Gothic Architecture …

What?
 Originally known as “French style”
 Where architects are inspired by Romanesque architecture and
pointed arches of Spanish Moorish architecture

When?
 An architectural style in Europe- mid of 12 C to 16 C
 Began towards the end of Romanesque architecture

Why?
 There was a need to progress in development of building design.
 There was a desire to reach perfection in buildings.
 To resemble gods relationship with universe.

Where?
 It began in France at mid of 12C.
 By the end 12C it reached England and later on the rest of
Europe

Gothic Architecture …
Characteristics of gothic architecture –

Structural
 Skeletal stone structure

Visual: Exterior
 Pointed arches (to reach great heights)
 Focus on verticality(taller and slender)
 Flying Buttresses(extra support to the roof and the thinner
walls. They took weight of the roof away from the wall)
 Very decorative
 Ornaments and pinnacles
Visual: Interior
 Bright and airy
 High ceiling
 Very decorative
 Stained glass windows
 Rib vaults and pointed arches

Symbolic –Scholasticism
 Translation of real events into stone and glass
 Cathedral served as an image of heaven

Gothic Architecture …
Gothic Architecture …
Gothic Architecture …
Gothic Architecture …
Gothic Architecture …
A Death of 800 years history –
Gothic architecture