Gothic Architecture 101

Gothic architecture is an architectural style whose beginnings can be traced back to the middle of the 12th century. At its inception, it was simply referred to as “French Style” or “Christian Pointed” architecture. The term gothic wasn’t used until sometime later (perhaps 15th or 16th century). The word “Gothic” when referring to architecture, was a term applied by Italian architect Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574). It referred to the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe, referred to simply as the "Goths". It was believed that this tribe had been involved in the fall of the Roman Empire. (1). Some thought this new form of design to be crude or ugly, hence the word “Gothic”. However, this could not be further from the truth. The Gothic style of architecture allowed cathedrals to be built with immense verticality and an abundance of light. As Pope Benedict XVI stated in a General Audience Address, “It [Christian faith] also inspired one of the loftiest expressions of universal civilization: the cathedral, the true glory of the Christian Middle Ages.”(2)

The Gothic movement took hold sometime around 1135 when Abbot Suger decided that his church, the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis, needed to

be reconstructed. He wanted a style that would best reflect the influence of the monarchy as well as create a space that could accommodate the multitude of people who came to visit the burial place of Saint-Denis, who was a martyr and the patron saint of France. The church was the burial place for much of France’s monarchy. This style quickly caught on and became the main type of design. The cathedral of Saint-Denis had become the benchmark that other cathedrals would strive to attain.

The reconstruction of Saint-Denis gave rise to a renewed interest in ecclesiastical architecture. However, many other factors contributed to this “cathedral building boon”. To start with, there was a peace that had finally settled among the lands, which created political stability. As a result of this stability, trade routes expanded, bringing with them new ideas and a broad cultural exchange. This lead to experimentation with groundbreaking ideas in architecture, making possible the development of a distinct design that would later become known as the Gothic style.

The first innovation that was seen in Gothic architecture was the use of the pointed arch. The technical definition of a pointed arch is an archway with curved sides that meet at a point, rather than a smooth semi-circular curve. (3) The pointed arch wasn’t a new idea, per se. The pointed arch, or ogival arch, was seen in much of Middle Eastern architecture, most notably in the Islamic mosques. Builders saw the benefits of using this feature because the pointed arch would direct the weight of the window openings straight down along the edges and into the ground. This would allow them to create larger window openings for the grand stained glass windows. The windows would flood the cathedral with a kaleidoscope of colours giving the whole interior an ethereal feel.

Another innovation of Gothic architecture was the use of the flying buttress. The definition of a buttress that stands apart from the structure that it supports, and is connected to it by an arch (flyer). (4) The flying buttress supports the weight and horizontal thrust (5) of the high arches, serving as a sort of bridge. They also carry the lateral thrust (6) that is produced at the base of the arches, across to the outer buttresses, which are substantial enough to absorb the pressure. This, then, would allow interior walls to become thinner and the piers to become slimmer. The buttresses were also detailed works of art, adding to the overall appearance of the cathedral.

Yet another innovation of Gothic architecture was the use of ribbed vaults and ribbed groin vaults. These are the large structures that comprise the ceiling of the cathedral. These vaults had numerous advantages. They gave more flexibility when building roofs and walls, they were easier to construct, and they were stronger and more economical to build. And like the previous two innovations, the ribbed vault also transferred pressure from the ceiling to the piers below. In addition, like the other two, the vaults opened up the space, allowing for more light.

While these elements separately were not new, with the reconstruction of Saint-Denis utilizing all three, it was the first time they were used together in a building. Many of these beautiful cathedrals are still standing today, which shows how durable and well-built these buildings are. You don't have to be a Christian or of any faith, really, to relish in the amazing architecture and splendid design that are these cathedrals. I hope some of this history has inspired you to take your own look at Gothic architecture.

Saint-Denis as it stands today.

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1. https://www.answers.com/Q/What_did_gothic_originally_mean
2. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=9192
3. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-pointed-arch-definition-architecture.html
4. http://oer2go.org/mods/en-boundless/www.boundless.com/definition/flying-buttress/index.html
5. Horizontal Thrust: When the weight of the vaults on the walls forces the walls outward.
6. Lateral Thrust: The force that moves vertically at the top of an arch or horizontally where the vault meets the vertical walls.