Medieval Theories PDF

MEDIEVAL  Architectural knowledge was passed by transcription, word of mouth and technically in master builders' lodges. Only a few examples of architectural theory were written in this period. Most works were theological, and were transcriptions of the bible, so the architectural theorie...

MEDIEVAL  Architectural knowledge was passed by transcription, word of mouth and technically in master builders' lodges. Only a few examples of architectural theory were written in this period. Most works were theological, and were transcriptions of the bible, so the architectural theories were the notes on structures included in those. The Abbot Suger's Book of St Denis on What was done during his Administration was an architectural document that emerged with gothic architecture. Another was Villard de Honnecourt's portfolio of drawings from about the 1230s.  The Book of Suger – Abbot of St. Denis "The dull mind rises to truth through that which is material." -Abbot Suger The birth of Gothic Suger's great ambition led to the thorough remodelling of the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis, thus making his name synonymous with the beginning of Gothic art and architecture in France. In this book Suger details what was accomplished during his administration  Basilica of Saint-Denis (1135AD) first and the template of Gothic Church. reconstruction by the Abbot Suger, utilizing a variety of structural and stylistic from Romanesque (1140–44)... created higher and wider bays, into which he installed larger windows which filled the end of the church with light. Soon afterward he rebuilt the facade, adding three deep portals, each with a tympanum (an arch filled with sculpture illustrating biblical stories). The new facade was flanked by two towers. He also installed a small circular Constructed rose window over the central portal. This design became the during the Renovated by prototype for a series of new French cathedrals. Romanesque time Suger during the Gothic time Abbot Suger's philosophy known as "the upward leading method." influenced the design  And The "Smaller Lights" (The People) Suger Believed That The Universe Consists Of The "Father Of Lights" (God) Suger's rebuilding of the church exemplifies the desire to get closer to this "one true light" in his use of heightened architecture as well as by his passion for light in the church.  The symbolism of churches and church ornaments – Translated by William Durandus The paragon of Christian symbolism should be viewed as much more than an aesthetically pleasing example. Through the surpassing beauty of Gothic architecture God was vividly displaying a liturgical and theological principle. The unrivalled symbolic beauty of the Medieval Church was providentially intended as a timeless principle illustrating how sacramental signs and instruments convey the grace of God. Three Portals of Notre Dame Cathedral Center: Last Judgment left (North) side- Portal of the Virgin. right (South) right side - Portal of St. Anne. Presence of chimeras at the balconies of Notre Dame Cathedral- symbolizes the vulnerability of human outside the Church or religion where servants of darkness are ready to lure them to temptations Rose Window Every element of a Gothic cathedral had meaning. Even the effect of light pouring through the stained glass was not simply decorative but meant to convey and heighten a sense of the divine pouring in from above. In terms of a symbolic whole, think of the Trinity, or the concept of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as three in one. The rose window was a way to make ideas such as these concrete.