Gothic Architecture

 How do you know what Gothic architecture actually is?

From this lecture I learnt that Gothic architecture is a very specific ornate style compared to many recent religious buildings. The word Gothic has changed throughout the centuries. It started off both describing art and architecture in the Middle Ages, but later on it was a term used to describe a type of literature with elements of horror but increasingly in the 20^th-century the word gothic was used to describe a type of personal presentation which includes heavy eye make-up and very dark clothing.

What I didn’t realise is that there were three different stages of Gothic architecture throughout the centuries.  I always thought that Gothic architecture was Gothic architecture and that there wasn’t any change over time, however when the three different types of Gothic architecture were shown to me in this lecture I could clearly see the 3 different stages which are categorised into Early Gothic High Gothic and Late Gothic.  These different stages arrived very late in England compared to Europe, we were late joining this particular architectural party.

What I believe makes Gothic architecture so different and stunning is the vaults in the ceiling which were able to increase the volume of the size of the structure and create more of a religious feel to the space where you feel more in touch with the higher deity. Gothic architecture created the opportunity for larger structures, the construction of which, made space for ornate windows that could show biblical scenes.

Early Gothic architecture started as basic externally and was more decorative internally. As the centuries went by it became more ornate and decorative on the outside. What comes to mind when I think of Gothic architecture is Notre Dame. With its high arches and decorative outside and it’s iconic spier which unfortunately was lost in a fire in 2019.

Gothic architecture to me is inspiring and has an uplifting spiritual affect. This seems to me to be its main objective. The architecture itself is something that needs to be looked at not just a quick glance and dismissed. I did not realise that there was so much Gothic architecture still around.

I previously mentioned the Rosslyn Chapel in Edinburgh, this chapel has many Gothic influences to it but does not have one specific style. This chapel was constructed in the late Gothic era which you can tell from both the interior and exterior. It is beautiful in its messiness because every time you look there’s always something new to learn.

https://www.rosslynchapel.com/   

https://www.rabbies.com/en/blog/5-things-you-never-knew-about-rosslyn-chapel      

Gothic architecture is typically found in Europe and England however after watching this lecture and finding that some Gothic architecture has been created in the USA, I question whether it fits in with the culture around it, or is it just duplicating what has gone before. When you look at it in photos it does look very out of place though beautifully done you can accept that it is a piece of Gothic architecture. The national Cathedral in Washington was finished in 1990s so you can tell it was influenced by the Gothic style and not an historic building.

https://washington.org/visit-dc/washington-national-cathedral