1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Architecture

Gothic Architecture

By Jackie Craven, About.com

3 of 10

Gothic Detail: Pointed Arches

Gothic cathedral of Reims, France

Reims Cathedral - Notre-Dame de Reims

Photo © Claudio Giovanni Colombo / iStockPhoto
Gothic architecture is not merely about ornamentation. The Gothic style brought innovative new construction techniques that allowed churches and other buildings to reach great heights.

One important innovation was the use of pointed arches. Earlier Romanesque churches had pointed arches, but builders didn't capitalize on the shape. During the Gothic era, builders discovered that pointed arches would give structures amazing strength and stability.

In Gothic buildings, the weight of the roof was supported by the arches rather than the walls. This meant that walls could be thinner.

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project.

Explore Architecture

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Architecture
  4. Periods & Styles
  5. Medieval
  6. Gothic Architecture - Pointed Arches - Reims Cathedral - Notre-Dame de Reims

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.