Week 6- Gothic Design

 

What I Learned

This week we talked about the gothic period. The gothic period ranged from 1140 to 1500 and represents a dramatic shift in european design. It has romanesque core, but started to create more designs utilizing verticallity and light. Gothic design began in paris, but spread across europe. Cathedrals became the most important center of city life and architecture. These beautiful designs were a time of competition between cities and religious devotion.

Gothic architecture introduced the pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress. These 3 things were what made cathedrals feel so light, even though they were pretty hefty. Tall stained glass windows created a heavenly experience. The famous rose window is a great example. These designs emphasize transcendence and draw the users' eyes upwards towards the heavens.

Furniture during this period reflected the core of these cathedrals. They were equally decorative and used x-frame stools, canopied seats with storage, and carved oak chairs. Tracery became a popular design element, that carved detailed patterns into wood, stone, and metal. These furniture designs were more about decoration than material strength.

Favorite Examples

Flying Buttress—external support that allowed for taller walls and large windows

Tracery- ornamental stone and wood patterns that frame stained glass or decorative furniture

Rose Window—a stained glass circular window often placed at the west end of cathedrals

Quatrefoil/trefoil— popular shape used in decorative tracery and arches. Has 3-4 lobes

Current Applications

Gothic influence is still seen all over today. For example,

It is still used on college campuses such as Princeton University. 

The Philips Memorial Building at West Chester University

Second Presbyterian Church, Chicago features a rose window, pointed arches, limestone exterior, and interior detailing.

French gothic cabinet

One Step Further: Abbot Suger of St. Denis

One of the most influential figures in gothic design is Abbot Suger. Suger oversaw the renovation of the Abbey church of St. Denis in Paris in the 12th century. He introduced new ideas such as the ribbed vault and pointed arch that became so popular on interiors. Stained glass created light and color on the inside. Abbot Suger's vision became a blueprint vision for lots of gothic cathedrals across europe.

Abbey church of St Dennis

Stained glass windows

Choir

Nave

Abbot Suger believed that beautiful architecture can elevate the human spirit and bring people closer to God in worship. His ideas still inspire architectural designers today.

Closing Reflection

The Gothic period is very interesting to me. It uses a mix of innovative engineering and spiritual expression. I love how some of the designs appear to defy gravity. They are tall and bright structures full of glass that creates a kaleidoscope of color and wonder. Gothic design shows how physical spaces can represent emotional and spiritual experiences. Architecture is not just structural!