Many architects and historians debate about Gothic and Classical architectures. In my point of view, Gothic architecture is more likely an evolvement of Classical architecture. Dating back to the 1100s-1200s, building skills were extremely limited. Stone buildings were mostly rudimentary-damp, dark and cold. However, Gothic architecture led a way to avoid those unpleasant problems and created light, pleasant and airy buildings. Before Gothic, architecture was functional-clearly defined structures that express their purpose; after gothic, architecture was not only functional but also beautiful.
In the times before gothic architecture, Early Medieval architects struggled to spread the weight of heavy stone walls. This meant that most towers needed to be short, and buildings were thinner; otherwise, the sheer weight of higher levels (or large rooms and halls) would collapse into themselves. (此处应有一例子) One of the fundamental characteristics of gothic architecture was its height. New building techniques (such as the flying buttress) enabled architects to spread the weight of taller walls and loftier towers. In other words, gothic buildings could scale new heights, which allowed them to reach up to the heavens - perfect for cathedrals and churches.
Nevertheless, the flying buttress made Gothic architecture even more beautiful. And the magic of using the flying buttress was to effectively spread the weight off the walls and to transfer force directly to the ground. Therefore, the