Gothic architecture is an intriguing style that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages. It marked a radical departure from Romanesque building systems which had prevailed before.
One of the key features of Gothic cathedrals was their large windows that let light into interior spaces. These windows were made possible due to a unique structural feature called rib vaulting.
Pointed Arches
Gothic architecture emerged during the High and Late Middle Ages of Europe. It stands out with its distinctive features such as ogival arches, external buttressing, and vertical proportions.
Pointed archways provide superior roof support and allow building walls to be thinner, which was an integral factor in Gothic-style architecture found throughout medieval churches and cathedrals.
The pointed arch design, originally developed in the Middle East and later adopted in Europe, proved its worth by directing more weight onto load-bearing columns while supporting higher vaulted ceilings.
Flying Buttresses
Gothic architecture was distinguished by the use of flying buttresses, which served to increase the height of churches and cathedrals.
Flying buttresses were an innovative structural advancement that allowed the construction of large, light-filled churches in Romanesque architecture. Before this innovation, churches only featured small windows which limited natural illumination into their interiors.
As architects set out to construct cathedrals and churches that were higher than ever before, they needed support that not only kept these structures stable but also looked attractive. Around the 12th century, buttresses debuted in Gothic architecture, quickly becoming an essential feature of many structures.
Rib Vaults
Gothic architects created the rib vault, an innovative roof design that revolutionized interior construction. This new vault superseded the groin vault, which consisted of two barrel vaults intersecting at right angles to form a cross vault.
The rib vault provided a solution to the challenge of supporting heavy ceiling vaults over wide spans while allowing large windows in the middle of buildings. Traditional barrel and groin vault designs were unreliable due to excessive outward and downward pressure that often caused walls to crumble beneath them.
Rib vaults were constructed by connecting diagonal and transverse arches, channeling all of the weight of the vault into slender piers. This solution proved much simpler to construct than barrel vaults, providing a lighter interior space with greater airiness.
Spires and Towers
Spires were a signature feature of Gothic architecture, used for decorative and functional purposes in church construction.
At first, spires were simple pyramidal roofs that crowned towers. Over time, however, they became more intricate and increased in height as Gothic architecture progressed.
Another distinctive element of Gothic architecture is the flying buttress, which was a half-arch structure designed to support the weight of a vault and roof while spreading its weight across several stories.
Due to this development, Gothic buildings could reduce their wall sizes dramatically; making them thinner, and lighter and allowing more natural sunlight into the building.
West Facade
The Gothic architectural style originated with the Romanesque movement and is best known for its grand cathedrals and churches with towers, spires, pinnacles, and gargoyles adorning their facades.
Gothic architecture is distinguished by the use of pointed arches. These sturdy little designs spread the weight of heavier ceilings and thick walls, enabling buildings to rise much taller than they otherwise could have.
The invention of flying buttresses was another essential factor in the growth of Gothic architecture. These features helped shape walls, creating structures that appeared closer to heaven.
