The Magnificence and Mystery of Gothic Architecture

The Magnificence and Mystery of Gothic Architecture

            In the readings this week there was the section on Gothic Cathedrals and as soon as I saw it I knew that’s what I would post about. There is something so breath taking about the intricately designed buildings that makes them hard to ignore. Our book states that the word Gothic comes from barbaric, due to the fact that the Goths were an extra aggressive Germanic tribe, however their architecture doesn’t allude to this trait in the slightest.

            Gothic cathedrals started to be the main architectural type in about 1200 AD when the style began replacing the Romanesque building phase. The two styles can be easily distinguished from one another for many reasons. Gothic churches had pointy arches while Romanesque churches had more rounded arches. Gothic churches also had more and bigger windows, as well as being over all much larger than Romanesque churches. Another architectural feature that was new and important to the Gothic style was the ribbed vaulting of the ceilings which not only added to the aesthetics but also to the support of the building. The ribbed ceiling was also important in the allowance of multiple large stained glass windows. All parts of a gothic cathedral pointed upward suggesting heavenward aspiration.                              
              

            A cathedral built in the Gothic architecture that I find to be exquisite is the Cathedral of Laon.  The cathedral is located in the Picardy region of France, construction on the Cathedral started in 1160 on the site of an ancient basilica (a large important church) and was finished 70 years later in 1230. Although it was not considered complete until the 20^th century in 1914. It was one of the first cathedrals build in the Gothic style and for essentially a rough draft is beautiful.     

                       
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                             

            Gothic architecture has essentially disappeared from the architectural world since the Middle Ages although some churches are building in what is called neo-gothic style or gothic revival architecture. There is not an over-whelming about of information on them one article that stands out is from 2009  a man named Ethan Anthony has a firm building in that style see http://www.sacredarchitecture.org/articles/neo_gothic_architecture_today/.

            The style of Gothic architecture is unreal to me as is most architecture of the past without the technologies we have today they were able to build things far more beautiful than anything built in the last 100 or more years. I don’t know if it the increasing laziness of man or the lack of imagination or need to prove superiority with the greatness of architecture.  I’m torn on how I feel about the subject. I am grateful that the magnificence of architecture has severely lessened overtime for it makes me appreciate the older stuff; I think it is what makes visiting a place all the worthwhile. Seeing its history right in front of you realizing learning why it was built there, by who it was built and how all make the world a place to see. Yet it  make me sad that we now not only take forever to end any architectural job but that it never seems to have as much meaning as it did in the past.