Essay on Geometry in Gothic Architecture - 3554 Words

Introduction The 12th Century saw the move away from the Romanesque architecture which had typified the preceding centuries to the era of the great Gothic cathedrals which were to become the architectural symbol of the middle ages. The transformation was not simply one of size or scope but a manifestation of the cultural shifts which were occurring as the medieval age commenced. By this time, numbers and geometry had acquired a metaphysical significance and were believed to have occult symbolism and power. The introduction of sacred geometry into all aspects of the design of places of worship was therefore inevitable and from that time key design features such as the numbers of pillars in the choir, the layout of the floor plan and†¦show more content†¦Clear examples of a spiritual combination of artistic expression and devotion. Scholasticism, or the attempt to infuse contemporary and emerging values into the accumulation of previous knowledge is also in clear evidence in Chartres which contains many statues and artefacts of the Greek and other ages . Statues including those of Aristotle, Pythagoras and Donatus each of whom were great scholars of a long gone age are to be found. A clear illustrating of long standing influence on Gothic principles. Political stability as a result of the rapport between the Pope and Kings of France removed the requirement for fortification of religious buildings with the result that cathedrals became city buildings as opposed to being established in rural and remote locations. Economic prosperity was also returning as a result of technological advance and in Chartres in particular the regional agricultural led economic revival was driving population growth and prosperity in general. Characteristics of the Gothic Cathedral As a result the great churches in the cities became symbols of the new age. This was the end of a period of architectural experimentation. The building of Chartres was preceded by an extended period of experimentation, characterised by a mixture of ogival arches, flying buttresses and triforia. The completion of Chartres represented the time when a template came together, a harmony was established which would representShow MoreRelated Three Architecture Styles Essay1390 Words   |  6 PagesThree Architecture Styles In this essay information will be given in order to compare and contrast data about three different styles of architecture. The three styles are Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Neo Gothic. In order to fully give a clear explanation of these styles, information about architecture will be given first then the three styles will follow with comparing and contrasting points in between. First, to inform about architecture, one must explain what it is. Architecture, referringRead More Gothic Arches Versus Romanesque Arches1185 Words   |  5 PagesThesis, Argument Outline, and Evidence In the late 12th century the Romanesque period of style morphed into the Gothic period of style. The Romanesque period was characterized by the following: thick walls, barrel/round arches, supporting groin vaults, and thick buttresses (Calkins 1998, 110). The Gothic period was characterized by the following: thin walls, pointed arches, stained glass, and flying buttresses (Icher 1998, 20-30). During the early medieval years, the use of thick walls in buildingRead MoreAntoni Gaudi: Catalan Architect Essay1415 Words   |  6 Pagesthe master of Catalan Modernism. Most of Gaudi’s work was marked by his 3 passions of life; religion, nature and architecture. 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This essay is going to discuss Notre-DameRead MoreA Critical Comparison of Gothic Architecture in Italy, France and Germany1091 Words   |  5 PagesGothic was first used as a term of contempt during the late renaissance. The Goths were barbarians- which leads to many theories as to why Goth was the chosen title for a style that required extreme engineering as well as technical and artistic know how. Since then vast efforts have been made to rename the style with a term that better encompasses the idea of gothic style. The Gothic style was an over exaggerated, awe-inspiring attempt to become closer to God. The worshipper was not onlyRead MoreThe Dark Ages1025 Words   |  5 Pagesscience, Carolingian Renaissance, Byzantine Golden Age, Islamic Golden Age, Commercial Revolution, mathematics, art, architecture, improved weather conditions, improvement upon laws, agricultural boom, the printing press (a fundamental part of journalism today), theater, Islam, and impressive leaders. 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