Source:With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 4th-6th century, Medieval European architecture evolved massively. The socio-political scenario at the time dictated the language of architecture in different parts of Europe. The crowning of the new Roman emperor Charlemagne initiated the rise of unique European architectural styles. Various regions came up with distinctive styles, starting from Carolingian architecture, followed by the Ottonian, Romanesque, and the well-known Gothic and Renaissance architecture styles.
Two of the most remarkable eras of European architecture were defined by Gothic architecture (12th -16th century AD) and Renaissance architecture (14th -17th century AD). Although the timelines of Renaissance and Gothic architecture are closely wound, stylistically both forms of architecture are distinct.
Renaissance v/s Gothic Architecture:
Gothic Architecture:
Originating in France, the Gothic style of architecture embraced ornamentation along with new technological innovations that created massive structures. Two distinctive phases of Gothic evolution were evidently seen emerging across Europe between 12th to 16thcentury AD. The style picked up cues from its precedent Romanesque style while aiming for skyrocketing structures that surpassed the limitations of the former. It was characterized by the following key features that were evidently seen in both its phases.
Gothic Architecture: Key Features
1. Pointed Arches
Pointed Arches
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An emphasis on the height of the structure was evident in Gothic buildings. This was accentuated by the use of thin, long pointed arches. These arches are also seen in the Islamic architecture style and also symbolize reaching towards heaven.
2. Ribbed Vaults
Ribbed Vaults
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Complementing the pointed arches, the ceilings of Gothic buildings often incorporated ribbed vaults. Arched or ribbed vaults were generally placed parallel to one another to support the roof of the Gothic building. These not only created visual interest inside the space but also stabilized the structure allowing the architects to create taller structures.
3. Flying Buttresses
Flying Buttresses
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An ingenious Gothic-era advancement was the flying buttresses that added to the stability of the structure. Resembling half an arch, these buttresses supported the structure externally and allowed the building to go taller.
4. Stained Glass Windows
Stained Glass Windows
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A key distinct feature of Gothic churches and cathedrals was stained glass windows. Typically seen in the pointed arches or in round rose window form, these windows allowed ample natural light into the structure while depicting biblical scenes. These ornate windows were complemented with tracery and decorative stone or mouldings around them.
5. Decorative Elements
Decorative Elements
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Gothic architecture embraced ornamental details. Heavy mouldings, intricate carvings, life-like statues, embellished pinnacles or spires and picturesque gargoyles flanked the elevations of Gothic buildings.
Renaissance Architecture:
Renaissance was the rebirth of ancient classical architecture forms of the Greco-Roman empires. This important period led to significant advancements in all the realms and also produced some of the most famous monuments. With the advent of the Renaissance architecture movement in Italy in the 14th century, the style had a transformative impact on the fabric of Europe. Renaissance vs. Gothic architecture styles had contradictory characteristics. The former took cues from the architecture of antiquity that focused on symmetry and proportions. It was a step away from the slender and tall Gothic buildings.
Renaissance Architecture: Key features
1. Classical Elements
Classical Elements
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Classical elements such as domes, orders, pilasters, lintels, semi-circular arches, pediments, etc. of Roman and Greek architecture made a comeback in this era. These were repeated in an orderly fashion to create monumental structures.
2. Symmetry and Proportion
Symmetry and Proportion
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Geometry played a key role in Renaissance architecture. Symmetry and proportions became the defining characteristics of the styles as they resembled the classics. The elevations of Renaissance buildings often displayed the use of the golden ratio.
3. Masonry
Masonry
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Since the style emphasized streamlined clean design features, the masonry used reflected the same. Ashlar masonry was extensively used in the buildings of the era. Uniformly cut stones with minimal mortar made the walls of these structures.
4. Airy and Light
Airy and Light
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Renaissance structures were often perceived as light as they allowed ample light into the structure. Clerestory windows and Pantheon-like circular windows were commonly seen in the buildings of the time.
Renaissance v/s Gothic Architecture Examples:
The difference between Renaissance and Gothic architecture is evidently seen through the distinguishing features of each style. To better understand this, one can look at typical examples of the Renaissance v/s Gothic architecture.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France (1163-1345)
Notre-Dame Cathedral
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One of the most striking monuments of Gothic architecture style is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Consisting of a cruciform plan, this Gothic structure features a higher central nave and towers. Its flying buttresses supported the high slender walls that gave an elevated look to the structure. The stained glass windows of the cathedral allowed ample light in while narrating biblical scriptures. The iconic rose window is a unique feature of the cathedral. Ornate mouldings, intricate statues and gargoyle spouts on the roof complete this architectural marvel.
Other well-known Gothic buildings include the Amiens Cathedral, Westminster Abbey in London, and St. Stevens Cathedral in Vienna, Austria.
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
St. Peter’s Basilica
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A Renaissance masterpiece, St.Peter’s Basilica epitomizes everything the movement had to offer. It features a Latin cross-shaped plan, the intersection of which was flanked by a Roman-Pantheon-like dome. This dome is the largest one in the world and was the pioneering attempt made at such a large scale. The spaces of the church are significantly large and are supported by numerous piers. The facades made of travertine stone feature Corinthian columns along with statues of Jesus’s apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul.
Other remarkable Renaissance architecture monuments include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. This was the pioneering structure of this architectural movement. It is well known for the majestic dome by architect Filippo Brunelleschi.
Difference between Renaissance and Gothic Architecture
The inherent difference between Renaissance v/s Gothic architecture becomes evident as one studies the proportions and scales of the two examples. The planning styles of Renaissance v/s Gothic architecture changed from the symmetrical geometry of Renaissance to the cruciform-shaped plans of Gothic. A focal shift from long slender forms of Gothic to proportionate geometries of Renaissance was observed.
Another point of difference between Gothic architecture and Renaissance architecture was the shift away from pointed lancet arches to Classic semi-circular arches. Flying buttresses of the Gothic style were replaced by the piers in the Renaissance style. Both the styles however incorporated an ample number of windows to make the structures seem light and airy. The ribbed vaults of Gothic architecture were replaced by majestic domes in Renaissance architecture.
The difference between Renaissance and Gothic architecture started with the shift in the underlying philosophy. The Gothic movement seem to have religious and cultural influence, while the Renaissance period was driven by technological advancements, detailed mathematical equations and learning from the Classics. The latter enriched the architectural landscape, laying the foundation for the movements that evolved.
Numerous Gothic architectural features like stained glass windows, stone sculptures, towers, ornate pinnacles and gargoyles, towers completely disappeared in the Renaissance architectural style. Symbolism and ornamentation vanished as the styles evolved from Gothic to Renaissance. Technological advancements accelerated during the Renaissance, wherein architects started experimenting with larger forms and volumes. The application of scientific and mathematical knowledge was at its peak during Renaissance architecture, this paved the way for striking architectural advancements of the modern movements.
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Text provided by
Namita Dhawan-
Namita Dhawan is an architect and a writer. She is extremely enthusiastic about architecture, design, history, research, and writing. She believes architecture is about power, it can provoke thoughts, and emotions, and control the actions of the users subtly.
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