The Influence Of Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture began primarily in France where French architects where inspired by the pointed arches of the Moorish architecture. This era lasted from the 12th to the 15th century. It was succeeded by renaissance architecture. This style appears again with the gothic revival in the 18th century. Gothic architecture can easily be recognized for its pointed and ribbed arches, flying buttresses, stained windows and fascinating sculptures. These structures are some of the tallest in the whole of Europe. St.Patricks cathedral in Dublin is Ireland’s primary and most famous piece of gothic architecture. The overall goal of gothic design in cathedrals was to receive as much light from outside to create an airy feel that reaches for the heavens.

Flying Buttresses are described as being the most technical and intricate part of designing these gothic buildings. They are made up of two pieces: the block or ‘buttresses’ and the ‘flyer’ an arch reaching from the exterior wall to the buttress. Bricks or stone supports were added to the exterior of the walls by an arch. The function of these buttresses where to absorb and channel disruptive forces like wind to the ground. The benefit of these is that they do not affect the interior of the building itself. However it now became acceptable to let these buttresses be seen without having to cover them under the roof as previously done. A flying buttress works by moving a force from vaulted ceilings and wind that push against the outer wall across the “flyer” and then down the buttress to the ground. Similarly flying buttresses allowed rainwater to be drained from the

The nave is usually taller than the aisle including windows which light the central area. In most churches the transept does not project beyond the aisle, however in English cathedrals transepts boldly project beyond the aisle. French Italian and German churches are similar in respect of the transept being a shallow chapel containing a sanctuary. These transepts turns the rectangular floor plan into the shape of a Christian cross. The apse was a semi-circular alcove set into one end of the building. The choir is where the churches singers, priest and monks where located. It is not a place for the average person.

Late gothic architecture also known as flamboyant gothic architecture emerged around 1280 and continued all the wat to the end as renaissance architecture took over. It’s similar the English architecture in its perpendicular style. S shapes where commonly used in windows. The focus moved from functionality to image which was due to society changing at the