How a Gothic catedral was built

 

HOW A GOTHIC CATHEDRAL WAS BUILT

Shared by Jose Luis Moisén :

We use as a resource a History documentary from BBC4 (How to Build a Cathedral: https://youtu.be/h57bqssrAMs). It will consist of four activities, including each one a written task and an oral presentation:

 

1.    BISHOPS AND MASTER MASONS

- Who were the people behind the plan and the construction of a cathedral?

- Describe the role played by the powerful bishops and the work developed by expertised master masons

2. SIMBOLISM IN GOTHIC ART

These religious buildings intended to create a spiritual atmosphere where the believer communicated with God and experienced Heaven on Earth.

Explain how and why gothic cathedrals conveyed the following ideas:

-      Height

-      Lightness

-      Brightness

3. GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEM

Gothic style introduced some revolutionary innovations in arquitecture: pointed arch, ribbed vault and flying buttress.

Describe these structures each one and explain how they worked together in the gothic constructive system.

4. STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS

Coloured light was a key factor in a gothic cathedral. It went through the windows and rosettes and filled up its interior evoking the presence of God.

Explain the process (materials, techniques, etc.) followed to obtain the stained-glass windows.