Abstract This paper discusses interior design during and after the Gothic revival of the late eighteenth century, noting that True Gothicarchitecture originally developed from the Romanesque style, emerging in the twelfth century. According to the paper, this style dominated until the beginning of the Renaissance in the fifteenth century. Gothicarchitecture is noted for size and elaborate decoration. However, Gothicarchitecture is first defined in terms of a change in Romanesque church architecture when diagonal ribs were added to the groin-vault, as is first seen at the Abbey Church of St. Denis near Paris.
From the Paper "Gothic architecture developed in the twelfth century and was revived several times, notably with a major revival beginning in the eighteenth century and spreading throughout Europe and to America. Gothic interior design was included, though it changed over this time and was often more an evocation of the Gothic rather than an actual copy of the original style. From the mid-eighteenth century until the rise of Fascism in this century was a long era in Italian history during which certain trends cold be observed that linked the decades together. At the beginning of this era, Italy as a country did not exist. "
Abstract This paper compares Gothicarchitecture and Renaissance architecture, showing the change that came over architecture with the shift from the more massive and decorated style of the Gothic to the cleaner classical lines of the Renaissance, a period which also borrowed from the Moslem style to make new use of the dome, as in religious buildings by Brunelleschi.
From the Paper "Gothic architecture developed from the Romanesque style and emerged in the twelfth century. It prevailed until the Renaissance beginning in the fifteenth century. Gothic architecture was marked by size and elaborate decorations. However, Gothic architecture was first defined in terms of a change in Romanesque church architecture diagonal ribs were added to the groin-vault, as was first seen at the Abbey Church of St. Denis near Paris (Frankl 1). In part because of its origins, Gothic architecture has long been associated with France and is considered a French style, though in fact, others used it as well. Gothic architecture is probably represented for many people by Notre-Dame de Paris, a facade known from countless stories and other representations as well as for itself. "
Abstract This paper begins with the symbolic spacial layout of Gothicarchitecture and relates it to medieval society in general. Also discussed is the cruciform shape of Gothic cathedrals and the symbolism of the cross. The paper also catalogues the main imagery found in Gothic churches and how it relates to the architecture, including windows and light symbolism. Finally, historical interpretations in churches are discussed such as the "New Jerusalem" and the "Garden of Paradise".
From the Paper "Despite the romantic observations of Schlegel and Laugier, seeing a forest in the cathedral, Frankl again makes the sober comment that "as far as we know, the architect of Durham did not ask himself how he could give a vault the form of a tree-top, so that it should represent paradise: it was only after the Gothic style had logically developed within the terms of the 'law according to which it had been born' . . . that the house of God became vegetal in form." In an essay on the symbolism of Gothic architecture, it is important to point out, lest we get carried away, that technological innovations were the impetus for a good deal of what came to constitute the style as such. "
Abstract The paper discusses the movement away from classical designs in the Romantic Period. The paper describes the new taste for Gothicarchitecture that was a response to science and technology that challenged old views and ideas of reality. The paper looks at John Vanbrugh's Blenheim Palace, Horace Walpole's magnificent Strawberry Hill residence and Hagley Park's Gothic ruin as examples of the Gothic style in the 18th century.
From the Paper "Between 1750 and 1850 in Europe, a new artistic style arose and prospered in Europe, one which is now referred to as the Romantic Period. This period originated toward the end of the 18th century in Germany, where critics wished to distinguish between "modern" traits and "classical" traits, such as those found in ancient Greek and Roman art forms. At this time, many artisans and supporters of the arts in Europe, particularly in England where Romanticism in literature began, revolted against the observable regularity of classical art and moved instead toward a style that had its beginnings some four hundred years before during the Medieval Era."
Tags: Greek, Roman, Blenheim, Palace, Strawberry, Hill
Abstract This paper describes Gothicarchitecture of the high and late Medieval period. It particularly focuses on the style of the Abbey Church of St. Denis near Paris, discussing its linear design, light and color. The paper discusses the style of Gothic churches and how their design (such as their arches and linear patterns) is aimed at causing the viewer to look upwards towards God.
From the Paper " One is left to imagine how such structures impressed visitors of centuries ago, many of them illiterate or otherwise uneducated, for whom at least popular Christianity and Roman Catholic Church authority were extremely important psychological bearings. The unusual, often very pale light of larger Gothic churches is much promoted by wall surfaces that can seem like transparent curtains towards a feeling of weightlessness with higher reaches of a structure featuring many smaller windows but with the observer's eye naturally drawn to what are often large panels of light afforded by stained glass windows of different kinds. Windows are often seen of the 'lancet' design that appear singly, or grouped together in rows, in some churches giving the impression of a kind of fortress lined by vertical slits, part of the upward verticality that all such churches feature. When examining Gothic church architecture one locates far more than understanding of the power or authority of Rome, in what can be a strong insight into the medieval mind, in a view of society as was thought to be logical and proper, and in other insights into just what Gothic cathedrals have meant, some of them through time and into the present, for the residents of dozens of European cities for whom the landmark cathedral has offered constant reminders of another dimension that is decidedly a-material, and yes, a sense of the principal church as the proper orientation point for human society in a manner that lingers."
Abstract This paper examines the architectural styles prevalent in Romanesque and Gothic times. It looks at unique characteristics and features of each of these periods and compares the two. It looks at how these two architectural styles were influenced by each other. Some of the famous building and constructions of each period is mentioned and explored - French Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame and the Romanesque style Saint-Sernin Church in Toulouse.
From the Paper "Romanesque architecture flourished in Western Europe from approximately 1050 to 1200. It was influenced by Roman building techniques, particularly the use of the rounded arch and the grave simplicity and dignityof mood of classical structures. In England, it was frequently called Norman, as it was introduced to Britain by the conquering French in 1066."
Abstract This paper takes a look at gothicarchitecture and the urban planning of medieval towns, focusing specifically on Mont- Saint-Michel on the islet of Mont Tombe. According to the paper, aside from the intrinsic military value of Mont-Saint-Michel, the place served also as a social, cultural and political arena.
From the Paper "Of particular interest in the study of Gothic architecture is the structure standing tall on the islet of Mont Tombe - Mont-Saint-Michel. Before understanding the architectural wonder of this sacred shrine, one must first know the history relevant not only to the place itself but in most areas during the Medieval Period. Since this era has been considered fraught with battles and warfare, building of churches, cathedrals or any holy place at that time was not only in consideration of the religious fervour but in deference to military strategies as well. Religious structures did not serve only as places of worship but of defense or withstanding of attacks from marauding invaders. Mont-Saint-Michel is by any means not an exception since aside from serving the spiritual needs of the inhabitants; its military value was very much taken into consideration."
Abstract This paper looks at how the Notre Dame Cathedral includes a number of unique elements in Gothicarchitecture as well as being characteristic of Gothic cathedral architecture in other ways. It discusses how it contains massive sculptures and huge windows with designs suggesting different theological and iconographic references. It analyzes how these iconographic representations demonstrate shifts in the way human being related to the Church and to God at the time the cathedral was built.
Outline
Introduction
Gothic Art and Notre Dame
Windows
Portals
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the ornamental types found in Notre Dame is the rayonnant style, or the radiant style, which dominated the second half of the thirteenth century. Among the most prominent examples of this style are the two great rose windows in the north and south transept faHades of Notre Dame. The huge north rose window is the work of the master builder Jean de Chelles, and it is a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity. Nearly the entire mass of wall opens up into stained glass, and this is held in place by an intricate armature of stone tracery that practically has the tensile strength of steel. The Gothic passion for light is seen in a most daring and successful effort to subtract all superfluous material bulk just short of destabilizing the structure and to transform the hard substance into insubstantial, luminous color. This vast and complex structure of stone-set glass has maintained its structural integrity and equilibrium against the disintegrative forces of nature and time for seven hundred years, showing the genius of the builder."
Abstract This paper examines how Antonio Gaudi's architecture reflects many elements of Gothicarchitecture in its design and construction. It looks at how Gaudi's choice of using Gothicarchitecture was not simply a choice that was motivated by some strange aesthetic reasoning. It shows, through an analysis of Gaudi's interpretations of his work, how, in fact, he choose Gothic and Islamic influences that represented the shade and elements of the traditional architecture of Catalonia at the time, which was overwhelmingly Gothic.
From the Paper "Part of the reasoning for Gaudi's choice of a Gothic style of architecture was due to influences beyond the purely aesthetic. To be certain, he had a great reverence for Gothic art and he appreciated some its most important ideas, especially those which dealt with the issue of monumentalism and the idea of the way the piece of architecture was perceived was more important than the regular formal design of the structure itself. However, for Gaudi, at this time, there was also a very sincere political element to the structure of his design as well. At this point, the region of Spain which he was from, Catalonia, was very much engaged in a nationalist revival and had desires to separate from the rest of Spain?indeed, citizens of Catalonia even speak a different language, Catalan, than the language, known as Castilian, which we normally think of as ?Spanish.?"
Tags: islam, catalonia, la, segrada, familia, church
Abstract This paper refers to French architectural examples such as the Tuileries Palace, the famous Louvre courtyard, the Cathedral at Notre Dame and the Loire Valley and explores the degree to which such architectural examples are illustrative of the naturalist desires and impulses present during the Renaissance period. The paper goes on to dismiss the claim that mannerism could be considered the umbrella term for the architectural production of the French Renaissance and argues that it was the French gothic tradition and Italian Renaissance that would in fact have the most pervasive effect on the French structures of the succeeding artistic periods.
From the Paper "The Renaissance would be a convergence of social, economic and artistic forces in the middle centuries of the last millennium. A period of time which can be characterized by a refinement and mainstreaming of the classical artistic impulses which preceded it, the Renaissance is said to have largely initiated in parts of Italy such as Florence and Venice. Indeed, it would be in such contexts that many of the greatest works of modern European art would forged. During the time of the Italian renaissance, a torrent of artistic inspiration resulted in countless groundbreaking pieces of iconic imagery which would break the mold both technically and creatively. Particularly in terms of compositional depth, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti were giving symbolic life to many of the most intellectually agonized moments of the bible or drawing up emotionally compelling demonstrations of the human emotional condition. In works by such artists, the elements of provocative coloring and symbolic disposition help to distinguish the Renaissance as a period of great human expressiveness."
A look at the evolution of the structure of the Christian church over the centuries and the many architecture styles and features it has encorporated over its lifetime.
Abstract This paper follows the architectural progression of the Christian church from its earliest beginnings and examines how between the sixth century and the thirteenth centuries in Europe, there wre many advances and changes in the methodology of church building. In particular, the paper shows how Hagia Sophia from the Early Christian Period, Ste.-Foy from the Romanesque Period and St.-Denis from the Gothic Period can be compared and contrasted in the progression of the Christian design.
From the Paper "Five hundred years later, between 1050 and 1120, Church building entered the Romanesque style of architecture. The church of Ste.-Foy in Conques is a perfect example of this style. Constructed as a pilgrimage church, it is rather small but has a large transept. Having to deal with a large traffic flow, the biggest innovation of the Romanesque design was the radiating chapel scheme. Unlike Hagia Sophia, which contained an apse under each semi dome, Ste.-Foy had an apse from which a series of three chapels radiated. Flanking the apse on either side are two more, slightly larger chapels, for a total of five. This use of an ambulatory allowed for maximum traffic flow."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the reasons people were attracted to Greek Revival and Gothic Revival architecture during the first half of the 19th century in America.
Abstract The writer of this paper identifies the key aspects of Gothic cathedrals with a few examples and comparisons of the cathedrals. The paper explains how Gothic cathedrals are some of the most beautiful and enduring buildings in Europe. It looks at how they have survived for centuries as testaments to the workmen who created them and the architects who designed them. The ornate buildings are as impressive today as when they first grew on the skyline, and they represent a high point in the culture and society of the Middle Ages.
From the Paper "Gothic architecture, perhaps one of the most famous and ornate forms of architecture of any period, began in northern Europe as early as the twelfth century, and spread throughout Europe. It gradually replaced the Romanesque Style of architecture, which had grown in popularity throughout Europe beginning at about the millennium year of 1000. Romanesque buildings offered many of the same intricate details as the Gothic cathedrals, because building practices had evolved, and better tools, such as the stone saw (Calikins 100). Romanesque buildings incorporated intricate arches and vaulting, along with repetitive bay systems, flat and round ribs, but they did have their limitations. One architect historian wrote, "Reliant on the sheer power of mass to abut and restrain the tremendous outward thrust of thick nave barrel vaults, Romanesque architecture could not open up to the light" (Roth 288)."
Tags: middle, ages, architecture, ornate, christianity, church
A discussion of the different movements - pre-modernism, modernism and post-modernism - in architectural history and how each one differs from the other.
Abstract A paper which discusses the different movements in architectural history and compares the differences between them. The paper shows how among these movements, modernism is the most popular and how it has influenced art and architecture in the United States and Europe. It shows, on the other hand, that pre-modernism is a less popular era in which architecture was influenced by the industrial age and its need for order and precision, and that Post-modernism was the movement that followed modernism and contains elements of both classicism and modernism.
From the Paper "During the modernism movement, architects started using steel and iron more in their designs and they also started focusing on functional designs. Apart from the use of steel and iron, concrete was also brought back to the architectural world. It is important to know here that concrete is one thing that sets late 19th century buildings from pre-modernism architectural designs. While concrete was first used by the Romans in 5 B.C., it was later taken over by other materials such as marble, stone, brick etc. Modernists are responsible for the revival of concrete in architecture."
Abstract In this paper the author centers on the column as an integral part of architecture through the ages. He commences with an explanation of the main parts of the column and each of the names associated with these parts.The paper then goes on to describe the uses and appearances of the column through the ages right up until modern day and its importance to architecture.
From the Paper "There is no base to spruce up this basic design which leaves this column with a very straight forward but powerful presence in its design. During the early sixth century B.C., Doric columns were shorter compared to their height and diameter. Doric capitals showed an evolution from a broad flaring to a more compact form. Doric, like most Greek styles, emitted a strong horizontal presence in its architectural design."
