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