What is Gothic Architecture Style?
Gothic architecture style is considered one of the most impressive and unique artistic styles in the history of world architecture. Originating in Europe in the 12th century, Gothic architecture has undergone many ups and downs throughout its history, but still retains a special appeal for art and architecture enthusiasts.
The Gothic architectural style is often expressed through large structures, especially churches and castles. These buildings typically feature rigid lines, square columns, intricate curves, and exquisite decorative details. With elements such as round windows, blocks of stone cut into characteristic shapes, and cast iron embellishments, Gothic architecture creates a sense of grandeur, uniqueness, and romance for its structures.
In particular, Gothic architecture is a highlight in the history of architecture due to the advancement of construction and design techniques. Gothic architects employed new techniques such as infrastructure systems, new stone-cutting methods, and even iron welding techniques to create impressive and sophisticated works.
However, the Gothic architectural style is not only a mere architectural style, but also reflects the spirit and ideas of its era. With unique sculptures and decorations, Gothic architecture became an indispensable part of the culture and art of Europe during the medieval period.
History of Gothic architectural style
Originating in the 12th century in Europe, Gothic architecture went through several stages of development and became a distinctive architectural style of the medieval era
Before the emergence of Gothic architecture, Western architecture often used the Romanesque architectural style with rigid and simple lines. However, in the early 12th century, the Gothic architectural style appeared and brought a novelty with its delicate curves and exquisite decorative details.
The Gothic architectural style is named after the “Goths,” a Germanic tribe that lived in Europe during ancient times. However, the connection between the Gothic architectural style and the Goths is still not clearly proven.
The prominent features of Gothic architecture include the use of delicate curves, square columns, exquisite decorative details, and cast iron embellishments. In particular, round and octagonal windows are seen as symbols of Gothic architecture. Gothic architects also employed new construction techniques such as infrastructure systems, new stone-cutting techniques, and iron welding to create impressive and prestigious structures.
In the 14th century, this style evolved into “Gothic Rayonnant,” with notable structures such as Sainte Chapelle in Paris and Westminster Abbey in London. The distinguishing feature of Gothic Rayonnant is the use of tower-like windows and intricate floral decorations.
Later, Gothic style moved into the “Gothic Decorated” phase, with notable works such as Cologne Cathedral in Germany and Westminster Abbey in London. This style employed complex decorative patterns, such as depictions of birds, foliage, and cultural motifs
owever, by the 16th century, Gothic style had transitioned to the Renaissance style and gradually disappeared. Nevertheless, the influence of Gothic style is still clearly seen in the architecture of large structures such as churches, palaces, and government buildings throughout Europe.
Today, Gothic architecture still serves as an inspiration for many architects and designers worldwide. Structures built in this style still convey an impressive and unique character, representing the development of the world’s architectural art.
Prominent features of Gothic architecture
Developed in Europe in the 12th century, this style underwent many stages of development and was widely applied in architectural structures such as churches, castles, and government buildings. However, if you need to know the distinguishing features to recognize Gothic architectural structures, you need to refer to the content below.
Here is a list of the prominent features of Gothic architecture:
Elaborate curved lines
The highlight of Gothic architecture is the use of intricate curved lines and complex decorative details, creating an elegant and impressive beauty.
The square columns
The Gothic style uses square columns instead of round ones as in Romanesque architecture. These square columns are intricately decorated with complex ornamental details.
Cast iron panels with decorative motifs.
Gothic architecture also uses cast iron panels with decorative motifs to adorn its architectural structures. These panels have intricate shapes and ornamental details, often used to create windows, doors, and surrounding walls.
Circular and octagonal windows
Circular and octagonal windows are considered the icons of Gothic architecture. These windows are designed with elegant curves and ornamental details, creating a unique beauty for the structure.
New construction techniques
The Gothic architectural style also employs many new construction techniques such as infrastructure systems, modern stone cutting techniques, and iron welding techniques to create impressive and sophisticated buildings.
Things to know for designing authentic Gothic architecture
When designing architecture and interior in the Gothic style, there are some things to consider to ensure that they not only meet aesthetic requirements but also provide convenience and safety. Below is a list of notes for designing architecture and interior in the Gothic style:
Respect historical elements
Gothic architectural style is related to the medieval period, so when designing architecture and interior in this style, it is important to respect and preserve its historical values. However, it is also necessary to combine classic style with modern conveniences to meet the users’ needs
Using natural materials
To express the classical nature of Gothic style, it is necessary to use natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal to create the distinctive architectural and interior spaces of this style.
Using lighting
Lighting is considered a very important element in the design of Gothic architecture and interior. It is necessary to take advantage of natural light and use lights to create beautiful views for architectural and interior spaces.
Decorative details
Gothic architecture is known for its intricate decorative details, such as round and octagonal windows, cast iron ornamental panels, and square columns. When designing architecture and interior in the Gothic style, attention should be paid to these details to create a space that embodies the style.
Create an open space
Gothic style is often associated with spacious and airy interiors, which is why creating an open space is crucial when designing architecture and interior in this style. This can be achieved by using large windows, spacious rooms, and outdoor areas. Additionally, the space should be arranged in a logical manner to optimize convenience and safety for its users.
Use characteristic colors
The characteristic colors of Gothic architecture are black, white, and red, so when designing in this style, these colors should be utilized to create a unique and captivating space.
Make use of vertical space
The Gothic architectural style tends to use high spaces to create a sense of spaciousness and luxury. Therefore, when designing architecture and interior in this style, it is important to utilize high spaces and incorporate decorative elements such as high ceilings and ornamental columns to create an impressive space.
Avoid overload of details Although Gothic style has many exquisite decorative details, it is also important to avoid overloading these details to ensure simplicity and refinement of the architectural and interior space.
Iconic Gothic Architecture
Throughout the world, there have been many famous structures designed in this style. Below is a list of famous buildings with Gothic architectural style:
Notre Dame Cathedral – Paris, France.
Built in the 12th century, Notre-Dame Cathedral Paris is one of the most famous Gothic architectural structures in the world. With its delicate architectural lines and beautiful decorative details, it has become an icon of the city of Paris.
St. Paul’s Cathedral – England
As one of the largest churches in England, St. Paul’s Cathedral was built in the 17th century in the classic Gothic architectural style. With a height of up to 111 meters and beautiful architecture, it is one of the must-see destinations when traveling in London.
Yale University – USA
Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA and was built in the early 20th century in the Gothic architectural style. The beautiful buildings of this university have become icons of the city of New Haven.
Parliament Building – Hungary
The Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary is one of the largest Gothic architectural works in the world, with a height of up to 96 meters. This building was constructed in the late 19th century and is considered one of the symbols of the city of Budapest.
St. Vitus Cathedral – Czech Republic
Located in Prague, Czech Republic, St. Vitus Cathedral was built in the 14th century and completed in the 20th century in the classic Gothic architectural style. With delicate architectural lines and beautiful decorative details, this work has become one of the most famous Gothic architectural works in the world.
