vault and flying buttress.

stained glass

 

                                                                      Flying Buttress
   

                                                                     The ribbed Vault

The pointed arch, ribbed vault and flying buttress were solutions to tall building structures preserving as much ‘natural light’ possible, whilst the stained glass provided ‘startling sun-dappled interior effects’

Gothic architecture places emphasis on verticality and light.

The abbey of Saint Denis was one of the earliest abbeys to combine these elements.

The style brought new construction techniques, allowing buildings, especially churches, to reach great heights. Builders discovered the amazing strength and stability that comes with pointed arches.

In Gothic Buildings, it was the arches that supported the weight of the roof more than the walls, this allowed for thinner walls.

Many cathedrals are also filled with strange creatures (gargoyles) acting as waterspouts to protect the foundation from rain.

Gothic Architecture. 2013. [ONLINE] available at: http://architecture.about.com/od/earlychristianmedieval/ss/gothic.htm
Gothic architecture. Britannica Online Encyclopedia. 2013. [ONLINE] available at:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/239678/Gothic-architecture