Gothic Architecture

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GOTHIC

ARCHITECTURE
GROUP 4
JAMIN MAINGI – DID 09-013/2023

LAURA HELLEN

LOUIS MUTURI

WENDY MIHESO – DID 09-033/2023


THE HISTORY OF GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

It is an architectural style that originated in Europe’s Middle Ages from the late 12 th to the 16th centuries.

Gothic architecture advanced from Romanesque architecture in Europe.

It was originally called Opus Francigenum which is Latin for French Work.

The first truly gothic building appeared at around 1140 A. D. and was built by the French which is also the
oldest gothic architectural building in the world, the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis.

The Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

Gothic architecture was considered uplifting for it’s time. This is because their large walls and stained-glass
windows allowed so much light in and in turn created a heavenly environment.
KEY FEATURES SEEN IN GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

 Vertical emphasis; it emphasized on height by use of tall elements like draperies or


vertical patterns to create a sense of grandeur and verticality.

Emphasis of vertical height as seen in gothic buildings

 Ribbed vaults; it enabled detailed patterns to mimic the vaulted ceilings structures.

Ribbed vaults; a skeleton or arches or ribs laid to form a ceiling or roof


 Stained glass windows – The purpose was to let in a lot of light and also emulated
colorful beauty by using tall colorful glass windows in interior décor.

Chartres cathedral, The Passion of Christ windows

 Ornate details; it is highly detailed so as to contain detailed carvings, tracery, and


decorative motifs in furniture moldings and other elements.

 Use of stone and wood – Gothic architecture mostly featured elaborate stonework
including limestone and sandstone. Wood was mainly used for the roof structures which
provided the framework for the vaulted ceilings and the pointed arches.
 Use of iron – It was used for various structural elements. Decorative ironwork would be
put in gates, railings and other ornamental elements.

Iron as used in gothic gates


 Candle light and chandeliers; it brought the sense of lighting and also reminded of the
gothic era.

 Lead – It was used for the very detailed joints and also as for support of the stained glass
windows
 Flying buttresses – They were constructed using stone mostly in an arched design, this
was to support the walls and to distribute the weight of the structure.

 Mortar – This is a type of mortar which was made from limestone and sand for masonry
work

 Dramatic color pallets; by use of rich, deep, color for walls upholstery and textiles to
create a sense of drama.
CONCLUSION

Gothic Architecture was developed to bring more sunshine into peoples lives and also in the physical
churches as compared to Romanesque architecture. It’s clear that this style of architecture clearly achieved
it’s purpose

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