An Important Role In Gothic Architecture

There are many factors in everyday life that affects human behavior. Art, for example, has an enormous influence on how people react to day-to-day activities in their life. Architecture also has an important role on the way people act in different atmospheres. Some people may think that architecture is all about the shape of the building, but so much more thought goes into the process of it. When creating the architecture of the building, one must look at the intending use of the property, the design to make the property appealing and also to make the guest feel comfortable. In this respect, Cathedrals are prime examples of how architecture and art can influence the masses of patrons. The art and architecture of churches, such as stained glass, …show more content…
The stained glass windows in the Gothic Chapel of La Sainte-Chappelle can attest to the claim that art has an effect on people. La Sainte- Chappelle depicts around 1,200 illustrations of figures from the bible. The stained glass windows serve a purpose to inspire churchgoers and connect them to their faith by being visually stimulating. The inspiration that these churchgoers experience through stained glass windows serves as a way to make people feel connected with God and their faith. Within the stained glass, there are a combination of colors and imagery which presents God in different forms. The stained glass windows make some people feel secure because of the beautiful transcending coloring light that the windows give off make them feel comforting. Fred Kleiner, a publicist on Roman art/architecture and author of Gardner 's Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective states, "The glass windows in a church are Holy Scriptures, which expel wind and the rain, that is, all things hurtful, but transmit the light of the True Sun, that is, God, into the hearts of the faithful" (365). Kleiner is suggesting that people feel compelled to churches because the stained glass windows make people feel that they are together with God, which is ultimately true. Stained glass windows are visually compelling, therefore catching the attention of everyone that comes inside a Church. Not only does …show more content…
The designs of buildings are a reflection of the way people worship and what they believe. In a respectful place, like a cathedral, it is important that the atmosphere is tranquil when designing the architecture. This is seen in The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis because it contains the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemispheres. The cathedral was composed of more than 41 million pieces of tile in 8,000 colors, which covers more than 83,000 feet. The beauty of the cathedral might increases people 's faith because it served to be as a remembrance for people that God is with them on Earth also, the beauty might calm the soul, providing a tranquil atmosphere for all worshippers. The style of the cathedral can have a major effect on the way people react while in the sanctuary. When some people see, the beauty put into the architecture in it gives them a sense of tranquility and peace of mind. By placing people in that kind of atmosphere, it becomes easier for them to adapt to the settings and pray. John Yiannias, author of Orthodox Art and Architecture and professor of art history at the University of Virginia states, "The sanctuary building is … the architectural setting for the Liturgy … buildings were erected to facilitate baptism … and to commemorate events in the lives of Christ… the building designed primarily to accommodate the celebration of the Eucharist." Yiannias also believes that