Gothic architecture

Gothic architecture

1. • Many civil buildings were built in the Gothic style, including covered markets, city halls and palaces.

   • • However, cathedrals were the most famous examples of Gothic architecture. They influenced a city's image, and played a key role in its urban life. Rival cities competed with each other to build the most spectacular cathedral. Trade guilds and municipal councils met in cathedrals before city halls were built.

2. THE DESIGN OF GOTHIC CATHEDRALS

   • Gothic cathedrals were built using new techniques that made them very different from Romanesque cathedrals:
     • • Distribution of weight. The use of the pointed arch and the ribbed vault meant that the main weight of the cathedral rested on the pillars within the building, and not on its outside walls. Flying buttresses on the outside of the building further strengthened the pillars. As a result, cathedrals could be made much taller than before.
       • • Illumination. Thanks to the new distribution of weight. othic cathedrals did not need such thick walls, and could have larger windows. Natural light, filtered by stained glass windows, illuminated the interior.
         • • Floor plan Like Romanesque cathedrals, Gothic cathedrals were built on a Latin cross plan. However, they had a polygonal rather than a semicircular apse In addition, the central nave was built much wider and higher than the side aisles.
           • Together, these changes meant that Gothic cathedrals were tall and filled with light. They were considered to represent heaven.