Gothic Architecture
Stlye of architecture invented during the medieval period
Gothic architecture that is still common in our society...
The Flying Buttress
- A Flying Buttress is defined as a A Flying Buttress is defined as a buttress slanting from a separate pier, typically forming an arch with the wall it supports.
- They directed the weight of the roof downward from there down a column to the ground.
- Flying buttresses would start from the places at the top of the wall where the groin vaults were.
- The picture shows the flying buttress connecting to the wall supporting its weight and then distributing it
The Pointed Arch
- The Pointed Arch effectively distributed the force of heavier ceilings and bulkier designs, and could support much more weight than previous, pillars.
- The stronger arches allowed for much more vertical height, too - they literally reached up to the heavens
- Lastly, it obviously gave a unique decoration that would be commonly used in many cathedrals
- The picture shows the arch being pointed at the top but also helping much in the cathedral's support
The Spire
- A Spire is defined as a tall, acutely pointed pyramidal roof or rooflike construction upon a tower, roof, etc
- Spires have two functions. The first is to proclaim a martial power of religion. A spire, with its reminiscence of the spear point, gives the impression of strength. The second is to reach up toward the skies
- They also served as a decoration upon the cathedrals some having crosses at the very top
- The picture shows this decorative spire atop a cathedral