Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Gothic Architecture

When researching the gothic era I decided to study gothic architecture. This is one of the most famous features of the gothic and was something that I was previously aware of.  Gothic architecture almost represented a step back in time as is beautiful and more complicated than earlier architectural styles which had been becoming more plain.

Gothic architecture has some key features, such as being very tall. Gothic architecture incorporated new techniques into its design which meant that buildings could be built much taller, these overcame previous problems within architecture which meant many buildings were much shorter.

Flying buttresses are a key feature of Gothic architecture and were used to give stability to buildings, helping them to become much taller. These buttresses could also be used for decorative purposes and were carved in to many beautiful and complicated shapes. Flying buttresses can be seen on Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, these however are smooth and uncarved.

Notre Dame Flying Butresses
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bigdogandy/6897426568/

Vaulted ceilings were also a key feature in gothic architecture, they were used to help support the upper  levels of buildings by spreading the weight around more evenly. This would also have helped in making buildings taller adding to the overall impressiveness of gothic architecture. This design is very beautiful and magnificent, the design and look is very awe inspiring.

A Gothic Vaulted Ceiling
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mharrsch/10950924545/

Pointed arches is also a very famous style of gothic architecture and previous styles of arches were more rounded. This also was another design feature which allowed buildings to become taller as the pointed design was stronger and more stable.

Gothic Vaulted Arches
http://www.docbrown.info/docspics/yorkscenes/minster/NaveInterior.htm

Gargoyles are also a very famous feature of gothic architecture. They are decorative water spouts that allow water to run off the roof of buildings. They are also an element of the grotesque, a key feature in gothic literature. It is said that the gargoyles were used to scare people into church.

Gothic Gargoyles
https://www.pinterest.com/forgottenNZ/gargoyles/

http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html

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