Flying Buttress

Definition

A flying buttress is an architectural feature commonly used in Gothic cathedrals that supports the structure by transferring the weight of the roof and walls outward to a separate support structure. This innovative design allowed for higher walls and larger windows, which were key characteristics of Late Gothic art and architecture. Flying buttresses not only provided structural stability but also contributed to the aesthetic appeal of Gothic buildings, creating an open, airy atmosphere that distinguished them from earlier architectural styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flying buttresses were developed to counteract the lateral forces exerted on walls, allowing for thinner walls and more windows.
2. They became a defining feature of Late Gothic architecture, seen prominently in cathedrals like Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral.
3. The use of flying buttresses enabled the incorporation of large stained glass windows, which flooded interiors with natural light and added to the overall spiritual experience.
4. Flying buttresses can be classified into different types, including single and double flying buttresses, each providing varying degrees of support.
5. The innovation of flying buttresses marked a significant shift in architectural techniques, allowing structures to reach new heights while maintaining stability.

Review Questions

• How did flying buttresses contribute to the overall design and aesthetics of Gothic cathedrals?
  • Flying buttresses played a crucial role in the design and aesthetics of Gothic cathedrals by allowing for taller structures and larger windows. This innovation enabled architects to create open interiors filled with natural light from expansive stained glass windows. The support provided by flying buttresses also allowed for intricate designs and higher ceilings, contributing to the ethereal quality often associated with Gothic architecture.
• Compare the structural benefits of flying buttresses with traditional wall construction methods used in earlier architectural styles.
  • Flying buttresses provide significant structural benefits over traditional wall construction methods by redistributing weight and allowing for thinner walls. In earlier Romanesque architecture, thick walls were necessary to support heavy roofs, limiting window sizes and overall height. In contrast, flying buttresses enable architects to build higher and incorporate large windows without compromising stability, leading to a dramatic transformation in architectural possibilities during the Gothic period.
• Evaluate the impact of flying buttresses on the evolution of architectural techniques during the Late Gothic period and their influence on later styles.
  • Flying buttresses significantly impacted architectural techniques during the Late Gothic period by introducing new possibilities for height and light in building design. Their ability to support massive structures while maintaining thin walls paved the way for subsequent architectural movements that sought similar effects. The principles established through the use of flying buttresses influenced later styles such as Renaissance architecture, where balance between structural integrity and aesthetic appeal remained paramount, highlighting their lasting legacy in architectural history.

Related terms

Gothic Architecture: A style of architecture that flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

Ribbed Vault: An architectural feature consisting of intersecting stone ribs that create a framework for the ceiling, allowing for greater height and stability in Gothic buildings.

Cathedral: A large and important church that serves as the principal church of a diocese, often characterized by its grand scale and architectural features like flying buttresses.