Reading Comprehension 3

[1] Compare and contrast the cathedrals according to the matrix. To illustrate your post, hand draw a view of your “main” cathedral, scan it and place it at the top of your response. Your written thoughts should fully illuminate the questions asked with each cathedral pairing on the website. Strive for 250- 300 words total for this response. Include additional images, as applicable, if you wish. Also check out the west vs. east page and digest what is written there

Structure, light, and cross sections are all key elements to cathedrals. Focusing on the Salisbury Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral, Florence Cathedral in comparison with the Cologne Cathedral, many similarities and differences are apparent that evokes a rich story and understanding of the culture. As time evolves, so do buildings. Traditions carry on as others fade, while generations perceive the past differently.

The Cologne Cathedral beginning construction began in 1248. Its tall, uprightness plays an important role in its story. IT acts as a symbol of the community and is influenced by the people. The vastness of scale and verticality draws more attention to the church and its power. The tall towers point toward the heaven, drawing your eye to the building itself. If one were standing in the city, the cathedral would stand out among all other buildings, gaining the desired attention. The cross section of the building pulls one toward the center while the two towers points a direct entrance. Every design detail is focused on bringing the people in toward the center where all the light meets. Light is considered the design element that amalgamates all Gothic Cathedrals. Stained glass. Clerestory windows, and ribbed vaulting are interior details that alter the way light is seen, dramatizing the effect. This lighting becomes theatrical, highlighting significant moments of space such as the center and the ceiling.

Salisbury Cathedral has a similar plan as the Cologne Cathedral with the exception of a double cross plan and additional building to the side. Light becomes a major element during the dark ages and religious struggle. With opposing views between the religions, churches wanted to recreate pure Christianity, avoiding the “dark” ways of life. The use of light in these two buildings brings focus toward the heavens creating a theatrical effect that may lure people in. The vastness also draws more attention towards the church.

Structure is a key element when comparing the Amiens Cathedral with the Cologne Cathedral. Flying buttresses were an important aspect in the build of the Amiens Cathedral. They were first seen in Notre Dame in Paris. These flying buttresses allowed the building to be taller with a more complex structure. The ceiling of the crossing provides similarity between the tow cathedrals. The negative space draws your eye upwards. Similarity is bound to occur between these two buildings with such relative distance, word travels upward towards Germany. Though many buildings were built during the “dark ages”, a certain demographic must have been present to form these innovative, complex structures. The wealthy patrons of the church were necessary to build the Cathedral. This informs one that wealth has hierarchy among other classes of wealth. This is still true today; people with money have more say-so to what is built and how it is built. Though the church is to enlighten people, it still is based on money to build the tallest, most complex structure.

A crossing still occurs, yet the oculus in the Florence Cathedral truly brings the heavens down to earth, much like the Pantheon. Many differences occur in the Florence Cathedral compared to the gothic Cologne Cathedral. The dome symbolizes a need for change, an approach that discerns tradition. The dome specifically addresses light allowing the light to shine through at this one intersection. The Florence Cathedral is no longer bound by tradition but uses previous elements of design such as the dome to breakaway. A tower still occurs, but it is the dome that signifies a change in attitude toward the church and what is should symbolize.

Looking at cathedrals, one can recognize such a story of the culture and the hierarchy involved to build such complex structures. Does tradition initially mean how a building should be built, or does it mean something much deeper as to what will provide the money for it to be built. Are traditions mainly based on hierarchy or does it symbolize the city and its power. Many design elements in cathedrals signifies what was important and what remains important today.

[2] This illustration from A Medieval Home Companion depicts woman at work in a medieval interior. Unfortunately, the image is closely cropped so we don’t see much of the rest of the dwelling in which she works. Using Harwood and Roth, complete the rest of the scene using words and images to demonstrate your understanding of the domestic medieval interior

After the fall of the Roman Empire, any changes occur in Europe and religion. Christianity spreads along with culture, education and the Catholic Church provides stability. Many people become wealthy and nobles must provide protection for his family. The hall in the household becomes a central area where people sleep, entertain, and hold meetings. The domestic medieval interior was a communal living where fireplaces, screens, and fabric hangings would provide warmth and protection. Many interiors were a cluster of spaces. In “Understanding Architecture,” Roth mentions that the kitchen would be located towards the back (345). In this picture, a woman is cooking with a doorway leading to the back of the house. The great hall occupies the space towards he front of the house. Noble houses are large where furnishings are portable. Moldings and sculpture emphasizes design features. The great hall would consist of paneling, many textiles, and a window seat to provide some sort of privacy in this communal living space.

Haddon Hall

http://www.conncoll.edu/ccacad/eng309/medieval/136.gif