Gothic Architecture

GOTHIC
ARCHITECTURE
Presented by:
-Bien Dustine Morelos
-Emmanuel Brian Macatangay
-Seighfred De Castro
Contents
What to expect?
Introduction
Definition and Description of Gothic Architecture
Characteristics and Examples
Background Influences, and spreads in Europe
Quote of the Day
References
Definition
and
Description
Gothic Architecture
Between the middle of the 12th century and the 16th century, Europe saw the rise
of Gothic architecture, which was typified by expansive masonry structures with
overlay tracery dividing the walls.
Gothic Architecture
Buildings were ever more massive in the 12th and
13th centuries because of technical achievements.
Building a very tall structure while retaining as
much natural light as possible was a challenge
that was solved by the rib vault, flying buttress, and
pointed (Gothic) arch. Stained-glass window
panels created striking interior sun-dappled
effects.
Gothic Architecture
Saint-Denis Abbey in Paris (built between 1135 and
1144) was among the first structures to incorporate
these components into a unified form.
With the rise of the Rayonnant style in particular,

France dominated the High Gothic period (c. 1250–
1300), which was ushered by the Chartres
Cathedral. This style was developed in Britain,
Germany, and Spain in different versions; however,
Italian Gothic was unique in that it used brick and
marble instead of stone. Germany was the
pinnacle of late Gothic (15th-century) architecture.
What defines the Gothic Architecture?
Gothic architecture is defined by arches, buttressing, stained glass, ornate
decoration, and vaulted ceilings. You'll also find a lot of exterior embellishments in
columns, moldings, spires, and statues.
Arches Buttress Stained Glass Ornate Deco. Vaulted Ceillings

Characteristics
and Examples
Classic elements that define Gothic Architecture.
LARGE STAINED
GLASS WINDOWS
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.
Also frequently feature tracery, a decorative type of

stone support, and detailed scenes.
Rather than the wide,
rounded arches
characteristic of
Romanesque
Pointed
buildings, however,
architects working in
Arches the Gothic style

adapted the tall, thin
pointed arches
found in Islamic
architecture.
RIB VAULTS
Typically covering the nave of a

church, rib vaulting involves the use of
intersecting barrel vaults—arches
placed parallel to one another to
support a rounded roof.
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.
These include
embellished
colonnades and
colonettes, sculptural
moldings, statues of
ORNATE saints and historical
DECORATIONS figures, pinnacles
and spires, and
gargoyles, grotesque
figures that double
as water spouts.
Examples
Notable buildings designed in Gothic Architecture
BASILICA OF SAINT-
DENIS
Under the watchful eye of Abbot Suger, portions of the
church were rebuilt in the mid-12th century. This included
the west façade, where the old building was demolished
to make way for a new, innovative piece of architecture
that used cutting-edge techniques.
Vertical buttresses divided up the façade, while large

window arches allowed for ornate sculptural decoration.
This was a huge departure from Romanesque façades
and is the reason why Saint-Denis is known as the first
Gothic building.
From its enormous
rose windows to its
NOTRE- flying buttresses and

gargoyles, the
DAME cathedral
exemplifies the
DE
Gothic style at its
finest. Construction
PARIS
on the church began
in 1163 and its plans
were influenced by
the revolutionary
new architecture
seen in Saint-Denis.
COLOGNE CATHEDRAL
Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic

masterpiece took place in several stages and was not
completed until 1880. Over seven centuries, successive
builders were inspired by the same faith and a spirit of
absolute fidelity to the original plans. Apart from its
exceptional intrinsic value and the artistic masterpieces
it contains, Cologne Cathedral testifies to the enduring
strength of European Christianity.
BACKGROUND,
INFLUENCES, AND
SPREAD IN
EUROPE
BACKGROUND
Gothic architecture emerged from
Romanesque architecture in 12th-century
France, exaggerating elements like tall spires,
pointed arches, and ornate decoration while
introducing key innovations like extensive
stained glass, external buttressing, and rib
vaulting. Islamic architecture from Spain and
Sicily inspired the pointed Gothic arch, allowing
asymmetrical spaces and taller, lighter walls
compared to Romanesque’s rounded arches.
Gothic architecture was also influenced politically
and culturally. As prosperity and stable
monarchies grew in Europe, grand cathedrals
symbolized civic pride with intricate stonework
and towering spires. They displayed a city’s
economic strength. So churches were designed to
flood interiors with sunlight through huge stained
glass windows.
INFLUENCES
Gothic architecture was influenced by
many factors, including the Romanesque
style that came before it, and the rise of
the merchant class in medieval Europe.
Gothic architecture is characterized by its
ornate, dramatic features, including
pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying
buttresses.
INFLUENCES
Romanesque architecture and Islamic
architecture significantly influenced the
development of Gothic architecture, serving as a
foundational style from which Gothic innovations
emerged. some characteristics of Romanesque
architecture are adapted by the gothic
architecture that includes Arches, vaulting,
sculptural details, symbolism and religious
function.
SPREAD IN
EUROPE
Gothic architecture spread across Europe, developing

regional styles such as Rayonnant, Perpendicular, and
Flamboyant Gothic. It reached its peak in the 13th
century with grand cathedrals but transitioned to
Renaissance architecture in the 16th century. The
Gothic Revival in the 18th century reintroduced the
style, influencing Neo-Gothic buildings into the early
20th century. Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame and
Milan Cathedral reflect medieval values and continue
to inspire modern architecture.
Quote of the Day
“Behind my smile, there’s teeth.”
-Dustine Morelos, Emmanuel
Macatangay, Seighfred De
castro
References:
Architecture Lab. (n.d.). Gothic architecture: Characteristics, history, and facts. Architecture Lab.
https://www.architecturelab.net/architecture/styles/gothic-
architecture/#What_influenced_the_development_of_Gothic_architecture
Architecture Maker. (n.d.). What influenced Gothic architecture? Architecture Maker.

https://www.architecturemaker.com/what-influenced-gothic-architecture/
Cologne Cathedral. (2008). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/292/
Donnelly, C. (2024, February 16). What is Gothic architecture? The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-gothic-
architecture-5076201
Loyola’s Collegiate Gothic Architecture. (n.d.). Department of History | Loyola University Maryland.
https://www.loyola.edu/academics/history/architecture/cga.html#:~:text=The%20gothic%20style%20of%20architecture,%2C%2
0external%20buttressing%2C%20and%20asymmetry.
Richman-Abdou, K. (2024, July 30). What We Can Learn From the Exquisite History and Ornate Aesthetic of Gothic Architecture.
My Modern Met. https://mymodernmet.com/gothic-architecture-characteristics/#Classic_Elements
Stefan Lochner | German painter. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stefan-Lochner
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2024, July 29). Gothic architecture | Characteristics, Examples, & Facts. Encyclopedia
Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-architecture
THANK
YOU
Spend the rest of your day with a smile! :)

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GOTHIC

With the rise of the Rayonnant style in particular,

Arches Buttress Stained Glass Ornate Deco. Vaulted Ceillings

Featuring meticulously cut colored glass, these

Also frequently feature tracery, a decorative type of

Arches the Gothic style

Typically covering the nave of a

These projecting stone structures reinforced the

Flying buttresses ensured the cathedrals' integrity so

Vertical buttresses divided up the façade, while large

NOTRE- flying buttresses and

Begun in 1248, the construction of this Gothic

Gothic architecture spread across Europe, developing

Architecture Maker. (n.d.). What influenced Gothic architecture? Architecture Maker.

Cologne Cathedral. (2008). UNESCO World Heritage Centre. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/292/

Stefan Lochner | German painter. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stefan-Lochner

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