Point 3: Alternatives

When we think about alternatives we think about choices and possibilities. That is exactly what the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance were about. The Middle Ages, specifically in Gothic architecture, was about choosing new possibilities instead of following tradition by taking details from Classicism, revamping them and creating new forms. After the Roman Empire collapsed and split into two empires, east and west. The eastern empire was fairing better than the west. Many invasions occurred and traveling became unsafe. Since traveling was so unsafe, the towns and cities became self-reliant. Based on these unstable times, society began to emerge itself into religion and the rise of many religious orders. This new attitude led to the style of Gothic architecture, which consisted mainly on the construction of cathedrals and castles. Gothic architecture was followed by the Renaissance, which was about choosing tradition and creating new forms with them. After the discovery of Pompeii, the focus changed – it was no longer on religion but on the Ancient World. Classical language had emerged.

During the Middle Ages, there were two main architectural styles that emerged, Romanesque and Gothic. Romanesque style still had strong Roman influences because it was after the fall of the empire and was a precursor to Gothic architecture. Some details of Romanesque architecture are rounded arches directly came from Roman architecture, the thick walls were adapted as support for the structure, and barreled vaults came from thick walls that could support the vaults. Romanesque was followed by Gothic architecture, where its main influence was religion. During this time of the Middle Ages, there were many outside invasions. These invasions led to dangers in traveling which caused towns and cities to become self-dependent. Unstable times and self-dependency pushed people to seek answers in religion. Religion became very important to the point that many orders of religion, especially Christianity, arose and Gothic architecture demonstrates this influence. Cathedrals and castles were made during this time, although most of the focus was on cathedrals. Cathedrals demonstrate how important religion became to society. These ideals were illustrated through architectural characteristics and details. Some examples of the architectural characteristics used were cruciform plans, height, vertical emphasis, and light. Some of the details which helped the architectural characteristics are pointed ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, pointed arches, and clerestory windows. Cruciform plans in cathedrals were created through a long nave and transepts which symbolizes the cross of Jesus’ crucifixion. Height, in the cathedrals, was used to support the cathedrals vertical emphasis through towers and spires. Vertical emphasis, or verticality, was used to emphasize spirituality by guiding the viewer’s eye up and was illustrated through pointed vaults with help from pointed arches and flying buttresses. Light was also a way to support the emphasis of spirituality and was expressed through clerestory windows that were made possible because of pointed vaults.