western architecture in the middle ages

WESTERN ARCHITECTURE IN THE MIDDLE AGES

(A.D. 400-1500)

Western architecture passed through three stages of development during the middle ages. These are the Early Christian, Romanesque, and Gothic. These three styles developed one out of another: The Romanesque was an outgrowth of the early Christian, and the Gothic, of the Romanesque.

Romanesque

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EARLY CHRISTIAN

The Early Middle Ages

Early Christian

Christ Church Cathedral channel vault

Designed by William Orchard, its intricate stone latticework symbolizes heaven, with large 8-point stars and lantern-shaped pendants easily visible yet unimaginably difficult to carve.

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The Late Middle Ages

Gothic Cathedral

The Western styles follow the general type of the Roman Basilica, a long rectangular building divided by pillars into a central nave and aisles. Sometimes there is one aisle on each side of the nave; sometimes there are two. Often the nave is higher than the aisles, and, therefore, there is opportunity for clerestory lighting.

• In the early churches, the buildings was one simple rectangle with an apse. Later, the plan was adapted to the shape of a cross by the addition of cross aisles between the nave and the choir. The arms thus made are known as transepts. Directly opposite the high altar at the west, was the main entrance.

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