Flying Buttress

Definition

A flying buttress is an architectural structure that supports a wall by transferring the weight of the roof and upper walls to a separate support, often an external arch. This technique allows for taller buildings with thinner walls and larger windows, which became a hallmark of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. By using flying buttresses, architects were able to create more open interior spaces while maintaining structural integrity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flying buttresses were commonly used in the construction of cathedrals and large churches during the Romanesque and Gothic periods, significantly influencing their architectural style.
2. These structures allowed for the inclusion of large stained glass windows, which contributed to the ethereal quality of light inside many churches.
3. The use of flying buttresses is associated with advancements in engineering that allowed for more ambitious building designs.
4. Unlike traditional buttresses, which are thick and built directly against a wall, flying buttresses are detached and extend outwards, providing additional support without taking up interior space.
5. Famous examples of flying buttresses can be found in iconic buildings like Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing their effectiveness in both form and function.

Review Questions

• How do flying buttresses contribute to the overall design and functionality of Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals?
  • Flying buttresses enhance the design of Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals by allowing for taller structures with thinner walls. This architectural innovation supports the weight of heavy roofs while enabling larger windows, particularly stained glass, which flood interiors with light. The result is an awe-inspiring visual experience that embodies both beauty and engineering prowess.
• Discuss the impact of flying buttresses on the evolution of architectural styles during the Middle Ages.
  • The introduction of flying buttresses marked a significant shift in architectural styles during the Middle Ages, particularly as they facilitated the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. This structural advancement allowed architects to push the limits of height and light within buildings. The ability to incorporate expansive stained glass windows changed how spaces were illuminated and how people experienced these sacred environments.
• Evaluate how flying buttresses represent a convergence of artistic expression and engineering innovation in medieval architecture.
  • Flying buttresses exemplify a remarkable convergence of artistic expression and engineering innovation in medieval architecture. By enabling taller, lighter structures adorned with intricate stained glass, these supports reflect both aesthetic ideals and practical solutions to architectural challenges. The successful integration of form and function through flying buttresses not only advanced building techniques but also transformed how spiritual spaces were perceived and experienced by congregants.

Related terms

Arcade: A series of arches supported by columns or piers, often used to create a covered walkway or passage.

Vault: An arched structure that forms the ceiling or roof of a building, distributing weight evenly across its surface.

Keystone: The central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the other stones in place and enabling the arch to bear weight.