The Beginning And Development Of Gothic Architecture - Case Study Example

?The beginning of Gothic architecture was one which was used specifically in response to the past buildings which were created. The expressions developed were defined by breaking out of the alternative architecture while evolving with some of the ideologies which were expected as a part of the architecture. The examination of the architecture is one which defines the changes which were made and accepted with the buildings as well as how this was altered through time specifically with the changing philosophies of creating buildings at this specific time frame. The characteristics of Gothic architecture gave the specific definition which was related to what is often referred to as the French style, beginning in the 12th century and going through the 16th century. The architecture was most often used as a high art and was created for cathedrals, castles, palaces and other governmental buildings. Many often referred to the style as one which was regarded as belonging to higher powers, which was why it was used for these specific types of buildings. The original term was created by Giorgio Vasari in 1530 in response to a culture which was considered rude. Most during this time believed that the group should be outcast. To represent this, different symbols were used to show that vandals and others within society shouldn’t be present in specific buildings. The architecture of the building is then made to symbolize the individuals which should not enter into a given place (Glaser, 15). The main beliefs and descriptions with the Gothic architecture then led into concepts which were associated with the symbolic meaning that was created, most which was in reference to the Christian and high quality attributes which would not welcome others within the region. The features which were used, inclusive of ornate structures and intricate decor became some of the defining parts of the architecture. This was combined with the pointed archs and high points of the building, as well as the overall plan of the building, which was shaped like a cross, significant for the height of the Christian movement at this time. These were also combined with a ribbed vault in the center of the building and features which were designed to allow natural light to come into the building at several times during the day. The main focus was designed with both a vertical emphasis, which pointed upwards as a symbol to the higher powers as well as with the concept of having as much light in the building as possible (Murray, p. 18). An example of the Gothic architecture can be seen in influences such as the Notre Dame church, as seen in figure 1. Figure 1: Church of Notre Dame In this figure, the elements of the Gothic can be seen. At the lower area, there are three arches which one can enter, all which are rounded. Each of the windows on the second level hold the ornate decor and the symbolism which was attributed with the time frame. The pointed arches on the side then combine with this to hold to the symbolism. When looking at the overall shape of the building, it can be seen that it is shaped like a cross with the same symbology. The interior has the same components with vertical archways and a central area in the back that has larger windows for sunlight. The Gothic style is one which not only holds the symbolism of the Church in relation to the Goth or barbaric culture and the religious influences of the time. The beginning time frame also carries several influences from the other architecture that was constructed during this time frame. The main type of architecture which was being built before this time frame was the Romanesque structures. The influence was based on the Roman style, which was inclusive of symmetrical designs and construction as well as the techniques which were used with the placement and building. It is known that the technique and style of building the Romanesque buildings were the main difference between the Gothic Style, specifically because of the belief in formalism that was a part of this time frame. The concept which was used included structures that were expected to remain symmetrical on each side of the building, as opposed to being in forms such as a cross, and which didn’t hold the same level of symbolism with the main structures and influences, but instead through the decor and ornate additions to the architecture (Rudolph, p. 106). An example of the difference can be seen in the Pisa Duomo, as displayed in figure 2. Figure 2: Pisa Duomo When looking at this building, it can be seen that there is direct symmetry, with the main hall and the middle dome being the central area. There is then a wing to the left and right side to balance this. The arch ways, windows and the other aspects of the exterior have the same concept of the symmetrical balance. To further the idea of the Romanesque character is the use of columns as the outside decor, specifically which was held in high esteem for buildings during the Roman time frame. The interior and the exterior both hold the same type of balance, symmetry and the columns and archways which came directly from the Roman period. This took over the influence of the decor and the symbolic ornamentation that was a part of the Gothic period. There was also a lack of the pointed arches, specifically because of the symmetrical influence. Each of these differences led to less light in the Romanesque time frame as well as less of the natural space which was used with decor and ornamentation. While the main ideology and structure which was a part of the Romanesque time frame remained the main difference, there were also several similarities with the Gothic style and the Romanesque architecture. The difference with the Gothic architecture, specifically in the earlier time frames, was noted as a modernization or development from the Romanesque. The production remained focused on the buildings for worship and higher powers with the progression. There was also a similar focus of keeping a structure which was based on experience and devotion with the way in which the buildings were structured. The similarities then became inclusive of finding the way to express the same meaning with the symbolism, mostly which was attributed to the church agendas and places of worship. This led to many of the buildings being shaped as a cross in the Romanesque time period and as a preview to the Gothic. The arches were also used in both, specifically which was considered a symbol of the buildings while creating the linear ideology that was used for symbolic purposes. The system within the internal building was also known to remain the same, with longer halls leading to a central place while being combined with side wings for other purposes (Rudolph, p. 386). A comparison of these two forms can be seen through the “Vezalay” of the Romanesque time frame and the “Coutances Cathedral” as seen in Figure 3. Figure 3: Vezalay and Coutances Cathedral When looking at these two images, it can be seen that most of the structural concepts remain the same. Both have the arch ways in the front as well as the arches on top. Both also have the symbolism of the tower which is a part of the ideology from the church, the difference being the pointed arch of the Cathedral and the square top point of the “Vezelay.” There are also similarities with the concept of form and the way in which both were constructed with side wings being in both of the churches. The interior of both continues with this with the arches and the movement toward a central area. The difference is with the amount of light which is made and the use of the windows that are in the churches. However, the overall structure, format and symbolism remain the same with both. The Gothic architecture which was used in the beginning can be considered an evolution of the earlier forms of buildings. The Romanesque period was known to have several of the same components which are attributed to the Gothic style. The differences which are noted come from the use of light, symbolism of the overall structure and the ornamentation which changed during this time. The changes which were altered were attributed specifically to the movements which were occurring socially. Responses to the Goth movement and the use of symbolism to show the significance of the church and other buildings became the main ideology which led to the progression of the Gothic style. Works Cited Glaser, Stephanie. “The Gothic Cathedral and Medievalism.” Journal of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 2 (1), 2006. Murray, Stephen. “The Study of Gothic Architecture.” A Companion to Medieval Art: Romanesque and Gothic in Northern Europe. Wiley – Blackwell: UK, 2006. Rudolph, Conrad. A Companion to Medieval Art: Romanesque and Gothic in Northern Europe. Wiley – Blackwell: UK, 2006. Read More