Arches: Post #5

There is a lot to be learned from the differences in Roman and Gothic Arches. Two simple differentiations to the naked eye, such as the pointed arch in Gothic style and the rounded in Roman arches have been formed from two larger meanings all stemming from religion. The foundation wasn’t only stone or other elements but it was funded by the money of the people who lived in the area and partially from the church. This fueled a legacy that we look back on today with great honor.
Roman Arches were infamous for also using barrel vaults which allowed for the space to be made from stone. Since the stone was heavy, the walls had to be extremely thick in order for them not to collapse. This meant that Roman churches were often dim. This coincided with the fact that Catholicism was normally held in secrecy.
Gothic style arches began in France. The idea was to bring in “god’s light” into the church. These walls were much more delicate than the walls previously made by the Romans. Flying Buttresses were used to help take pressure off of the roof. This meant that the walls of the churches being built could be taller and thinner. Elevation increase also allowed for more placement when it came to windows.
There are many specific differences between Gothic and Roman style arches. Gothic styled arches were blunted and tall spires. They also had glass that was stained and since the windows were much larger, this allowed for more light to enter the church. This shifted the mood of the church that had once been dim and gloomy. It seemed as though the “light of god” could now be seen clearly. The Romans had previously had blunt towers and were far more round.
Religion was responsible for many aspects of architecture in Gothic styled arches. The newly formed pointed arches that created large scale windows attracted tourism and this helped bring people from all of the world to the church. The way we looked at religion and architecture would forever be changed because of something as simple as a pointed arch.

Marissa

Top: "Gothic Arch

Bottom: "Roman Arch"