Gothic Architecture

Timeline

Gavin WalkerHilma Thomas

Joseph Mckenley

Gothic architecture is an architectural style that developed in the north of France and later spread throughout Europe between the 12th and 16th century (Farlex, 2011)The significant characteristics of gothic architecture are:

-Pointed arches - Ribbed Vaulting-Flying buttresses - Elaborate Sculptures-Pinnacles-Vertical emphasis-Stained glass windows

Gothic Architecture – WHAT IS IT?

Gothic Architecture - Examples

Basillique Saint-Denis ( Saint Denis Abbey) (France)

The Vitus Cathedral (Prague, Czech Republic)

Gothic Architecture - Examples

Chateau de Challain (France)

Gothic Architecture - Examples

Rose Window – Saint Denis Abbey

Romanesque Transition to Gothic

Gothic Pointed Arches.

Gothic Architecture

Plan View – Saint Denis Abbey

Gothic Architecture

Influence of Region on Gothic Architecture

French Gothic English Gothic

Influence of Region on Gothic Architecture

Geman Gothic Spanish Gothic

Influence of Region on Gothic Architecture

Italian Gothic

Buttress - a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall.

Pinnacle - a small pointed turret built as an ornament on a roof.

Glossary

Early in the 12th century, new ways of building meant that cathedrals and their large buildings could reach soaring heights.

Gothic Architecture began in France where builders began to adapt the earlier Romanesque style. Builders were also influenced by the pointed arches and elaborate stonework of Moorish architecture in Spain.

One of the earliest Gothic buildings was the ambulatory of the abbey of St.Denis in France –built between 1140 and 1144. This building was actually a Romanesque building in its original form that was however converted to the new Gothic style as a way of bringing more light into the building by way of more windows without compromising the strength of the building.

A significant feature of the Gothic style is the pointed arch. Gothic builders found that pointed arches could support more weight while allowing for the walls to be thinner, thus saving on material. Another significant feature is the flying buttress, which allows for the building to reach greater heights, and appear ‘lighter’ than it actually is.

Barrel vaults Ribbed vaults

Semi-circular arches Pointed arches

Thick walls Thin walls

Small openings Large openings

Romanesque Gothic