What is a Gothic Architecture>

The name “Gothic” Architecture came from a derogatory commentary on the style written by Giorgio
Vasari in 1550, as the style began to decline. He described the architectural features that came to
define Gothic Architecture as “barbarous German style” and blamed “the Goths” for destroying
ancient buildings and replacing them with ones in this style. The greatest number of surviving Gothic
architectural buildings are churches. From smaller chapels to the largest Cathedrals. As a style that
spanned such a long time in history, Gothic architecture does of course have a number of different
manifestations. It does have some clear characteristics. These are large stained glass windows,
ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, ornate embellishments and pointed arches.

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. It is rooted in French architecture, but can be found all over
Europe and even in other continents. 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. The Gothic style took these features and
exaggerated them, increasing the scale of arches and the magnitude of the windows. The
wallsof the buildings, however, became thinner and were supported by flying buttresses to
assist the architects in achieving structures that appeared to be closer to the heavens.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, advances in engineering enabled architects to design and complete
increasingly huge buildings. Features such as the flying buttress, rib vaulted pointed arch – known as the
Gothic arch – were used to support very tall buildings and allow in as much natural light as possible.
Stained glass windows allowed coloured light into vast interiors.

What are the characteristics and common features of a Gothic Architecture?

LARG E STAINE D GLASS WINDO WS

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.

PO IN TE D ARCHE S
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.

This silhouette accentuated each cathedral's height, symbolically pointed toward the sky, and
accommodated similarly-shaped vaulting.
RIBBE D 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.

In addition to showcasing a more decorative aesthetic than traditional barrel vaults, these criss-
crossed constructions offer increased support for the sky-high buildings.

FLYIN G BU TTRE SSE S

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.
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.

O RN ATE DE CO RATION
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.

7. Grand, Tall Designs, Which Swept Upwards With Height and Grace

In the times before gothic architecture, Early Medieval architects struggled to spread the weight
of heavy stone walls.
This meant that towers needed to be short and buildings thin. Otherwise, the sheer weight of the
high floors would make the building collapse into itself.
One of the fundamental characteristics of gothic architecture was its height. New building
techniques (such as the flying buttress, detailed below) enabled architects to spread the weight
of taller walls and loftier towers.
This all meant that gothic buildings could, quite literally, scale new heights. It allowed them to
reach up to the heavens – perfect for cathedrals and churches.
8. Garofyles
The gargoyle (derived from the French word gargouille, meaning gargle) is a sculptural
waterspout, placed to prevent rainwater from running down masonry walls. These numerous
grimacing sculptures divided the flow among them, minimizing potential water damage.
Gargoyles were sculpted on the ground and placed as the building neared completion. St.
Romanus is often associated with the gargoyle; legend speaks of him saving Rouen from a
snarling dragon that struck terror even in the heart of spirits. Known as La Gargouille, the beast
was vanquished and its head mounted on a newly built church, as an example and warning.
While the gargoyle has been around since Egyptian times, prolific use of the element in Europe
is attributed to the Gothic era. Profusely grouped upon several cathedrals, it heightens a sense
of allegory and the fantastic.

9. Two specific window designs were established during the Gothic period - the narrowly
pointed lancet reinforced height, while the circular oculus held stained-glass. As height grew
less of an objective with Gothic builders, the latter half of the Rayonnant Gothic saw structures
reduced to an almost-skeletal, diaphanous frame. Windows were expanded and walls replaced
by traceried glass. An immense oculus on the triforium wall of churches formed a rose window,
the largest of which is found at St. Denis. Divided by stone mullions and bars, it held radiating
stone spokes like a wheel and was placed below a pointed arch.
Statue collum
10. The Early Gothic era showcases some of the most detailed sculpture of the period. It was
not uncommon to find statues that were of ‘structural’ nature, carved from the same stone as the
column that held up the roof. Often depicting patriarchs, prophets, and kings, they were placed
in the porches of later Gothic churches to lend an element of verticality. These larger-than-life
depictions may also be spotted in the embrasures on either side of cathedral entrances. In
France, column-statues often depicted rows of finely-dressed courtiers, reflecting the prosperity
of the kingdom.

3.