Gothic - Discussion

I read Sammy's post about Gothic design and was reminded of the gargoyles that you'll see on Gothic architecture from time to time. They are a really interesting feature that serve both spiritual and architectural functions: spiritually they ward off evil spirits and architecturally they divert water from spilling down the masonry walls of the buildings, and causing problems with the mortared joints. 

Although I've reviewed a blog post of Dana's in the past, I'm revisiting her blog for my discussion of the Gothic period. She mentioned that when people think of the Gothic period that they often think "depressing and sad" which is very true when thinking of the black plague during that time. What's interesting is that the architects and builders who envisioned Gothic design and first constructed in this style would roll in their graves to know that's what people first think about when they hear the word! Their intent was to create a space that was filled with light and uplifting - it was meant a be a representation of heaven.

To read their blog posts, go here: 
http://www.history1sjn.blogspot.com/2014/02/gothic.html
http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/gothic_20.html
 

GOTHIC

The Gothic design period developed out of the Romanesque. It really contrasts with the Romanesque period, which was solid and heavy, because of it's lightness and appearance of weightlessness. 

 

The Gothic design period has three main characteristics: the pointed arch, ribbed vault, flying buttresses. These architectural elements really open up the space and allows light to flow in. The vaulted ceilings are lifted high up on thin columns and many stained glass windows create a sense of beauty, particularly the typical rose windows. 

Most of the quintessential Gothic cathedrals are found in France, however there are beautiful examples of Gothic architecture all over Europe. In particular, the examples found in England are lower and longer, but just as striking. 

For example, a cathedral that I visited in England - Salisbury Cathedral - is an example of early English Gothic. 

In addition to the main cathedral building there are beautiful cloisters...

 

and an octagonal chapter house that houses one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta. 

http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/salisbury-cathedral.html

Influence on Modern Design

Examples of the influence of Gothic architecture on modern design are easy to find. It's such a striking period that it's frequently revived in modern furniture and buildings (including some in Chicago). 

Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago

Tribune Tower in Chicago

RENDERING - First unit

For this first section of the course, I decided to render a modern Islamic style interior. The room I selected is so beautiful and was very typical of the historic style. 

Islamic - Discussion

For the Islamic design style, I reviewed Rose's and Samantha's blog posts. 

Rose describes the mihrab which is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that is used to indicate the location of Mecca (the qibla). They were designed to give the impression of a passage to Mecca. 

Samantha introduced the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed. She described the beauty and intricacy of the interior. This mosque is also commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque. I decided to look up some more information about this particular mosque and it was very interesting.

If you would like to read their blog posts, you can find them here:  
http://www.history1rk.blogspot.com/2014/02/islamic.html
http://www.history1skf.blogspot.com/2014/02/islamic.html

ISLAMIC

The typical Islamic design would incorporate the horseshoe arch, the ogival arch, the muqaras-filled niche or dome, and minarets. Hypostyle architectural design is still playing a large role as well. Walls are typically decorated with calligraphy and mosaic or painted tiles in elaborate geometric designs and bright colors. 

Horseshoe arch

Ogee arch

The muqarnas take the form of small pointed niches, stacked in tiers  - and are commonly constructed of brick, stone, stucco, or wood clad in painted tiles. Examples can be found in the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It is a large palace and fortress built in 1250-1360 by Ibn Ahmar.

Muqarnas dome

 The Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia is considered the ancestor of all the mosques in the western Islamic world. Interestingly there is an impluvium in the mosque to collect rainwater – which we learned about when we studied classical Greece. 

Influence on Modern Design

Islamic design is one of my favorites. The amazing geometric patterns are really beautiful. They can been seen in modern interiors in many forms. 

Romanesque - Discussion

For the Romanesque style period I read Justine's and Megan's blog posts. Justine described what residential homes were like during that time. It was really interesting to hear how the common person might have lived. On Megan's blog she posted photos of modern Romanesque style. The interiors are really beautiful and are a great example of the simplicity, vaults, and rounded arches of that time period. 

You can read their blog posts here: 
http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/2014/02/romanesque.html
http://www.history1mes.blogspot.com/2014/02/romanesque.html

ROMANESQUE

One of the main points the author of our book makes about the Romanesque (also referred to as Norman) period, is that it isn’t just the plain precursor to the Gothic style that will come later. It is unique and sophisticated in it’s own right.

The style is characterized by semi-circular arches, massive quality of the buildings, thick walls, groin vaults, large towers, and decorative arcading. Arcading is the single most significant decorative feature of Romanesque architecture. It was relatively simplistic in comparison to the styles that would follow. 

Also this style was the first that permeated all of Europe. It wasn’t a regional style. Also during this time they built many different kinds of buildings, not just churches or houses of worship but homes, palaces, government buildings. 

Abbey Fontenay

Ste Foy Cathedral

Interior of Baptistry at Pisa

Influence on Modern Design
In modern homes and interiors you can find examples of the Romanesque style. The simplistic style can be seen in the exterior view below, as well as in the rounded arch windows of the interior image.