Log in victoria aka crafty girl aka cupid 9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to victoria aka crafty girl aka cupid's post “How come buildings are c...” How come buildings are considered art.? • (6 votes) DC 9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to DC's post “Because they can be built...” Because they can be built beautifully. Many buildings are plain and boring, like a painted wall, but when you turn the architecture, or the paint, into a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa or the Hagia Sophia, it is art, and art by any measure. (27 votes) Joe Rue Pighams 9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to Joe Rue Pighams's post “I thought that the archit...” I thought that the architecture had a symbolic meaning. Like how the churches were often in the shape of a cross, I thought that the ribbed vaulting was supposed to look like the inside of the bottom of a boat, referring to how the church is where the spiritual journey takes place. • (11 votes) Magistra H 9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to Magistra H's post “You're correct; they prob...” You're correct; they probably just didn't get to it because the video is only an introduction. 1315048633 8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to 1315048633's post “what was the difference b...” what was the difference between ribbed vaulting and barrel vaults • (4 votes) Justin Tang 8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to Justin Tang's post “Barrel VaultTo understa...” Barrel Vault To understand the ribbed groin vault, we have to see where it derived from. We can understand it better by looking at the barrel vault and groin vault. A barrel vault is the simplest form of a vault. It is a continuous archway with a surface or ceiling that is semi-circular or with a point. It is very similar to a barrel or a tunnel that was cut in half height-wise, hence the name barrel vault. Barrel vaults have existed since the Ancient Egyptians and were commonly used during Roman times. Groin Vault A groin vault in the simplest definition is an intersection of two barrel vaults positioned in right angles (90 degrees). Groin vaults are stronger than barrel vault structures because barrel vaults must be built on long walls creating less stable lateral stress, whereas the groin vault design can implement stress vertically on piers. Ribbed Vault In ribbed vaults, stone "ribs" are added to groin vaults where the arris would form. The ribs offer many advantages from functional and structural support to visual enhancements. Groin vaults compared to ribbed vaults are heavier, requiring more support and heavier filling. The stone ribs allow some of the force and pressure from the ceiling to be easily transferred to the columns/pier support below. This allows the structure to use lighter materials for the filling. The most important advantage of ribbed vaults is the ability to construct vaults in greater heights. It was very important for architects to achieve a monumental scale to represent the glory of God. The ability to go higher creates a sense of greatness and also allows windows in the structure to be bigger and taller, eliminating walls as a primary form of support. This creates an airy and ethereal atmosphere. Cathedrals would change from dark, massive and heavy buildings to tall elegant structures with a multitude of windows. The Durham Cathedral marks the first building to have ribbed vaults, an important structural element that would help the Gothic style flourish between the 12th and 16th century. (10 votes) forreynj 8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to forreynj's post “What are some additional ...” What are some additional resources that go into more detail about the mathematics and engineering behind Gothic architecture? • (4 votes) drszucker 8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to drszucker's post “Otto von Simson's old but...” Otto von Simson's old but wonderful book, The Gothic Cathedral, might be a good place to start. http://press.princeton.edu/titles/4201.html (4 votes) Shadia 9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to Shadia's post “I was wondering where on ...” I was wondering where on Khan Academy I could find an activity on Gothic Sculpture? Also, did the Gothic architecture also reflect on the artwork produced? • (2 votes) jzhang1 7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to jzhang1's post “"In fact, the column basi...” "In fact, the column basically continued all the way to the roof, and became part of the vault." Could someone please explain what a "vault" is? The word reminds me of an attic, or a treasury, but I'm not sure... • (1 vote) saubhaginimahajan2298 7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to saubhaginimahajan2298's post “Comparision between st se...” Comparision between st sernin toulouse ( romanesque ) and reima catherdral (gothic)? • (1 vote) David Alexander 7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “I think you can google ea...” I think you can google each of these buildings and print out the wikipedia articles to which you are led. Then, using markers or colored pencils, one color for each of your comparative categories, you can find the data you want and make the comparisons. The most important thing you can do is your own homework. (2 votes) Camp Girl!!! 10 months agoPosted 10 months ago. Direct link to Camp Girl!!!'s post “what is the main similari...” what is the main similarity between all three churches? Notre Dame, St Denise, and Cathedral of St. John The Baptist? • (2 votes) David Alexander 10 months agoPosted 10 months ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “Could it be the floor pla...” Could it be the floor plan? (0 votes) Casey.O 7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to Casey.O's post “How common were Gothic ch...” How common were Gothic churches? • (1 vote) drszucker 7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to drszucker's post “Gothic was the dominant s...” Gothic was the dominant style north of the Alps for churches for several hundred years beginning in the 12th century. So yes, Gothic churches was quite common. (1 vote) Amber Runkle 6 years agoPosted 6 years ago. Direct link to Amber Runkle's post “What were some requiremen...” What were some requirements of cathedrals? • (1 vote) David Alexander 6 years agoPosted 6 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “A cathedral is the offici...” A cathedral is the official throne of the bishop. It is nothing but a chair. A cathedral church is the building in which the bishop's chair is located. That being the case, the "requirement" of a cathedral church is that it be the headquarters of the bishop, who administers that region and all the churches in it, and that the church itself be large enough to hold the chair, the bishop who sits in it, and any other people who might be present for ceremonies associated with the administrative and ecclesiastical duties performed there. (1 vote)Want to join the conversation?
Am I wrong or did they just fail to mention this?
Points of comparsion
Arches
Vaults
Buttresses
Elevation
Plan
Lighting
(Answering what why how ?)
Could it be the placement of the altar within the structure?
Could it be the style of the towers?
Consider these three as you view pictures of the structures. I'm sure that you can come up with something.
I live in Tainan, Taiwan, where the local cathedral church is rather modest. In fact, it's smaller in scale than some of the local parish church buildings.
FAQs
What is the main idea of Gothic architecture? ›
The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch, which was likely borrowed from Islamic architecture that would have been seen in Spain at this time. The pointed arch relieved some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements.
Why is it called Gothic architecture? ›The term Gothic was coined by classicizing Italian writers of the Renaissance, who attributed the invention (and what to them was the nonclassical ugliness) of medieval architecture to the barbarian Gothic tribes that had destroyed the Roman Empire and its classical culture in the 5th century ce.
What are the historical influences of Gothic architecture? ›The architecture that informed the Gothic period drew upon a number of influences, including Romanesque, Byzantine, and Middle Eastern.
Why did Romanesque architecture change to Gothic? ›The Gothic grew out of the Romanesque architectural style, when both prosperity and relative peace allowed for several centuries of cultural development and great building schemes. ... So, rather than having massive, drum-like columns as in the Romanesque churches, the new columns could be more slender.
What are some interesting facts about Gothic architecture? ›Not only were the arched windows tall in proportion, but gothic cathedrals often included lofty pointed steeples. Gothic architects did not strive for symmetry, as is famously seen in the west façade of Chartes Cathedral, where the two steeples do not match.
What country has the most Gothic architecture? ›What country has the most Gothic architecture? Definitely France. The style originated in France in the Ile de France region around Paris and spread across Western Europe from there.
Why is Gothic architecture so good? ›As opposed to the rounded arches commonly found in Romanesque buildings, Gothic structures are famous for their pointed arches that proved more adept at bearing weight. These pointed arches were not only used for practical reasons; they were symbolically significant in that they pointed towards heaven.
Why was Gothic architecture considered barbaric? ›The word was used in a derogatory way as a synonym of 'barbaric'. They denounced this type of art as unrefined and ugly and attributed it to the Gothic tribes which had destroyed the Roman Empire and its classical culture in the 5th century AD.
Why is goth called goth? ›The term "Goths" used to describe the subculture known as "goth" is not directly related to the historical Germanic people known as the Goths. Instead, the term "goth" as it relates to the subculture has its origins in the music and fashion movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
How did Gothic architecture affect society? ›One of the most notable impacts of the Gothic Revival movement was its revival of architectural traditions. The movement found expression in the construction of majestic cathedrals, churches, and other buildings adorned with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery.
What are the two most recognizable features of Gothic architecture? ›
The defining design element of Gothic architecture is the pointed or ogival arch. The use of the pointed arch in turn led to the development of the pointed rib vault and flying buttresses, combined with elaborate tracery and stained glass windows.
Is Gothic architecture still used today? ›This form of architecture sees its implementation to this day in the form of Christian Churches. The Catholic church still prefers this style and has been using it to this day. Most of the famous cathedrals around the world are projected and designed in this style, most notable of which is the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Why is Gothic architecture not used anymore? ›In the US, Gothic style architecture isn't very economical at this time. It requires skilled stone workers, who may have been abundant at one time, but now are considered specialty artisans. Again, in the US, most modern high rise buildings are constructed of concrete, steel or a combination of the two.
What is the history of Gothic architecture? ›The Gothic style of architecture and art originated in the Middle Ages and was prevalent in Europe between the mid-12th century and the 16th century. It was heavily ornate and conceptual, with its architecture characterised by high buildings, intricate aesthetics, cavernous spaces and expansive walls.
How did religion influence Gothic architecture? ›With walls stretching toward Heaven, builders were able to include massive windows that brought in light through stained glass, reflecting the power and enlightenment of God. All of these visual elements helped the average person understand their place in the world and how they related to the church.
What was Gothic architecture originally called? ›The style was originally referred to as “French Work” (Opus Francigenum), and was used extensively by religious bodies, especially the Roman Catholic Church. The Gothic style was an evolution from Romanesque, which was marked by its many arches, vaulted ceilings and smaller stained glass windows.
What did the word Gothic originally refer to? ›Gothic originally meant "having to do with the Goths or their language," but its meaning eventually came to encompass all the qualities associated with Germanic culture, especially the Germanic culture dominant during the medieval period after the fall of Rome.
What does Gothic stand for? ›The adjective gothic describes something that is characterized by mystery, horror, and gloom — especially in literature. Gothic literature combines the genres of romance and horror. Some famous writers of Gothic fiction include Charlotte Bronte, Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe.