Social Studies 8

Romanesque & Gothic Architecture.

K.J. Benoy

Romanesque Architecture

After the year 1000, there was an enormous increase in church construction.Raoul Glaber, an 11th centuiry monk, summed it up, saying that the world was putting on a “white garment of churches.”

Romanesque Architecture

The name “Romanesque” refers to the Roman-like appearance of these buildings.

In particular, they had concrete vaults, instead of wooden ceilings.

Romanesque Architecture

In England, the Romanesque style is called Norman.

Romanesque Architecture

The best preserved Romanesque churches line the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Campostela, in northwest Spain.

They displayed the standard format cross shape, formed by the adding of wings, called transepts, on the north and south sides of buildings oriented on an east-west axis.

Romanesque ArchitectureChurches like St. Sernin in Toulouse, solved the great pilgrim traffic problem by adding an ambulatory to the the ends of the side aisles.

Romanesque Architecture

The great rounded stone barrel vaulting perfectly resonated the sound of monks chanting and singing.

Romanesque Architecture

However, the great weight of the vaults had to be supported by thick walls and massive piers.

Windows were small and let in little light.

Romanesque Architecture

These churches were huge compared to most of those build before; however, they appear short and squat when measured against later Gothic structures.

Romanesque Architecture

The space of the interior was broken up considerably by the thick piers.People in the aisles could hear, but not always see ,the service.

Romanesque Churches

Sculpture became an important decorative feature.

Romanesque to Gothic Architecture

By the end of the Romanesque period, some engineering changes greatly strengthened church buildings and made possible an entirely new style – Gothic.

Romanesque to Gothic Architecture

Firstly, pointed arches and ribbed vaults helped to focus the stress of vaulting weight effectively.

Romanesque to Gothic Architecture

Secondly, flying buttresses were used to transfer weight to supports outside the building.

Gothic Architecture

However, the Gothic style did not come until these innovations were adapted by Abbott Suger, of St. Denis, for the rebuilding of his important abbey church.

Gothic Architecture

Suger invented a new, open-plan building, with thin piers…

Gothic Architecture

…and huge expanses of glass in its walls.

Gothic Architecture

The three key features were:

•Pointed Arches

•Ribbed vaults

•Flying Buttresses

Gothic ArchitectureBy the end of the Gothic period, builders could create seemingly impossible structures, like the upper chapel of St. Chapelle, in Paris.

Gothic Architecture

Gothic buildings reached astounding proportions, soaring high above their surrounding towns.

Gothic Architecture

In France, Gothic builders aimed for seemingly impossible inside height.

Gothic Architecture

At Beauvais they went beyond the structural capacity of medieval design, resulting in the collapse of its Nave.

Gothic Architecture

In England, builders focused on height in the western or crossing towers.

Gothic Architecture

At Cluny, in France, the largest interior space in the world was created using Gothic building techniques.

Gothic Architecture

In France, late Gothic architecture stressed flamboyant decoration.

…inside

…and out.

Gothic Architecture

In England, “fan” vaulting grew so ornate that one can no longer tell what is decorative and what is structural.

Gothic Architecture

Even today, Gothic Architecture still astounds all who see it.Millions of tourists go to Europe specifically to visit these amazing structures.

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