Often considered one of the most beautiful architectural styles, Gothic architecture originated in medieval Europe and is used primarily in religious structures such as churches, cathedrals and chapels. Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, Gothic architecture is renowned for its engineering prowess and the use of a grandiose aesthetic to evoke feelings of awe.
What is Gothic Architecture?
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture particularly popular during the High Middle Ages. It was used primarily in religious structures as churches, cathedrals, and chapels, but it was also employed for palaces, castles, and town halls. Developed in the early 12th century in Île-de-France, Gothic architecture is associated with grandeur and heights achieved through the use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
This style is also distinguished by its use of a tracery of stone, which is a “framework of ornamental stonework” which allows the application of intricate decorations to walls and entranceways. With this sort of decoration, Gothic architecture becomes a work of art, invoking strong feelings of awe and sublimity in those who observe it.
Gothic architecture is said to be the most inherently vertical of all architectural styles, making it especially suitable for churches, as it echoes themes found within churches and religious structures regarding reaching Heaven and aspired spiritual heights.
The Pointed Arch
The pointed arch is considered the most commonly recognized feature associated with Gothic architecture and is thought to be largely responsible for the grandiose, awe-inspiring aesthetic of this particular style. The pointed arch is an arch that has a “sharp” or “pointed” apex, rather than the curved or flat apex of the more traditional Roman or Romanesque styles.
The pointed arch allows ceilings and vaults to be much higher than those of the Roman and Romanesque styles. In addition to allowing for greater heights, the pointed arch provides strength and rigidity to vaulted ceilings. This was an important feature of the Gothic style as it allowed large open rooms, such as those found in cathedrals, to have large, expansive ceilings that could be adorned with heavy ornamental decorations and statues.
Ribbed Vaults and Flying Buttresses
Ribbed vaults, also known as groin vaults, are a common feature of Gothic architecture. These vaults are created by crossing two barrel vaults at right angles, creating a rib-like network of ribs that further strengthens the ceiling, allowing for the construction of even grander structures than with the traditional Romans and Romanesque styles.
Particularly in the case of churches and cathedrals, ribbed vaults allowed for large open spaces that, coupled with stained glass windows, provided viewers with a full picture of the Biblical stories or important figures being portrayed, creating a moving religious experience.
A feature closely related to ribbed vaults are the flying buttresses. These are stout walls on the exterior of the building, extending from the roof to the ground, that provide extra support to the vaults and walls of the structure. The flying buttresses allow for larger windows and a much higher ceiling, while also allowing for the use of less material in the walls, lightening the load.
The use of flying buttresses is perhaps the most distinguishing feature of Gothic architecture, and its use in cathedrals, churches and other religious buildings has made it an iconic aesthetic associated with the Gothic style.
Conclusion
Gothic architecture is perhaps one of the most recognizable architectural styles, particularly because of its association with grand religious structures such as churches, cathedrals and chapels. Its recognition is largely due to its use of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which allowed for large open spaces, high ceilings and intricate decorations, thus creating the grandiose aesthetic associated with Gothic architecture.
Although originated in the High Middle Ages, Gothic architecture is still popular and employed in many architectural projects today.
Sources:
- Encyclopedia Britannica, Gothic Architecture
- ThoughtCo, Gothic Innovations
- National Wildlife Federation, Gothic Architecture
Tags: Historical Architecture, Medieval
