Medieval Architecture: Romanesque and Gothic Styles

Architecture has always played a profound role in the creation and advancement of society. From simple building structures to complex multi-level palaces, mankind has seemingly always been fascinated with the style of structures. In different parts of the world, at various periods of time, culture, society and resource shaped themselves into the look and feel of that regions architecture. It is one style however that's architectural reminisce remains an archetype of beauty and power in modern times; Medieval architecture.

Medieval architecture is a broad style as various other styles were born under the same basic structure. The two most commonly known and studied styles that emerged from the architecture of the day are the Romanesque style and the Gothic style. Both architectural designs stem from the same geographic area but gained influences from various other civilizations.

The Romanesque style explains much of its influence in its name. Prevalent in medieval Europe in the 11th 12th centuries, it was first brought forth with the creation of the Roman Empire. Architecture in the Roman Empire was not known as "Romanesque.'" The term is a modern word, used to characterize later works that mirrored a similar image of round or slightly pointed arches, vaults and cruciform piers found during the Roman Empire. Romanesque architecture was marked by the idea of pure geometrical forms. Stone vaulting was also a change in style that required thicker, stronger walls with narrow openings. Such a style also gave way to an improve pier, or an upright square or rectangular support. Columns were then added to the piers, which allowed for improved support of archways. An example of the change to more geometric styles is evident when the columns of Romanesque architecture are examined. The column capitals became cubic as opposed to the more elaborate Corinthian style. Another element of architecture brought forth in the Romanesque period of the medieval ages was the impost, a trapezoid block that was placed between the capital of a column and the arch. Romanesque architecture, though similar in formation gave way to slightly different styles within itself depending on the region.

Both France and Spain took on their own version of the style and provided a different flair. Medieval France used the style predominantly in monasteries and the architecture is distinguished by the use of a variety of stone vaulting. Spain however, first developed its Romanesque style in the 10th and 11th centuries but advanced from a primitive more simplistic style to a more complex style in the 12th century that gave way to architectural marvels such as the Cathedral of Jaca, known for its "chess" style stripes and the Mosque of Cordoba with its intricate polyobulated arches. However, as time passed and resources and culture changed in the medieval times, the architecture style did as well and soon the Romanesque form gave way to Gothic Architecture.

The 12th century was marked by the introduction of the flying buttress, invented by Abbot Suger. This innovation brought forth a whole new way to support buildings. It allowed for beams to be placed down and out of the building, which in turn allowed much of the weight to be concentrated on the ground outside of the structure. This meant that the walls could be thinner and it also allowed for larger windows, meaning more light and even the introduction of large stained glass murals. The pointed archway was another very prominent example of Gothic style. A collection of new styles and knowledge allowed for buildings to be built taller than they ever were before.

Gothic architecture is characterized by its skeletal stone form and its stained glass. The existence of pointed arches as well as clustered columns and intricate sculpture such as the famous gargoyle formations is major features of the style. The building techniques not only allowed for a more elaborate form in regards to art, but it also gave way to functionality as the larger windows allowed for the buildings to receive more light than allowed by older styles. Likely, the most defining feature of Gothic architecture was the pointed archways. Not only did the formation represent the figurative idea of aspiration to the Heavens, but it also allowed for the structure as a whole to have a more flexible architectural form. Unlike in Romanesque architecture, Gothic architectural vaults could be used to roof irregular shapes. The entire style allowed for better support of the structure without having to compromise intricate architectural forms. The new ability to make higher ceilings and more open, well-lightened areas allowed for a whole new view on how architecture could be both functional and breathtaking. Gothic style in medieval architecture changed the way buildings were seen and built for the rest of architectural history.

The Medieval ages proved to be a time of much change, or at least the catalyst of major advancements, socially, politically, and culturally. However, despite the rich history, it is the architecture of the time that sticks out in the minds of the masses. The beauty, grace and sheer magnificence of the buildings remaining from, or based of the styles of that time provide a rich sight for the eyes to feast on and symbolism for the mind to try to decipher. Such architecture exists in the pages of storybooks and fairytales read today and will likely continue to be seen as defining and forever unique.