Gothic Cathedrals

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The gothic style emphasizes verticality. Gothic Cathedrals are known for their high elevations paired with large clerestories – these elements are supported by buttressing, nave elevation, and vaulting. Common elements of the gothic style are arches, thin walls, and huge stained glass windows to fill the large open structure with natural light. The elements most emphasized in gothic architecture style are the ribbed vault, pointed arch, and flying buttress. Gothic cathedrals are designed in cross plans. A long nave with aisles to both sides is intersected and extended beyond by a transverse arm called the transept. The nave then continues to form the apse. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has a double aisle so the transept does not project beyond aisles (Source here unless you learned this in class). The Salisbury Cathedral in England has two transepts that extend beyond the aisles …show more content…
It is supporting (Should supporting be supported?) through an arch that transfers the pressures to the tower. The flying buttress is the support that allows cathedrals to have high vaults resulting in the maximization of the windows in the clerestory. Gothic cathedrals are very well known for their large stained glass windows. Glass cannot support the pressures of the roof so the flying buttresses helps support the weight that the glass cannot. Flying buttresses are also used to support the weight of materials added as the structure’s height increases. The original plans for Salisbury Cathedral had the buttressing system well-hidden with the side aisle roofs. When the spire and tower were added to the plan, more buttressing was necessary at the crossing (Mahner). It can be concluded that when more weight is added to the structure, additional buttressing is needed to counteract the pressures. To achieve high elevations and large clerestories, a buttressing system is very

Gothic and Romanesque Cathedrals Essay

transformed into the Gothic style during the Middle Ages. This happened for many reasons. The Romanesque period was a time of trial and error while the Gothic period was a time of advancements in inventions. Religion was an important factor in the shift between Romanesque and Gothic. The locations of the two types of cathedrals also contributed toward the change between Romanesque and Gothic, as well as the power of the relics and the community to raise funds for the Gothic cathedrals. There are several…

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Essay on Gothic Architecture

Clayton Fraleigh 11/7/12 Journal VII Gothic Architecture Gothic architecture started in the early 12th century in France, during the medieval time period and ended around the 16th century. At this time Europe was segregated into many different city states and kingdoms, and each were competing with each other not only in trade but also in architecture. Architecture became very important, the more eloquent and lavish the buildings…

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Cathedral Essay

201206 Since the Medieval era, cathedrals have remained buildings that strike people with awe when they see them. Built all across Europe from around the 12th century onwards, the cathedral became one of the most important buildings in any city. Most importantly, the Gothic period of architecture occurred around the 12th century as well. Gothic architecture was characterized by pointed arches, flying buttresses, and flying vaults. These features give Gothic cathedral an airy look that almost seems…

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St. James Research Paper

the exception of the chapels, looks flat. The light enters the cathedral through the windows in the aisles and galleries, as well as through the central tower. Thus, the vast nave is not illuminated directly. A number of windows are situated only in wedding chapels, and the direct light makes a great contribution to the mystical lighting Sanctuary and the holy relics of the martyr. Unfortunately, the original natural light of the cathedral could not be fully reproduced because of the subsequent rearrangements…

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Filippo Brunelleschi: The Dome Of The Cathedral Of Florence

The Dome of the Cathedral is the largest masonry dome in the world and it not only is a symbol of the beginning of the rise of Florence but also showcased new ways of engineering and Gothic traditions. The Cathedral is also called Santa Maria dei Fiore, which is the cathedral of Florence that was dedicated to Santa Maria. While the construction of the Cathedral started in 1296, the dome itself was built in 1420 and it took 16 years to complete. Filippo Brunelleschi was the architect of the design…

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St Paul's Cathedral Research Paper

Throughout momentous periods of history, the site of St Paul’s cathedral has with stood bombardments of attacks and destruction by man and Mother Nature itself, making it necessary to rebuild its structure time and time again. Because of this, during different times of history the architecture and structure of the building has changed. In saying this, the current building designed by Sir Christopher Wren is a beautiful Cathedral yet not original or designed like its surrounding buildings of its time…

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Romanesque Precedes Gothic Architecture

In terms of a timeline of Medieval architecture, Romanesque style precedes Gothic style. It can be argued that Chartres Cathedral is a more modern, more advanced version of a church, and is very different from the Abbey Church of Saint Pierre, there are many similarities between the two buildings, both in terms of visuals, construction, and use of the space as a place of worship. By comparing the tympanums of both buildings and analysing each version of the scene of Christ in majesty, it is easy…

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What Is The Amiens Cathedral

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Stained Glass Cathedral

Belle Verriere, a stained glass window in the Chartres Cathedral, captures the essence of the Gothic period of architecture, most noticeably through its medium. Stained glass was a breakthrough brought about during the Gothic era, and this panel, combining glass fragments dating from both the early and high Gothic periods, is an exemplary embodiment of this art form. The use of stained glass was an iconic and central aspect of Gothic cathedrals, and the architecture of the church was altered to focus…

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Notre Dame Essay

was intricate and magnificent building that created sparks of inspiration. This would then ignite the fires of the cathedral building age. It was the French civilization that designed and undertook the building of this massive structure. The Notre Dame Cathedral is located in Paris, on the Île de la Cité an island in the Seine River. This is known as the birthplace of Paris. The Cathedral was built in the same location as Paris’ first Christian church. During the reign of Louis VII, Bishop Maurice de…

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