The Past is Connected to the Present

Reese Morris

March 2, 1014

The Past is Connected to the Present

The idea of history is a fluid thing. Usually history is defined as the past, something which we can learn from, but it is separate from the present time. However, the past is always reaching out to the present and influencing decisions long after when some would think it should be dead. One such example would be the architectural designs. During the medieval age the Gothic style was born and even now almost 1000 years later the Gothic style is still alive and well.

According to Arts and Culture the “Gothic buildings have a soaring quality, for the vertical is constantly emphasized and the walls are thin” (257). Just a few of the structural innovations which characterize this style is the pointed arches, vaults, and flying buttresses. This means that these types of buildings seem to look as if they are reaching out to touch the sky. They also have high vaulting ceilings which have an open and airy feel to them. If the building happened to be a church it would probably have a stained glass window which would depict a scene or a very important person. This would also let in a vast amount of light for the people.

One of the most spectacular cathedrals built in the Gothic style in the medieval age was the Reims Cathedral. According to Gavin Stamp an author who wrote an article named “Architecture” stated that “The Reims Cathedral had celebrated its 800^th anniversary in 2011”. This means that the Reims Cathedral was perhaps not one of the first, but it was built near the beginning of the Gothic era. This building is a magnificent cathedral. Its main structure is the pointed arch, this type of structural design had been incorporated throughout the building. If someone were to look skywards while inside they couldn't help but notice that the ceiling arches high over head. Because of the way it was designed this building has a light and airy quality to it. Much of these aspects are similar to the Gothic style building which have been built more recently.

One such building would have to be the Bury St Edmunds. According to Gavin Stamp, but this time in the article “Gothic Revival” he stated that the work involving the building of the Bury St Edmunds finally began in 2000. That is very resent for a Gothic style church. The look of the Bury St Edmunds is very similar to that of the middle ages style of cathedrals. It has the same pointed arch, the same arching ceiling, even the outside designs are similar.

So even after 800 years certain designs from the past refuse to die out, namely the Gothic style. Both ages, medieval and modern, has similarities which can be clearly seen. The pointed arches, high towering ceilings, an openness to the room, a light feel to the air inside. All of these aspects and more still have that distinct and inspiring design which originated over eight centuries ago.

Works Cited

Stamp, Gavin. “Gothic revival: later this month, the scaffolding comes down from the new crossing tower of Bury St Edmonds cathedral. It triumphantly proves that gothic architecture is alive.” Apollo May 2005: 94+. Academic OneFle. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.

Stamp, Gavin. “Architecture: for centuries, medieval cathedrals on both sides of the channel have endured damage and destruction because of religious and civil wars. The survival of Reims Cathedral, celebrating its 800^th anniversary this year, is nothing short of miraculous—for which its restorers should be applauded.” Apollo Feb. 2011:68+. Academic OneFle. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.

Benton, Janetta Rebold and DiYanni, Robert. Arts and Culture. New Jersey: Person Education, 2012. Print.