When analyzing the physical and spiritual manifestations of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the similarities depict how the Romanesque period has had a great impact on Gothic works. Besides the similarities, the differences between these two time periods have influenced modern architecture, such as the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Around the middle of the 11th century in Europe, Romanesque style architecture began to arise. This era was a great expansion of monasticism. During this period, fire resistance was a main concern, which resulted in masonry vaulting to be implemented over timber construction. CITE BRITTANICA Other physical characteristics included a small tower at the end of the church, side aisles that contained galleries overhead, large walls and piers, and semicircular arches for windows. The most distinguishable trait of …show more content…
The main issue with Gothic architecture was heavy stone and problems with it collapsing due to structural support of the arched barrel vault along with the groin vault. Thus, the rib vault was created to support the stone. Along with this new innovation, flying buttresses were also a result from this time period, allowing for this structural system to absorb the ceiling vault’s thrust. CITE HISTORY WORLD Because of these new additions to this era of architecture, these structures were able to be made much taller than the Romanesque style. The Gothic time period was an inspiration from medieval architecture. It was mainly used for romantic and aesthetically pleasing qualities, along with disregarding the structural aspect and the function. Some other common qualities that can be found in this style of architecture is stone, large pieces of glass that expand for long distances, clustered columns, pointed spires, intricate sculptures, and most importantly, the pointed arch. (FOUR
Around the middle of the 11th century in Europe, Romanesque style architecture began to arise. This era was a great expansion of monasticism. During this period, fire resistance was a main concern, which resulted in masonry vaulting to be implemented over timber construction. CITE BRITTANICA Other physical characteristics included a small tower at the end of the church, side aisles that contained galleries overhead, large walls and piers, and semicircular arches for windows. The most distinguishable trait of …show more content…
The main issue with Gothic architecture was heavy stone and problems with it collapsing due to structural support of the arched barrel vault along with the groin vault. Thus, the rib vault was created to support the stone. Along with this new innovation, flying buttresses were also a result from this time period, allowing for this structural system to absorb the ceiling vault’s thrust. CITE HISTORY WORLD Because of these new additions to this era of architecture, these structures were able to be made much taller than the Romanesque style. The Gothic time period was an inspiration from medieval architecture. It was mainly used for romantic and aesthetically pleasing qualities, along with disregarding the structural aspect and the function. Some other common qualities that can be found in this style of architecture is stone, large pieces of glass that expand for long distances, clustered columns, pointed spires, intricate sculptures, and most importantly, the pointed arch. (FOUR