Cathedrals
CathedralsCathedrals
The term itself, "Gothic," derives from a term given to the style by Renaissance scholar, Giorgi Vasari, who incorrectly attributed the form to the Goths, Germanic invaders who helped lead to the downfall of the Holy Roman Empire and its classic ideals. In it's own time; Gothic architecture was referred to as "modern" or "French" architecture. The basic concepts and standards of Gothic form are colored, darkened and diffused light. A vertical rush to the sky, a synthesis of naturalistic and rational forms with mysticism and faith, the Cult of the Virgin, flying buttresses and other architectural advances that allowed a heightened sense of airiness and space. The Gothic era lasted primarily from 1150 AD to the 1400s, with more than 80 cathedrals and 500 large churches built in the Gothic style. Cathedrals functioned as town centers of not only religion, but also of local government and social gatherings. The massive effort that was required into the construction of the cathedrals helped foster a strong community spirit and pride, and sometimes formed a strong competitive edge with neighboring cathedrals and towns. Gothic Cathedrals were built primarily to contain holy relics and serve as pilgrimage destinations for the faithful, which would help lead into increased traffic and feed into the community's economy and culture.
Early Gothic was the first, primary core of what was to later evolve and develop into a more sophisticated idealized Gothic structure, and was a stage of much experimentation of what did and didn't work. (However, Gothic builders continued to experiment throughout later styles and as a result, numerous cathedrals collapsed and had to be rebuilt).
Another aspect of Early Gothic architecture was the development of barrel vaulting into arched ribbed vaulting. Unlike the barrel vaults of Romanesque churches, Early Gothic pointed the crowns of the arches into points, allowing them to 1. Support better, 2. Open up wider expanses of space. The idea of opening up space for light and the creation of one, unified space became an important element of Gothic, especially into the High Gothic. Side elevations for Early Gothic was primarily quadripartite elevation, with four stories of windows and levels, labeled the nave arcade, gallery, triforium,...
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