Gothic Cathedrals Essay Example for Free

gothic Cathedrals EssayGothic computer architecture flourished during the Medieval times or Middle Ages. It evolves from the Romanesque modal value of architecture. The best example of Gothic architecture are the Gothic Cathedrals, specifically the La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral in France and the Salisbury Cathedral in England. This paper will discuss the master(prenominal) and identifiable features of Gothic Cathedrals and explore the changes and evolution in floor plans and sculptural program of the exterior of the church from a stylistic and purposeual point of view.It will also formulate how rescuerian religions needs and preoccupations changed overtime by using the buildings of La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral. II. Identifiable features pointed arch, momentary buttresses and ribbed vaulting The ternary most noticeable characteristic of Gothic Cathedrals are its height (tall), spaciousness and good ventilation (light). This is made possible by the de velopment of new style technology, the pointed arch, flying buttresses and the ribbed vaulting.Prior to the use of pointed arch, the roofs of churches in the olden times were supported with a rounded arch. However, architects discovered that with a pointed arch, they can build taller buildings. With a higher building came a new type of buttress that takes care of the weight of the roof by supporting the walls from the outside by leaning arches called flying buttresses which are usually placed one above the other. As a result walls could be made taller and less massive, enabling a wide orbit of wall space for stained-glass windows.Meanwhile, the idea of ribbed vaulting also becomes popular. Instead of the groin vault of the Romanesque period, the Gothic architects discovered that ribs (diagonal arches) could be built that would support the complete weight of the roof. The space between the ribs could then be filled in with lighter material (Dudley Faricy, 1973, p. 291-295 Perry, 1988, p. 189). With the adoption of these three technological styles, the Gothic cathedrals as compared to the somber, ghastly churches that preceded it are much higher, lighter and more spacious making it more inviting for the Christians.On the other hand, the concept of allowing more light inside the church is derived from the concept that God is Light. As much as possible partitions in the floor plans were removed so that a dazzling light will emanate from the chorus toward the congregation. Moreover, the concept of building tall churches with tall towers and spires conveys the idea of the supremacy and importance of Christian religion in a persons life specially that it towers above all other buildings surrounding it.Such are the qualities and impression that La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral projects. Both two cathedrals still uses the cocker floor plans, the Salisbury cathedral, however, though it contained two transepts, is much simpler than the La Sain te-Chapelle which was built upon the order of the fashionable French monarch, Louise IX. La Sainte-Chapelle is elaborately decorated, the elaborate ornamentation conveying the idea of the wealth of the church and hence the prosperity of the Kingdom (Scott, 2003, p. 21-23 Vauchez, 2000, p. 1228).II. Reflection of Christian needs and Preoccupation of the Middle Ages The Gothic cathedrals, although took many years (even centuries) to build, inaugural began to be created during the Middle ages, a time characterized by feudal wars ,famine and epidemics. In spite of these unfavorable conditions, the Christians took the effort to make a big church, as an facet of their Christian devotion.One notable feature of Gothic stained glass windows, as seen in the two cathedrals, are the paintings of Biblical characters. The primary purpose why they paint them all over the walls is so that the illiterate could picture out what was written in the Bible (Perry, 1988, 189). Le Sainte-Chapelle, howve re, housed important Christian relics collected by Louise IX signifying the preoccupations of the rich Christian monarchs with anything regarding Christianity.The facade of Gothic cathedrals are also elaborately decorated using sculptured human figures ( saints ,kings and peasant life) as the main features, illustrating their growing interest in humanism ideas ( human life and accomplishments) as it replace the usual carvings of animals, fruits and other figures. The story of Christ, specifically his incarnation, decorate the entrance of the church, gad whoever will pay homage or pilgrimage to the church not to admire its gold or cost but to focus their attention to Christ ( Dudley, 1974, p. 291 Scott, 2003, pp. 47-48) .II. Conclusion Gothic Cathedrals, like the Salisbury Cathedral and La Sainte-Chapelle, are the best representative of Gothic art. The knowledge of new style of architectural technology by using a pointed arch, flying buttresses and ribbed vaulting paved the way for a taller , more spacious and well-lighted or ventilated churches. It erased accordingly the somber, gloomy aura of the Romanesque churches, and the new concept of God as Light and Supreme was successfully incorporated into the church structure.In spite of the presence of wars, famines and epidemics, this compulsive project was embarked on, signifying the Christian devotion of the people of the Medieval era.Works CitedDudley, Louise and Austin Faricy. The Humanities, 5th edition. New York McGraw-Hill Company, 1973. Perry, Marvin. A History of the World. New York Houghton-Mifflin, Inc, 1988. Scott, Robert A. The Gothic Enterprise A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral. Berkeley University of California Press, 2003. Vauchez, Andre, and et al. Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages. New York Routledge, 2000.