"Arches"

    The Gothic pointed arch (formed of two arch fragments) was an architectural style used in every location of a Cathedral where there is a domed shape (doorways, windows, covered passages, galleries, etc). The external part of a Cathedral which is called “Slots” (that contained statuary) featured pointed arches the most. The Roman round arch even though invented before The "Gothic arch" lacked the idea of allowing the relationship of “Light and God” to be present. The "Roman arch" because they were more rounded, the buildings were smaller and had castle like windows that allowed little to no lighting in.

   The Stain glass windows used inside of the Cathedral’s, where built to fit the open spaces provided by the pointed arches because their were no walls. The stain glass windows were signature windows. Artist cut color fragments models that represented a heavenly person or object which is then “hardened and fused with glass through firing or baking” and place together (PG 202). The Gothic stain glass windows colors were mainly red, blue and gold (the gold characterized most Byzantine mosaics). The "Gothic arch" was good because it allowed for a more spiritual environment to be felt due to the massive amount of light and color from the spiritual paintings on the large stained glass windows.

Elevation of The Gothic Cathedral is more vertical and soaring compared to Romanesque church which is horizontal and at modest heights. The mood in Gothic Cathedral’s are tall and filled with light whereas the mood inside of the Romanesque churches is more dark and gloomy. The "Gothic Arch" is considered a significant development from the "Roman Arch" because it allowed for the idea of “Sugar” to create a Spiritual Center. He states he was thinking in a more traditional Christian way where “light had been associated whit Christ and divinity” (PG 198).

The Gothic’s shared similar elements of architecture used by the Romanesque. The Rib Vaults replaces the Barrel Vaults of Romanesque’s period which gave more flexibility to design. The Buttresses (created Thick Walls) in Romanesque’s period was replaced by the Flying Buttresses of The Gothic period, which creates more available window space. The Piers used to support the vaults in both Periods became a “Standard Gothic Feature“ (PG 201).

The "Roman Arch" because it was round couldn’t support the weight of trying to build taller buildings because they needed walls to help support their ceilings and windows. The "Gothic arch" allowed for the Stained Glass Windows to provide spiritual meaning and more Religious faith. Both arches are still used around the world today. The "Gothic Arch" is seen more due to the fact it helps provided a majestic look and pleasant feel and can be full wit large amounts of light.

Gregory, Grace. "Europe - Gothic Cathedrals." Europe - Gothic Cathedrals. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2013. <http://fourriverscharter.org/projects/Inventions/pages/europe_gothiccathedrals.htm>.

Adams, Laurie S. "13 Gothic Art." A History of Western Art. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. 198-202. Print