Gothic architecture

‘Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture. Originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was known during the period as Opus Francigenum ("French work") with the term Gothic first appearing during the later part of the Renaissance. Its characteristics include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress. Gothic architecture is most familiar as the architecture of many of the great cathedrals, abbeys and churches of Europe. It is also the architecture of many castles, palaces, town halls, guild halls, universities and to a less prominent extent, private dwellings, such as dorms and rooms.

It is in the great churches and cathedrals and in a number of civic buildings that the Gothic style was expressed most powerfully, its characteristics lending themselves to appeals to the emotions, whether springing from faith or from civic pride.’

Gothic architecture (2016) in Wikipedia. Available at: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture (Accessed: 10 February 2016).

Duomo di Milano, Italy

Italian gothic architecture (2015) in Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Gothic_architecture#/media/File:Milan_Cathedral_from_Piazza_del_Duomo.jpg (Accessed: 10 February 2016).

Seven key characteristics of Gothic architecture:

‘Grand, tall designs which swept upwards with height and grandeur - In the times before Gothic architecture, Early Medieval architects struggled to spread the weight of heavy stone walls. This meant that most towers needed to be short, and buildings thin, otherwise the sheer weight of higher levels would collapse into themselves. One of the fundamental characteristics of Gothic architecture was its height. New building techniques enabled architects to spread the weight of taller walls and loftier towers. This all meant that Gothic buildings could, quite literally, scale new heights.

The flying buttress - The flying buttress is the defining external characteristic of Gothic architecture. These buttresses effectively spread the weight of the new designs, taking the weight off the walls and transferring force directly to the ground. However, what's particularly notable about the flying buttress is that it's decorative, too. They appeared to dart and sweep around each building, giving a sense of movement.

The pointed arch – The innovation of the pointed arch was the defining internal characteristic of Gothic architecture. Its significance was both practical and decorative. The pointed arch effectively distributed the force of heavier ceilings and bulkier designs, and could support much more weight than previous, simple pillars. The Gothic arch wasn't just a workhorse. It had an aesthetic value and beauty which influenced many other features of Gothic design - most notably the vaulted ceiling.

The vaulted ceiling - Irregular, vaulted ceilings utilised the technology of the pointed arch to spread force and weight from upper floors. The arch also provided the impression of height and magnificence, giving the vaulted ceiling a feeling of grandeur and elegance. The distribution of force within the vaulted ceiling enabled vaults to be built in different shapes and sizes, too. Previously, vaults could only have been circular or rectangular.

The light and airy interior - Before Gothic architecture, castles and early medieval buildings were depressing places to live/worship in. Castles, in particular, were places of damp and mould, as most weren't built strong enough to support slate or stone roofing, meaning they’d let in the rain. These old environments also tended to be dark and dingy. The windows were generally tiny, as the force of the walls would collapse into themselves if they included any larger glassworks. Gothic architecture on the other hand, emphasised light, bright windows and airy interiors, transforming castles and churches into more pleasant and majestic environments.

The gargoyles - Gargoyles are decorative, monstrous little creatures, perched at along the roofs and battlements of Gothic buildings and castles. Gargoyles have a practical purpose: they're spouts, enabling rainwater to drain off the roof and gush through their mouths, before plummeting to the ground. However, gargoyles had another intended purpose: to strike fear into the hearts of ill-educated medieval peasants, scaring them into the church or cathedral. Many gargoyles include elements of the grotesque: exaggerated, evil features or threatening poses, which would have leered down from on-high.

Gargoyle

Infante, F. (2013) Monster from alien movies spotted in a gargoyle on the side of a 13th century Scottish abbey. Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2401427/Monster-Alien-movies-spotted-gargoyle-13th-century-Scottish-Abbey.html (Accessed: 10 February 2016).

The emphasis upon the decorative style and the ornate - Gothic architecture marked the first time that beauty and aesthetic values had been incorporated into building design. This revolutionised the way that medieval architects began to think of buildings. Architecture was no longer just functional - it began to have merit and meaning in its own right. Rivalry and competition drew different groups of builders to conceive and construct grander and more decorative designs, for the glory of the Christian region.’

The Seven key characteristics of gothic architecture: From the Gargoyle to the flying buttress (no date) Available at: http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture_2.html (Accessed: 10 February 2016).

What is Gothic revival?

‘This refers to the period of mock-Gothic architecture practiced in the second half of the 19th century. That time frame can be a little deceiving, however, for the Gothic style never really died in England after the end of the medieval period. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, when classical themes ruled the fashion-conscious world of architecture, Gothic style can be seen, if intermittently. This is because many architects were asked to remodel medieval buildings in a way that blended in with the older styles. Christopher Wren, the master of classical style, for example, added Gothic elements to several of his London churches. When Nicholas Hawksmoor remodelled the west towers at Westminster Abbey (from 1723) he did so in a sympathetic Gothic style.’

Express, B. and ROSS, D. (no date) Gothic revival architecture in England. Available at: http://www.britainexpress.com/architecture/gothic-revival.htm (Accessed: 10 February 2016).

Manchester Town Hall

Manchester town hall (2010) Available at: 
https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/ocs/british_art/photogallery/?image_id=604502 (Accessed: 10 February 2016).