Gothic architecture: an introduction (article) | Khan Academy (2024)

Want to join the conversation?

Log in

  • victoria aka crafty girl aka cupid

    9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to victoria aka crafty girl aka cupid's post “How come buildings are c...”

    How come buildings are considered art.?

    (6 votes)

    • DC

      9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to DC's post “Because they can be built...”

      Gothic architecture: an introduction (article) | Khan Academy (4)

      Gothic architecture: an introduction (article) | Khan Academy (5)

      Because they can be built beautifully. Many buildings are plain and boring, like a painted wall, but when you turn the architecture, or the paint, into a masterpiece like the Mona Lisa or the Hagia Sophia, it is art, and art by any measure.

      (27 votes)

  • Joe Rue Pighams

    9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to Joe Rue Pighams's post “I thought that the archit...”

    I thought that the architecture had a symbolic meaning. Like how the churches were often in the shape of a cross, I thought that the ribbed vaulting was supposed to look like the inside of the bottom of a boat, referring to how the church is where the spiritual journey takes place.
    Am I wrong or did they just fail to mention this?

    (11 votes)

  • 1315048633

    8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to 1315048633's post “what was the difference b...”

    what was the difference between ribbed vaulting and barrel vaults

    (4 votes)

    • Justin Tang

      8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to Justin Tang's post “Barrel VaultTo understa...”

      Gothic architecture: an introduction (article) | Khan Academy (12)

      Barrel Vault

      To understand the ribbed groin vault, we have to see where it derived from. We can understand it better by looking at the barrel vault and groin vault.

      A barrel vault is the simplest form of a vault. It is a continuous archway with a surface or ceiling that is semi-circular or with a point. It is very similar to a barrel or a tunnel that was cut in half height-wise, hence the name barrel vault. Barrel vaults have existed since the Ancient Egyptians and were commonly used during Roman times.

      Groin Vault

      A groin vault in the simplest definition is an intersection of two barrel vaults positioned in right angles (90 degrees). Groin vaults are stronger than barrel vault structures because barrel vaults must be built on long walls creating less stable lateral stress, whereas the groin vault design can implement stress vertically on piers.

      Ribbed Vault

      In ribbed vaults, stone "ribs" are added to groin vaults where the arris would form. The ribs offer many advantages from functional and structural support to visual enhancements. Groin vaults compared to ribbed vaults are heavier, requiring more support and heavier filling. The stone ribs allow some of the force and pressure from the ceiling to be easily transferred to the columns/pier support below. This allows the structure to use lighter materials for the filling.

      The most important advantage of ribbed vaults is the ability to construct vaults in greater heights. It was very important for architects to achieve a monumental scale to represent the glory of God. The ability to go higher creates a sense of greatness and also allows windows in the structure to be bigger and taller, eliminating walls as a primary form of support. This creates an airy and ethereal atmosphere. Cathedrals would change from dark, massive and heavy buildings to tall elegant structures with a multitude of windows. The Durham Cathedral marks the first building to have ribbed vaults, an important structural element that would help the Gothic style flourish between the 12th and 16th century.

      (10 votes)

  • forreynj

    8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to forreynj's post “What are some additional ...”

    What are some additional resources that go into more detail about the mathematics and engineering behind Gothic architecture?

    (4 votes)

    • drszucker

      8 years agoPosted 8 years ago. Direct link to drszucker's post “Otto von Simson's old but...”

      Otto von Simson's old but wonderful book, The Gothic Cathedral, might be a good place to start. http://press.princeton.edu/titles/4201.html

      (4 votes)

  • Shadia

    9 years agoPosted 9 years ago. Direct link to Shadia's post “I was wondering where on ...”

    I was wondering where on Khan Academy I could find an activity on Gothic Sculpture?

    Also, did the Gothic architecture also reflect on the artwork produced?

    (2 votes)

  • jzhang1

    7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to jzhang1's post “"In fact, the column basi...”

    "In fact, the column basically continued all the way to the roof, and became part of the vault."

    Could someone please explain what a "vault" is? The word reminds me of an attic, or a treasury, but I'm not sure...

    (1 vote)

  • saubhaginimahajan2298

    7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to saubhaginimahajan2298's post “Comparision between st se...”

    Comparision between st sernin toulouse ( romanesque ) and reima catherdral (gothic)?
    Points of comparsion
    Arches
    Vaults
    Buttresses
    Elevation
    Plan
    Lighting
    (Answering what why how ?)

    (1 vote)

    • David Alexander

      7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “I think you can google ea...”

      I think you can google each of these buildings and print out the wikipedia articles to which you are led. Then, using markers or colored pencils, one color for each of your comparative categories, you can find the data you want and make the comparisons. The most important thing you can do is your own homework.

      (2 votes)

  • Amber Runkle

    6 years agoPosted 6 years ago. Direct link to Amber Runkle's post “What were some requiremen...”

    What were some requirements of cathedrals?

    (1 vote)

    • David Alexander

      6 years agoPosted 6 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “A cathedral is the offici...”

      A cathedral is the official throne of the bishop. It is nothing but a chair. A cathedral church is the building in which the bishop's chair is located. That being the case, the "requirement" of a cathedral church is that it be the headquarters of the bishop, who administers that region and all the churches in it, and that the church itself be large enough to hold the chair, the bishop who sits in it, and any other people who might be present for ceremonies associated with the administrative and ecclesiastical duties performed there.
      I live in Tainan, Taiwan, where the local cathedral church is rather modest. In fact, it's smaller in scale than some of the local parish church buildings.

      (2 votes)

  • Camp Girl!!!

    a year agoPosted a year ago. Direct link to Camp Girl!!!'s post “what is the main similari...”

    what is the main similarity between all three churches? Notre Dame, St Denise, and Cathedral of St. John The Baptist?

    (2 votes)

    • David Alexander

      a year agoPosted a year ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “Could it be the floor pla...”

      Could it be the floor plan?
      Could it be the placement of the altar within the structure?
      Could it be the style of the towers?
      Consider these three as you view pictures of the structures. I'm sure that you can come up with something.

      (0 votes)

  • Casey.O

    7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to Casey.O's post “How common were Gothic ch...”

    How common were Gothic churches?

    (1 vote)

    • drszucker

      7 years agoPosted 7 years ago. Direct link to drszucker's post “Gothic was the dominant s...”

      Gothic was the dominant style north of the Alps for churches for several hundred years beginning in the 12th century. So yes, Gothic churches was quite common.

      (1 vote)

Gothic architecture: an introduction (article) | Khan Academy (2024)

FAQs

What is the main idea of Gothic architecture? ›

In the 12th–13th century, feats of engineering permitted increasingly gigantic buildings. The rib vault, flying buttress, and pointed (Gothic) arch were used as solutions to the problem of building a very tall structure while preserving as much natural light as possible.

When did Gothic architecture begin? ›

The Gothic style first appeared in the early 12th century in northern France and rapidly spread beyond its origins in architecture to sculpture, textiles and painting, including frescoes, stained glass and illuminated manuscripts.

What influenced Gothic architecture? ›

Romanesque tradition

Gothic architecture grew out of the previous architectural genre, Romanesque. For the most part, there was not a clean break, as there was to be later in Renaissance Florence with the revival of the Classical style in the early 15th century.

What feature is an important aspect of Gothic architecture? ›

The defining design element of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch. The use of the pointed arch in turn led to the development of the pointed rib vault and flying buttresses, combined with elaborate tracery and stained glass windows.

Why is Gothic architecture so beautiful? ›

Gothic cathedrals are some of the most recognizable and magnificent architectural feats. With soaring towers and softly filtered light streaming through stained glass windows, everything about the Gothic cathedral is transportive and ethereal, lifting the gaze of the viewer towards the heavens.

What does Gothic architecture symbolize? ›

The gothic may be a gamut of disparate architectural styles, but what ties it together is its sacred purpose. The majority of gothic buildings that have survived were built to the glory of God.

What are some interesting facts about Gothic architecture? ›

Not only were the arched windows tall in proportion, but gothic cathedrals often included lofty pointed steeples. Gothic architects did not strive for symmetry, as is famously seen in the west façade of Chartes Cathedral, where the two steeples do not match.

Why is Gothic called Gothic? ›

The term Gothic was coined by classicizing Italian writers of the Renaissance, who attributed the invention (and what to them was the nonclassical ugliness) of medieval architecture to the barbarian Gothic tribes that had destroyed the Roman Empire and its classical culture in the 5th century ce.

What country has the most Gothic architecture? ›

  • The most famous examples of Gothic architecture are found in the Île-de-France and Champagne, but other French regions created their own original versions of the style.
  • Normandy at the end of the 12th century saw the construction of several notable Gothic cathedrals and churches.

What was the word Gothic originally used to describe? ›

Gothic originally meant "having to do with the Goths or their language," but its meaning eventually came to encompass all the qualities associated with Germanic culture, especially the Germanic culture dominant during the medieval period after the fall of Rome.

How did Gothic architecture affect society? ›

One of the most notable impacts of the Gothic Revival movement was its revival of architectural traditions. The movement found expression in the construction of majestic cathedrals, churches, and other buildings adorned with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate tracery.

Is Gothic architecture still used today? ›

This form of architecture sees its implementation to this day in the form of Christian Churches. The Catholic church still prefers this style and has been using it to this day. Most of the famous cathedrals around the world are projected and designed in this style, most notable of which is the Notre Dame Cathedral.

What is the ultimate goal of Gothic architecture? ›

The original Gothic style was actually developed to bring sunshine into people's lives, and especially into their churches.

What is a short note on Gothic architecture? ›

Gothic architecture refers to an imposing style of medieval European architecture that developed out of Romanesque styles and eventually gave way to the Renaissance styles. It is characterized by long pointed arches, exterior buttresses, and ribbed vaults.

What are the factors influencing Gothic architecture? ›

Influences on Gothic Architecture

It evolved out of Romanesque style, which included many arches, vaulted ceilings and small stained-glass windows. Gothic architecture exaggerated these, making arches much larger and stained-glass windows more ornate, even adding detailed storylines.

What was the focus of Gothic architecture? ›

The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch, which was likely borrowed from Islamic architecture that would have been seen in Spain at this time. The pointed arch relieved some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements.

What best describes Gothic architecture? ›

The gothic style of architecture originated in Europe's Middle Ages. It is characterized by vertical proportions, pointed arches, external buttressing, and asymmetry.

What was the purpose of Gothic? ›

Gothic literature arose at the end of the eighteenth century during a time of social, political, and economic unrest. Thus, it was and continues to be described as a reactionary genre devoted to returning repressed societal fears to our attention so we might expel them.

What were the main features of the Gothic architectural style? ›

The main characteristics of Gothic architecture include pointed arches, stained-glass windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and spires.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Frankie Dare

Last Updated:

Views: 5742

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Frankie Dare

Birthday: 2000-01-27

Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

Phone: +3769542039359

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.