Architecture, Gothic Style

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The term Gothic style in architecture has taken many forms. The term Gothic originated in France. It is best known through the Gothic cathedral. Through engineering, intellect and spirituality these cathedrals perfectly express the medieval mind. This style was widespread throughout Europe. Unlike other arts, this style was not uniform in nature nor was it uniform in date. This style has three main chararistics that make it its own unique style, known as Gothic. First it is known for its pointed arches that rise above the churches. This not only represents a symbol of Gothic spirituality, but a practicality in engineering. These arches redistributed the thrust of downward force in a more equal controllable directions. Second it is known for the massive ribbed vaults that are seen along the ceilings of these churches. These ribbed vaults enabled the buildings to achieve new heights. Third it is known for the flying buttresses that were used to let the outward thrust of the vaults go gracefully to the ground through a series of arches. These were essential to allow the large distinct Gothic windows to be placed in the walls without losing strength. The flying buttresses were a big architecture advance in this time. If these were not invented Gothic would of never of been the same. There are many gothic churches that are still found throughout Europe today. The first church is probably one of the best known for its Gothic style. This church is named the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis. The Abbey Church of Saint-Denis is located near Paris, France. Between 1135 and 1137 this church began to be rebuilt from a fire that it suffered through. A man known as Sugar, abbot of Saint-Denis, was the one who rebuilt it. The beginning of Gothic style can be pinpointed to the planning and construction of this one building. Sugar visited several artists throughout Europe when
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