The Gothic Cathedral: Height, Light, and Color - Research Article from Science and Its Times

This encyclopedia article consists of approximately 6 pages of information about The Gothic Cathedral.

The Gothic Cathedral: Height, Light, and Color - Research Article from Science and Its Times

This encyclopedia article consists of approximately 6 pages of information about The Gothic Cathedral.
This section contains 1,791 words
(approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy The Gothic Cathedral: Height, Light, and Color Encyclopedia Article

Overview

The Gothic cathedral was one of the most aweinspiring achievements of medieval technology. Architects and engineers built churches from skeletal stone ribs composed of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses to create soaring vertical interiors, colorful windows, and an environment celebrating the mystery and sacred nature of light. Based on empirical technology, the medieval cathedral provided the Middle Ages with an impressive house of worship, a community center, a symbol of religious and civic pride, and a constant reminder of the power and presence of God and the church.

Background

The growing impact and power of the Christian church in western Europe after the fall of Rome in 400 influenced church architecture. In Mediterranean Europe where sunny skies and hot summer days mandated buildings with small window space and thick walls, the Romanesque style dominated...

(read more)

This section contains 1,791 words
(approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page)
Buy The Gothic Cathedral: Height, Light, and Color Encyclopedia Article
Copyrights
Gale
The Gothic Cathedral: Height, Light, and Color from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.