Arches

                         When architecture took a turn from using Roman style arches to using Greek style arches and had to be a reason. Why?  The need to build bigger and better churches became a necessity.  In France the cathedrals were built on a massive scale.  The structure itself was large, the ceilings were high and the introduction of large stained glass became popular.  In order to support these changes architects needed to improve on the function and use of roman style arches.  This is where we get the introduction to gothic arches that are pointed and extremely high which is totally different from styles used before.

                The basic desire was to build a cathedral that will be worthy of being occupied by god.  In order for the architects to reach this goal buildings had to be elevated.  Making these buildings higher required more cement being used.  These gothic churches were built higher than buildings previously built by roman architects.  Since the size and height of these new buildings were different than the way buildings were previously built new methods had to be introduced.  Adams tells us, “Unlike round arches, pointed arches can theoretically be raised to any height regardless of the distance between their supports. The pointed arch is thus a more flexible building element, with more potential for increased height. Dynamically and visually, the thrust is far more vertical than that of a round arch.” Once you see the end product that comes from gothic architecture compared to that and a product that comes from Romanesque architecture.  It’s clear that the pointed arches win, and this idea gives the parishioner the feeling of being in the house and god.

                The next idea used in making the church the home of god found a great way to not only use but show the space that’s been created.  Therefore lighting and decorating these cathedrals became more important.  The lighting of these cathedrals accomplished a few things.  It gave the feeling that god was in the building, depicted stories of everyday life and gave the large walls a grand purpose.  Adam writes, “This is consistent with the symbolic role of light as a divine presence in Christian churches.”

                So it seems the main difference between building techniques used by roman architects and Greek architects if the size of the buildings.  This elevation in building Heights was accomplished with the use of pointed arches.  Using the pointed archers aided in making the walls larger.  The large walls made it possible for the installation of beautifully stained glass windows.  The end result is a large cathedral with extremely high ceilings and stained glass windows aid in making a true house of god

                                                                Courtney

                                                               " get the point"

                                                                       Works cited:

        Adams, Laurie. A History of Western Art. 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.