What We Can Learn From the Exquisite History and Ornate Aesthetic of Gothic Architecture
By Kelly Richman-Abdou
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
Aesthetically ornate and conceptually transcendent, the Gothic style has become one of world’s most distinctive architectural movements. Though it originated in the Middle Ages, the one-of-a-kind genre continues to captivate today, as evident in some of Europe’s most beautiful buildings.
While the Gothic approach appears to be a novel form of architecture, its signature style has been shaped by different influences. Here, we explore the genre, looking closely at its rich history, defining features, and most well-known examples.
What is Gothic Architecture?
Gothic architecture is a European style of architecture that values height and exhibits an intricate and delicate aesthetic. Though its roots are French, the Gothic approach can be found in churches, cathedrals, and other similar buildings in Europe and beyond.
History
During the Middle Ages, a new style of architecture emerged in Europe. Initially referred to as Opus Francigenum, or “French Work,” this architectural genre dominated European tastes—namely, that of the Roman Catholic Church—until the 16th century, when it became known as “Gothic.”
The Gothic style evolved from Romanesque architecture, a medieval aesthetic characterized by arches, vaulted ceilings, and small stained glass windows.
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
10. A Romanesque Abbey (Photo: Goldi64 at the German language Wikipedia GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Gothic architecture adopted and adapted these Romanesque elements to produce a new style of building that featured exaggerated arches, increased vaulting, and enlarged windows. In addition to reinterpreting these characteristics, however, Gothic architecture also abandoned one key feature of Romanesque architecture: thick walls. To construct taller, more delicate buildings with thinner walls, Gothic architects employed flying buttresses for support. These stone structures allowed architects to create sky-high cathedrals and churches that evoked ethereality and reached toward the heavens.
While the Gothic style can vary according to location, age, and type of building, it is often characterized by 5 key architectural elements: large stained glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.
Large Stained Glass Windows
While stained glass windows are found in many places of worship, they are particularly prevalent in Gothic cathedrals. Featuring meticulously cut colored glass, these kaleidoscopic windows—which are typically either tall and arched ‘lancet’ windows or round ‘rose’ windows—are larger than those found in other types of churches. This allowed them to let in more dazzling light.
Gothic stained glass windows also frequently feature tracery, a decorative type of stone support, and detailed scenes from Biblical stories.
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
Pointed Arches
A primary feature of many religious structures, ample archways can be found in most Gothic churches and cathedrals. Rather than the wide, rounded arches characteristic of Romanesque buildings, however, architects working in the Gothic style adapted the tall, thin pointed arches found in Islamic architecture.
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
This silhouette accentuated each cathedral’s height, symbolically pointed toward the sky, and accommodated similarly-shaped vaulting.
Ribbed Vaults
In order to incorporate higher ceilings and taller windows into their designs, Gothic architects utilized a new method of structural support called ribbed vaulting. Ribbed vaulting involves the use of intersecting barrel vaults—arches placed parallel to one another in order to support a rounded roof.
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
In addition to showcasing a more decorative aesthetic than traditional barrel vaults, these criss-crossed constructions offer increased support for the sky-high buildings.
Flying Buttresses
On top of these advanced vaulting techniques, Gothic architects employed another unique method of structural support: flying buttresses. These projecting stone structures reinforced the buildings by redistributing the weight of the heavy roof to a lower, more solid level.
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
Flying buttresses ensured the cathedrals’ integrity so that architects did not need to sacrifice the thin walls and large windows distinctive of the Gothic style.
Ornate Decoration
A final feature found in Gothic architecture is the presence of ornate decorative elements. These include embellished colonnades and colonettes, sculptural moldings, statues of saints and historical figures, pinnacles and spires, and gargoyles, grotesque figures that double as water spouts.Notable Buildings Built in the Gothic Style
Gothic buildings can be found in cities all over France and across Europe. Notable sites in France are Paris’ Notre-Dame Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, and Reims Cathedral.
Other European examples include the Milan Cathedral, London’s Westminster Abbey, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and Seville Cathedral.
Milan Cathedral
Gothic Architecture Characteristics Gothic Architecture History Gothic Style
Legacy
As both beautiful examples of age-old architecture and as places of worship, many Gothic cathedrals remain popular destinations for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Additionally, given the spaciousness and captivating aesthetic of these buildings, many contemporary artists utilize Gothic cathedrals as the sites for their work, including projection art, multimedia installations, and interactive light shows.
