Gothic

Gothic

Gothic architecture, though known in France, spread across Europe. It is an entire architectural system not derivative of the classical orders, but grew out of Romanesque architecture. Gothic architecture and design is a final florescence of the medieval period and marks the beginning of the Renaissance.

Architecture

Due to the fact that Gothic design and architecture grew from Romanesque, many architectural elements, if not all, are exceedingly similar or play off of one another. While Romanesque relied on the semispherical arch, Gothic architecture relies on a pointed arch whose width can be manipulated in order to maintain a consistent height. A rib vault is when two barrel vaults intersect and architects realized that this type of vault is an entity that gathers and transfers forces, as well as be an element of design. Gothic architectural systems feature an umbrella and its multiple spokes where the roof follows an agglomeration of facets.

One of the most famous Gothic cathedrals is the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris,
whose design dates primarily to the early Gothic period. The cathedral’s façade consists of a thick, heavy wall with windows cut into its depth and predominantly horizontal elements. The front elevation strongly contrasts with the side and rear elevation to enhance vertical elements and have expansive windows. The rest of the building consists of two towers, three portals, arcading, voussoirs, round windows, and tympana. The Cathedral of Notre Dame, in plan, is a tripartite composition.

Interiors and Furniture

A lot of Gothic interiors and furniture reflected what was portrayed on the Gothic exteriors. Paintings and illuminated manuscripts translated this type of design to historians. Furniture during this time bore resemblance to Gothic architecture, specifically in tapestries and constructing paneling. Bed had canopies and were heavily draped for both warmth and privacy because this room served as both a bedroom and a sitting room for a group of women. Heavy bars interrupted the windows to let in air and light, but prevent intrusions. While the rooms were sparsely furnished, the preference for richness in color, materials, and decoration is still achieved through the textiles used.

A Gothic chair resembled status upon its sitter by exaggerating its scale. This was done through the chairs inheritance of height, however, stylized linenfold motifs identify the piece of furniture as Gothic, along with the finials. The seat itself was multi-purposeful in the sense that while it was used for sitting, it was also used for storage. Although rare, one of the most well-known Gothic chairs is one from Westminster Abbey in London, used as a coronation chair. This chair represents how craftsmen combined their knowledge of furniture making with the detail seen in Gothic architecture. While meant to be viewed vertically, the verticality of the chair is achieved by lifting the seat atop two platforms with a triangular backdrop acting as a frame for the head. Lions feet underscore the regalness of the piece and the polychrome decoration draws attention to the one sitting atop it.

One Step Further

A.W.N. Pugin is most famously known for his Gothic renovation of the Westminster

Palace interior through the genuine concern for a functional design and human needs. Pugin aimed to create that sense of freedom and creativity that many craftsman found within Gothic design and believed that revival of traditional and time-honored techniques would create a more authentic experience.