Gothic Architectural Basics

Gothic Architectural Basics A. The nave. B. Rib vaulting (Sort of like a groin vault, only creased with ridges. . . . see below.) C. Pier (The main supports that hold up the nave vaulting.) D. The Aisle E. Clerestory windows (Small, upper story window that flank the aisles.)

F. Triforium (A small walkway usually reserved for nuns and women......in the "old" days.)

Gothic Architectural Basics

Here's a comparison between a regular groin vault and a rib vault. The rib vault's only difference is that there is a rib going across the top of each vault. While the difference is slight, the look is totally different.....giving the structure a lighter feel.

Gothic Architectural Basics A. ARCHIVOLTS....concentric arches that expand out from the tympanum. B. JAMB FIGURES....high relief sculpture that protrudes out from the doors. C. TYMPANUM.... symmetrical, high relief sculpture above the main entrance way. D. PINNACLES.... usually the spiked tips of buttresses. E. ROSETTE WINDOW....a large, round window located directly in the front-middle of the facade. F. BUTTRESSES....structures that support and hold up the walls of the building....often very decorative in Gothic structures.

Gothic Architectural Basics Buttresses are support columns that help carry the weight of the structure's vaulting. There are two main types that we commonly see in Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals........standard buttresses and flying buttresses. The difference is merely that standard buttresses hug the structure by butting directly up the exterior walls. Flying buttresses, on the other hand, stand detached from the exterior walls, and are connected by only an arch. Flying buttresses give cathedrals an "airy" and weightless feeling, while standard buttresses look and feel more heavy and dense. The drawing and the photo below are labeled to show you the difference between, (A) flying buttresses and (B) standard buttresses.

Gothic Architectural Basics