Monday, April 7, 2008

Jamie: Gothic Architecture…

The gothic period began in France and went from the 12th Century to the 16th century. This period brought along many new styles and characteristics. This period brought many new styles that have made Europe iconic for such buildings. The period emerged after the renaissance period which made architecture more of an art form than a way to make buildings, all deriving from their roundness arches.

New characteristics that were brought about were higher ceilings, pointed archways, and the ribbed vault. Many architectural buildings that are connected to the gothic architectural period are cathedrals, churches, town halls and even universities. Within these buildings, it is here that the style of gothic really shined to the public.
During the 12th century, Europe was a lot less united and their was peaceful competition between such communities. Much of this was between Germany, France, Italy and Venice during their boom in trade each trying to outdo one another with more technical architectural structures.

Much of their materials to make such beautiful buildings are limestone, granite,
sandstone and marble. Many of the plans are made from the Latin cross base, meaning
that the central design is in the shape of a cross. Another factor of the architecture is the height, generally the churches and cathedrals were taller than they were wide. The new and higher arches began to become the skeleton of the building. With the development of these arches, new styles emerged, the most common being, the Lancet Arch, the Flamboyant Arch, the Depressed Arch and the Equilateral Arch, each holding their own purpose.

These beautiful buildings have become the iconic architecture to Europe during the Gothic period. Such famous buildings include, Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, Milan Cathedral, and the Chartres Cathedral. Each building holds its own beauty, and power to entice its onlookers.

Bibliography:
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/ent/A0821376.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/medieval/architecture/gothic
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/arch/gothic/gothic.jpg
http://historylink101.com/lessons/art_history_lessons/ma/gothic_architecture.htmhttp://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/orion/eng/hst/gothic.html

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