Gothic Architecture Research Paper

Gothic architecture first got its name during the Italian renaissance when the people considered all buildings of the Middle Ages barbaric and associated them with the savage Goths. With the passing of many centuries, Gothic became more clearly associated with the closing era of the medieval age.

A Benedictine abbot called Suger was building a new church outside of Paris. He decided that he wanted something new and impressive. Suger wanted to make the Abby church of St. Denis so tall that it would seem to reach the heavens, and so amazing that everyone would remember it. When people saw this new form of architecture, they were amazed. The Gothic style quickly spread. Towns and cities would not let their churches be outdone by churches elsewhere.

The paired aisles were heightened to brace the high vaults of the nave and choir. The vaults were much higher indeed. The vaults rose 113 feet at Chartes and 158 feet at Beauvis. Although the vaults at Beauvis were quite high, they were not very impressive. They collapsed in 1284, possibly because of inadequate bracing. The vaults were rebuilt but never completed. The choir and transept are all that is left standing today. The Cathedral at Reims was another building in the progression of High Gothic Architecture. Although the Cathedral at Reims’ design was based on Chartres, the chapels were deeper and the height of the building was greater. The great height of the building was achieved by adjusting the proportions of the nave and enlarging the clerestories to fill the wall plane between the piers. One of the most impressive aspects of the Reims Cathedral is its west front sculpture. The jamb figures of the Annunciation and the Visitation were very innovative. They showed an enlightened understanding of the human body along with a very thoughtful compensation of perspective. The figures have elongated necks to compensate for the angle at which the figures will be seen. The Amiens Cathedral is another example of the High Gothic Architecture. It is the tallest completed French Gothic church. Construction began in 1220 and was finished in 1269. Although churches continued to be built and remodeled, none come close to the scale are

There were two great artists that shaped this period – Michelangelo Buonarroti and Andrea Palladio. Michelangelo used the concept of instability in the creation of the Laurentian Library. He constructed columns that appeared to be supported on consoles. This gave the illusion that the weight of the building was carried on very weak elements. Pope Paul III admlired Michelangelo’s work so much that he employed him to create the Palazzo Farnese, the pope’s own family residence. Palladio was also a very talented architect. The church of S. Giorgio Maggiore was one of Palladio’s most significant projects. It was at this monument that Palladio found a way to properly elevate the facade of a basilica. This had been a major problem during the period of the Renaissance. Garden designs and the use of landscaping has been seen throughout history, and the Renaissance period is no