Journal Entry HUM 2

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Northern Virginia Community College *

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201E55L

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Arts Humanities

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Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by SargentEchidnaMaster1413

Alexander Parish 1 10/11/2023 HUM 201 Journal Entry: Option 2 Religious structures of any kind provide a certain level of significance throughout history with regards to the architectural designs and styles presented during that period. They provided a served a specific purpose based on faith, culture, customs, and function. The Romanesque structural designs were first seen in the 9 th century, and the gothic structures later in the 12 th century. Both types of churches are well known for their architectural designs, styles, and functions, however each also have their own unique design based on the functionalities of each church. Even though there were differences between the Gothic and Romanesque styles, the Gothic structures used Romanesque styles and designs. Moreover, both Gothic and Romanesque styles helped expand their own uniqueness by choosing to highlight and reflect the different aspects of the religion. Although many of the structures have been destroyed by time, some of the Romanesque and Gothic churches are still found today and have similarities and differences. Romanesque architecture started to become more prevalent in the 9 th century and lasted until about the 12 th century. The architecture during this period was heavily influenced by both the Byzantine Empire and the Roman Empire. The architecture during the Romanesque period could be characterized by the thick walls, rounded arches, large towers, symmetrical, and ribbed vaults. They also tended to be much darker in both colors and in tone, and the artwork and exterior can be described as plain and inornate. The Romanesque architecture also contained smaller windows, and even though the windows were small, it still allowed light to pass through and enter the structure. This oftentimes gave structures during the Romanesque period a fortress-like appearance, this also allowed the Romanesque churches to operate in a way that allowed them to serve as protective structures for individuals.

2 Gothic architecture started in the 12 th century and can be characterized by five main elements. Those being stained glass, large windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and ornate decorations. Gothic Architecture went through different phases, in order to fully transition from the Romanesque architecture styles to the Gothic architecture styles that implemented these five main elements. By the end of the transition Gothic architecture had a completely style than that of the Romanesque. Having all of these elements led to the Gothic churches becoming very recognizable. The Gothic churches and architecture also implemented the use of thin walls, lighter and less dense building materials for the purpose of achieving taller and pointed arches. This led to the churches looking more heavenly due to them being both brighter and taller and can be described as pointing towards the sky. As a result of this, these structures during the Gothic period to have internal framework that functioned as the structures skeleton. Additionally, the Gothic structures also often had larger rounded windows, rather than the small windows previously seen during the Romanesque period. These larger windows allowed even more light to pass through and enter the interior, which also helped it appear more heavenly. What also helped the Gothic churches appear more heavenly was the color, the color of the Gothic churches tended to be bright and airy, while also appearing ornate in design. Gothic churches served as significant areas for aesthetic purposes due to their delicate and precise design and decoration. Both Romanesque and Gothic churches had a very similar framework, due to the closely aligned transition from the Romanesque period to the Gothic period. These obvious similarities included the use of stone foundations, developed walls, and both were equally grand in both appearance and design. Some of the less common similarities was the internal design of the church, the vaults, windows, and archways. All of these structures helped the church and chapel in implementing different religious functions. Both Romanesque and Gothic churches include having a common purpose in facilitating prayers, and played important roles, for example conducting religious functions and the warship of God.

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