Reading comprehension 3

1.  Time: Salisbury and Amiens Cathedral

            When comparing Salisbury and Amiens Cathedral the ratio of similarities to differences are striking. Although they are each designed as a space of worship with an emphasis upon verticality the designers took two unique approaches in completing the design.  These differences are likely due to the construction process of each cathedral.  With the Salisbury cathedral being built in 38 years it encompassed one generation’s ideology on how a place of worship should be designed.  This shows through the very uniformed style of the Salisbury Cathedral. In contrast to Salisbury, Amiens Cathedral went through a much longer construction process, lasting 190 years. Because of this long process the design of the building changed slowly over time as the ideas of the designers changed.  Although the cathedral is symmetrical and proportional it dose not offer that same sense of a uniform design seen at Salisbury.

 

Patron: Salisbury and Florence Cathedral

            Although both the Salisbury and Florence cathedral successfully accomplish order symmetry and a cohesive design the differences in the two structures are clear.  Salisbury cathedral was commissioned by church leaders allowing for an organized uniformed structure. Although the Florence cathedral appears to have an organized design strategy it is clear through different styles in important elements such as the entry doors and the dome that more than one hand played a role in both the design as well as the financing of the structure.

           

Inside/Outside: Although the Salisbury and Cologne Cathedral are interestingly similar on the interior their exteriors speak two very different languages.  On the interior we see a large emphasis on verticality and natural light. Also the use of the ribbed vault, which screams gothic, is heavily utilized in each structure. However when looking at the outside the differences are quite noticeable. The Salisbury cathedral has a even stance upon a rural landscape. And Cologne we see a structure that appears to be practically leaping off the ground. Because of this high degree of vertically much larger flying buttresses are implemented compared to those seen at Salisbury. The reason for this style of design at Cologne can likely be accredited to the urban location and limited space, and also the idea of reaching towards the heavens that we see in most Gothic places of worship

 

 

2.  The middle ages were brought on due to the decay of the Roman Empire. There was no longer a central government. Large cities dispersed and a more rural, agricultural life style was adopted. Small kingdoms began to arise and invasions and warfare became a way of life. Due to all of this change, naturally architecture changed as well.  Due to a new style of government, the feudal system the building of castles became a necessity through out the Middle Ages.  In the image found on blackboard we see a woman working in a medieval interior. This new style of domestic architecture is often characterized as cold and uninviting, which speaks to both the political and social ideology at the time.  Materials used were often local and inexpensive Such as Pinewood found in forest near by. Lavish materials and decoration had become a thing of the classical past. Often these domestic interiors consisted of only one room that was used for both sleeping quarters as well as a dinning hall. A hearth in the center provided heat, but due to poor ventilation left the room smog.

Example of a medieval interior

http://www.englishheritageimages.com/image/solar-room-stokesay-castle-n080470_1382710.jpg