
Adriana M. answered 01/28/21
World History Teacher (Middle and High School)
Hi Karanbir,
Gothic architecture developed as a response to many of the issues with buildings in the medieval times. They were dark, cold, and strictly functional, but Gothic architecture aimed to fix these issues, and, serve as art. Below I will describe some typical attributes of the style.
1.Tall, large designs that are meant to reach through the sky
The purpose behind such tall buildings was not only to be ale to spread the weight of taller walls and towers, but to reach up to the heavens towards God. This is particularly visible in cathedrals and churches. (For an example, see Cathedral of Cologne)
2.Flying Buttresses
This is a super defining detail of gothic architecture as it spread the weight of the tall building by transferring the weight and force into the ground.They are usually carved to be made beautiful and are very common. See St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle as an example.
3.Pointed Arches
The pointed arch is also both practical and decorative. The form distributes the force of the ceiling and can support more weight than a simple thin pillar. For an example, see Malbork Castle in Poland.
4.Vaulted Ceilings
This uses the pointed arch to spread the weight from the upper floors and allow for taller ceilings, thus creating a more elegant appearance. Again, see Malbork Castle in Poland as an example.
5.Airy Interior
Before gothic architecture, castles were dark places and had wooden roofs that let in rain. In contrast, gothic architecture focused on light, and bright, large windows to make cathedrals and castles a more open and light-filled place. See Cologne Cathedral.
6.Gargoyles!
Gargoyles really are decorative along the sides of buildings and castles, but they were also spouts that let rain drain off the roof and onto the ground.
7.Decoration. Lots of it.
Gotchic architecture was really one of the first times that people began to actually put work into making a building beautiful. Every church and cathedral aimed to build a more beautiful and complex building for the sake of celebrating the glory of God. The Cologne Dom is a great place to see the intricate spires and decorated entryways.
Hope this is helpful!