Gothic Architecture: Cathedrals and the Search for Light
Gothic Architecture: The Cathedral
Gothic architecture, particularly in cathedrals, is characterized by several key features:
The Search for Light
Light becomes a metaphor for the search for God.
Elevation
Buildings are constructed that rise up, symbolizing the soul of Christ rising to God.
Dominance of the Wall Disappears
Solid walls were replaced by stained glass windows, allowing light, fragmented into a multitude of colors, to flood the interior of cathedrals.
Tapering Columns
Extremely thin ribs accentuate the sense of elevation. Outside the building, a series of architectural elements help achieve that sense of elevation and arch-dematerialization.
The Ogival Arch
The pointed or ogival arch, in its many variants, is favored by Gothic architects.
Vaults
On the ceiling, the ogival vault, or ribbed vault, is most frequently used.
The Quadripartite Vault
The quadripartite vault, having four elements, is the simplest type, but not the only one. New elements appeared that enriched its later design.
Vault of *Tiercerons*
New ribs were added that do not reach the main keystone but unite before, creating the vault of *tiercerons*.
Transformation of Supports
The multiplication of ribs on the ceiling led to the transformation of supports. The columns surrounding the pillar increased in number, becoming thinner, circular columns called *colonnettes*.
Pillars and Flying Buttresses
These are called pillars, although their thickness is not sufficient to bear all of the weight exerted by the roof. They bear the vertical thrust alone. A new architectural element handles the oblique thrusts: the flying buttress. This is an arch that carries these thrusts to the spurs that run externally, reinforcing the temple. The buttresses also carry rainwater from the roof and lead it away from the wall through gargoyles.
Each buttress is topped by a pyramidal pillar (pinnacle) to accentuate the ascending effect.
Decorative Motifs in Gothic Architecture
While Gothic construction evolved from Romanesque, the decorative elements did not. The decorative motifs are:
- Geometric Patterns: Geometric drawings of juxtaposed curved circles or triangles, decorated inside with half-point or pointed arches.
- Plant Decoration: Similar to the Romanesque but with more naturalism.
- Animal Decoration: Denotes strong naturalism without abandoning images of monsters and fantastic creatures.
Gothic decoration is concentrated on the doors, windows, and cloisters. Inside the temple, there are three new areas for decorative development: choir stalls, large windows, and altarpieces.
The Gothic Cathedral
The cathedral is the most important Gothic building. Peculiarities of the Gothic cathedral include:
- Floor Plan: The dominant model will be longitudinal, usually sizable, with 3 or 5 naves. The headers acquire great development, consisting of a chancel and aisles, which can be single or double, and radially arranged outer chapels or apses. All these elements become polygonal.
- Height Difference: There is frequently a significant height difference between the nave, the external side aisles, and the chapels. The Roman tribune disappears, being replaced by the clerestory.
- Main Facade: The main facade usually responds constructively to the same model: a triple portico crowned by splayed gables on the lower floor, a frieze of statues, a circular rose window, and, topping the facade, an arcade.
- Towers: Flanking the facade rise towers that are not as homogeneous as in earlier times. Often, they have a cubic base on which a polygonal tower is constructed, lightened by windows on the terrace or pyramidal copings.