You know, trying to teach Gothic cathedral construction
on a computer screen is sort of like trying to teach the game
of basketball on a chalk board. . . . . . you really have to
go and experience it in person to appreciate it. Nevertheless,
the following characteristics are considered innovations of Gothic
The single most obvious, quick-and-dirty way to distinguish Gothic
style cathedral from any other design is to look at the windows
and portals......if the arches come to a "point" on
top, chances are it's Gothic construction.
The interior spaces are taller, lighter, and more spacious than
Romanesque cathedrals. Using buttresses on the outside
of the cathedral opens up the inside and creates a feeling of
decorations (sculptures, spires, pinnacles, buttresses, etc.)
become much more elaborate.
Clerestory windows become taller and wider.....fenestration (window
design) becomes an important part of Gothic cathedral design.
this point, let's review some to the architectural elements common
in Gothic construction by referring to the diagram on the left:
(1.)BAY (a segment of the nave). (2)NAVE.
(3) SIDE AISLE. (4) ARCADE.
(5) TRIFORIUM. (6) CLERESTORY
WINDOWS. (7-8) PIERS.
(9) RIBBED-VAULTING. (10)BUTTRESS. (11) FLYING
BUTTRESS. (12) FLYING ARCH.