Key Parts of Gothic Architecture
Pointed Arch
Architects replaced the rounded arches from the Romanesque style to pointed arches. The pointed arches gave the buildings great structure and stability. Instead of the walls being the main support for the roof, the pointed arches were. This meant that the walls could be thinner. Using the pointed arch, people could also build to greater heights.
Ribbed Vaulting
Barrel Vaulting
Barrel vaulting (image shown to the left) was used during the Romanesque times. Barrel vaulting carried the weight of the building on continuous side walls. Gothic architects introduced ribbed vaulting (image shown below) which used columns to support the weight of the building. Architecture became very tall with the advancement of ribbed vaults.
Flying Buttress
The Flying buttress system was used to prevent the outward collapse of the arches. It is an arch or a half-arch that extends on the outside of the building and is attached to a brick or stone support.
Stained Glass Window
Since walls were not the main support for the building, there was more room for windows. Some of the stained glass windows had pictures of saints on them, or they represented stories from the bible. The bigger windows created more light in the Gothic style buildings; something that was not shown in the Romanesque style.
Gargoyles
Buildings with the Gothic style became very elaborate. Even the rain gutters were decorated! Gargoyles were sculptures of strange creatures. They were used to decorate rain gutters, and some people even believed that they would ward off evil spirits.