Gothic architecture: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:42, 1 July 2003

Revision as of 11:33, 19 August 2003

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Saint-Denis]] in [[Paris]], where it exemplified the vision of Abbot [[Suger]]. The first truly Gothic construction was the choir of the church, consecrated in [[1144]]. The style was adopted first by the English, and spread throughout France and parts of Germany and also Northern Italy.

The style is exemplified by an emphasis of verticality and features almost skeletal structures, sharply pointed spires, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, pointed arches and [[gargoyle]]s. These features are all the consequence of the main goal of gothic architecture: a focus on large stain glass windows. This allowed more light to enter the Cathedral then was possible with older styles, however it required tall cielingsceilings and flying butresses.

The Gothic style was imitated in Europe and the [[United States]] in new construction centuries after the Middle Ages. This movement is known as ''[[Gothic revival]]'' (sometimes [[Victorian Gothic]] or ''Neo Gothic''). The [[Houses of Parliament]] in London were an example of this, designed by the exponent of the Gothic Revival, [[Augustus Pugin]]. Another example is the main building of the [[University of Glasgow]] designed by Sir [[George Gilbert Scott]].