Gothic Architecture Essay

In the medieval period of Germany, a new form of architecture developed. Today it’s known as Gothic, although this was a name given after the fact when the style was considered barbaric. In the modern world it’s recognized for its beauty. Gothic architecture made cathedrals huge, open, and bright, during a period where taller buildings had to be small and dark to support their ceilings. Gothic architecture is partially characterized by clever support structures that allowed the skyline to grow taller and taller. Pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and flying buttresses were a few new innovative methods that allowed German cathedrals to be huge and open, while still tall and breathtaking. The Gothic style isn’t only characterized by structure,
Until recently, it was believed that the cathedrals were constructed out of almost entirely concrete, and that iron supports they found in the walls were added by later generations to keep the ancient structures standing. In 2015, however, carbon dating showed that the iron supports were used in the original construction. This makes the feats of architecture somewhat less spectacular, but still astounding. After Gothic architecture ran its course, though, people started to favor more neat, geometric styles, and the name “Gothic” was applied as an insult to the design that was seen as vulgar and a relic of the
The style is based around the idea of being loyal to the structure and construction of a building. Quote the Encyclopedia Britannica: “The International Style was thus formed under the dictates that modern buildings’ form and appearance should naturally grow out of and express the potentialities of their materials and structural engineering.” Thus, the style uses steel and glass, right angles, a sleek appearance, and lacks any apparent decoration. This design is seen most nowadays in American skyscrapers, which started to emerge after the style spread