Construction of Gothic cathedrals - Wikipedia
From the late 11th century until the Renaissance, largely in Western Europe, Gothic cathedral construction required substantial funding, highly skilled workers, and engineering solutions for complex technical problems.
Pointed arch - Wikipedia
Pointed arches form the rib vaults of Worcester Cathedral (1084–1504) A pointed arch, ogival arch, or Gothic arch is an arch with a pointed crown meet at an angle at the top of the arch. [1] Also known as a two-centred arch, its form is derived from the intersection of two circles. [2]
Architecture of cathedrals and great churches - Wikipedia
The style evolved to one that was less heavy, had larger windows, lighter-weight vaulting supported on stone ribs and above all, the pointed arch which is the defining characteristic of the style now known as Gothic. With thinner walls, larger windows and high pointed arched vaults, the distinctive flying buttresses developed as a means of support.
NOVA - Official Website | Physics of Stone Arches
Oct 14, 2010 · How did medieval engineers construct magnificent skyscrapers of glass and stone? Great Cathedral Mystery. Master craftsmen explore how Florence's monumental dome was built nearly 600 years ago.
Gothic Architecture 101 - Washington National Cathedral
In the Cathedral’s spectacular vaulted ceiling, round boss stones are key structural and decorative elements. Each stone in the center of the arch functions like a keystone; without these load-bearing stones, the massive weight of the ceiling could not …
The basic components of an arch are: Keystone—Wedge shaped stone that forms the apex of a masonry arch. Springer—Lowest stone on each side of a masonry arch. All the weight the arch supports presses on the springer stone and pushes it …
gothic cathedral and church construction | France zone at
Feb 8, 2006 · So it was that cathedral construction evolved, with ribbed vaults and pointed arches appearing at the start of the eleventh century. This first major innovation in gothic cathedrals - the pointed arch - replaced the rounded Roman arch and enabled the building of more complex and higher buildings.
The Gothic Cathedral: Height, Light, and Color
Architects and engineers built churches from skeletal stone ribs composed of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses to create soaring vertical interiors, colorful windows, and an environment celebrating the mystery and sacred nature of light.
The History of Gothic Cathedrals: The Architecture of Light
Jun 3, 2024 · Gothic cathedrals are testaments to medieval Europe's ingenuity, spiritual fervor, and artistic brilliance. With their intricate detailing and imposing facades, these towering structures invite admiration and contemplation, drawing millions each …
The Great Eastern Stone Arch - Divine Stone
Jun 26, 2020 · The great eastern stone arch looms above Morningside Heights at the close of the nineteenth century. It was the signature image of the cathedral construction in those days and the culmination of years of excavation and foundation building.