Gothic Architecture Characteristics 13.pdf

Gothic architecture adopted and adapted these Romanesque elements to produce a new style of building that featured exaggerated arches, increased vaulting, and enlarged windows. In addition to reinterpreting these characteristics, however, Gothic architecture also abandoned one key feature of Romanesque architecture: thick walls. To construct taller, more delicate buildings with thinner walls, Gothic architects employed flying buttresses for support. These stone structures allowed architects to create sky-high cathedrals and churches that evoked ethereality and reached toward the heavens.

Gothic Architecture Characteristics 13.pdf

As a style that spanned such a long time in history, Gothic architecture does of course have a number of different manifestations. It does have some clear characteristics. These are large stained glass windows, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, ornate embellishments and pointed arches.