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Gothic Architecture

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Gothic Architecture can be viewed as the skyscrapers of the medieval era with the sheer height of the buildings and the slender windows and columns adding to the verticality of the buildings. In his book 'Gothic' Prof. Dr Bruno Klein enlightens the readers that Gothic Architecture was not entirely initiated with the construction of St. Denis by Abbot Sugar but rather played as major catalyst for the movement which had slowly started to appear in the late Romanesque movement. By instigating a search through Klein's work a better understanding of the Gothic movement can be achieved. This paper will discuss in detail factors that contributed towards the Gothic movement and how the movement was not initiated by the construction of St. Denise by Abbot Sugar but rather a few years before hand. By exploring factors such as political, social and cultural beliefs and values that influence the dramatic change that helped emerge the gothic movement and differ it from its predecessor. Aim of this paper is showcase and illuminate the differences between Gothic and Romanesque Architecture but also how past Architectural styles transcends over time rather than stop with the Architectural movement ends and moves to another.
The fact that the founding stone of Gothic Architecture was laid on the july 14 1140 can be disputed (Toman and Bednorz 2007, pg 28). According to Prof. Dr. Bruno Klein the rebuilding of the choir of the Benedictine church of St. Denis was begun at the influence of Abbot Sugar (1081-1151) who is seen as the instigator of the Gothic Architecture movement but rather was the figure who showcased the features of Gothic Architecture Which differed from it predecessor. Due to Abbot Sugar's position in the French politics as the kings advisor and his passion for his country, king and house of god he was able to take charge for the reconstruction of the royal chapel.

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