ROMAN & GOTHIC

ARCHITECTURE
BY GROUP 2
WHAT IS ROMAN ARCHITECTURE?
Roman architecture is an adaptation and enhancement
of Greek and Etruscan architectural styles. It forms part
of the broader category known as classical architecture.

It includes innovations in structural design such as

arches, vaults, and concrete construction.

Purpose: Develop public

spaces, display power, and
serve functional, civic, and
religious needs.
WHEN & WHERE?
Timeframe: 1st century BCE - 4th century CE, coinciding
with the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Locations: Rome was the epicenter, spreading through

Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East as the Empire
expanded.
WHY?
Functionality: Designed for both civic engagement
and religious worship.

Innovation: Romans enhanced construction

techniques, adding new orders and perfecting arches
and domes.

Legacy: Influences modern civil engineering.

HOW?
 Materials: Used slow-drying concrete
(pozzolana sand) for versatility and
durability.

Orders: To the three original greek orders

(Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), they introduced,
Tuscan (simplified Doric)
unfluted column, plain base, capital
and shaft having no decoration.
Composite (mix of Ionic and
Corinthian).
superimposing four diagonally set
Ionic vaults on a bell Corinthian,
Acanthus Leaves.

Techniques: Mastered arches, vaults, and domes, which allowed large, open interiors.
 Pont du Gard Aqueduct
DISTINCT FEATURES
OF ROMAN
ARCHITECTURE
Arches & Vaults: Enabled durable, large structures
(aqueducts, amphitheaters).

Concrete Domes: Allowed massive spaces, e.g.,

Pantheon’s unreinforced concrete dome.

Infrastructure: Roads and aqueducts facilitated

movement and water supply.

The Interior of the Pantheon, Rome

1. Religious: Temples for worship. ROMAN
BUILDING
2.
Public & Civic: Basilicas, baths,
theaters, amphitheaters.
TYPES
Commemorative: Victory
3. arches, columns. Roman buildings served specific
purposes: temples for worship,
basilicas and baths for public use,
theaters and amphitheaters for

4. Domestic: Houses, villas,

palaces.
entertainment, arches and columns
to commemorate victories, houses
and villas for living, and bridges and
aqueducts for infrastructure.
Engineering: Bridges,
5. aqueducts for urban
infrastructure.
KEY TECHNIQUES - WALL
CONSTRUCTION
Opus Reticulatum:
This technique used diamond-shaped tuff or brick blocks
set in a diagonal grid pattern, creating a net-like
appearance. It was popular for its decorative effect and
was often used in walls of Roman villas and public
buildings.
Opus Incertum:
This method involved small, irregularly shaped stones set
in a concrete core, giving a rough and rustic look. It was
commonly used in early Roman construction for walls due
to its simplicity and ease of use.
Opus Mixtum:
A combination of different materials, such as stone and
brick, arranged in alternating bands for both aesthetic
appeal and structural integrity. It became prevalent in the
late Roman Empire, showcasing technical innovation and
stylistic variety.
THE COLOSSEUM
Built: 70-82 AD; seats up to
87,000 people.

Features: Arches, columns,

advanced plumbing for mock
sea battles.

Legacy: Icon of Roman

entertainment and
engineering.
THE PANTHEON
Built: Reconstructed around
126 AD.

Purpose: Temple for all gods.

Distinct Feature: Largest

unreinforced concrete dome
with an oculus that lights the
interior.
ROMAN ROADS &
AQUEDUCTS
Infrastructure: Efficient
transport routes and water
supply systems.

Durability: Roads remained

functional for centuries,
aqueducts brought water
across vast distances.
 GOTHIC
ARCHITECTURE
WHAT IS GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE?
GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE
Also known as the architecture of the pointed
arch, emerged in France in the middle of the
12th century.

It found its expression in the church or

cathedral. It did not only become a religious
monument but a way of showing the strength
and wealth of the city.

Gothic Churches were filled with illuminated

manuscripts, rich tapestries, and stained glass
windows.
WHEN?
Gothic Architecture began
towards the end of
Romanesque Architecture.
It heralded many changes
in design and appearance
of churches, both inside
and out.
WHY?
There was a need to
progress in the
development of building
design. There was a desire
to reach perfection in the
buildings and this
perfection was to resemble
Gods relationship with the
universe.
WHERE?
It began in France. By the
end of the 12th Century it
reached England and later
on the rest of Europe.
CAN YOU
GUESS?
CAN YOU
GUESS?
WHAT DID IT LOOK LIKE
OUTSIDE?
1. Pointed Arches
2. Very Linear
3. Tall and slender in appearance
4. Very Decorative

The overall pointed look was for the

church to appear that it is pointing
towards the God and the Heavens.
WHAT DID IT LOOK LIKE OUTSIDE?
A. Pointed Arches
Unlike the Romanesque style. these arches are
pointed. They point up towards the heavens, as
does the whole appearance of Gothic
architecture.

B. Flying Buttresses
These were attached to the outside walls of the
church. They gave extra support to the roof and
the thinner walls. They took the weight of the
roof away from the walls.
WHAT DID IT LOOK LIKE
INSIDE?
1. Bright and Airy
2. High ceilings
3. Very decorative
4. Lots of windows
5. Stained glass windows
6. Pointed arches
7. Vertical and slender in
appearance.
CHARACTERISTICS INSIDE
A. Ribbed Vaults
“Ribs” were the extra support in the vaults. The roof and
support system consisted of ribbed vaults.

What were the results and effects of ribbed vaults?

Improved Structural Support: The ribs provided additional
support, allowing the roof’s weight to be distributed more
effectively. This reduced the need for thick walls.
Thinner Walls: With the roof weight supported by ribs, the
walls could be made thinner than in Romanesque churches.
More Windows and Light: Since the walls were not as
burdened by the roof’s weight, more windows could be
added. This made Gothic churches brighter and airier.
Increased Height: With the combined support of ribs and
flying buttresses, builders could create taller structures,
reducing the overall weight and increasing stability.
Windows in Chapter House The Long Nave, Winchester
at York Minster Cathedral
Barcelona Cathedral has a wide nave The clear proportions of Florence Cathedral
with the clerestorey windows nestled are defined by dark stone against the
under the vault. colour-washed plastered brick.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOTHIC
ARCHITECTURE
Gothic architecture is characterized by tall minarets, pointed
arches, large windows and stained glass painted with Bible
stories.

And the pointed arch, flying buttress and the long beam-
column create a sense of flying.

The majestic appearance, the vast space in the church, and

the long windows with stained glass produce a strong
religious atmosphere.

The plan of the church is based on the Latin cross, but there is
a pair of towers added on both sides of the doors at the west.
A. POINTED ARCH
It is simply known as the Gothic Arch and

was reconstructed from the cylindrical

vault of Roman architecture. There are four

stones at the end of the arch supporting

the power from the top so that the height

and the span of the arch are no longer

restricted and the arch can be made as

large and high as possible.

FLYING BUTTRESS
Buttress, also known as kongfuduo, is a

supporting facility to share the pressure

from the main walls. It has been largely

used in Roman Architecture. The original

buttress was solid and covered by the roof.

However, the buttress with Gothic style is

exposed out to be known as flying buttress.

Due to the further requirements of the

height, the role and appearance of buttress

have been greatly enhanced. It is coved

with complicated decorates and elaborate

carvings.
 Gothic architecture gradually abolishes the
STAINED GLASS gallery and aisle and increases the size of

the window. These windows are high

enough, almost to be used as the walls. The

stained glass, covered with religious stories

which help to illustrate the doctrines to

illiterate people is of high artistic

achievement.

There are two main colors, blue and red.

Blue symbolizes the heaven and red

symbolizes the blood of Christ.

The stained glass creates a mysterious but

brilliant scene, which express people's

longing for the kingdom of heaven.

BEAM COLUMNS

Many columns, no longer simple round,

come together and emphasize the vertical

lines, which makes the whole architecture

to form an organic whole with simple lines

and grand appearance.

Regional Differences

• French Gothic architecture

English Gothic architecture

Germany architecture

Spanish architecture

Italian architecture
Height
Impression of
verticality
Two large towers
Gothic Architecture
Extreme length

External emphasis
upon the horizontal

Double transepts
• Huge size

• Modular nature

• Openness
Stoned Architecture
Special complexity

Tall arcades

Low clerestories
 Polychrome
decoration

Few and widely

spaced columns

Simple proportions
 Early Gothic - Laon
Cathedral, 1160-
1205

4 story elevation division into horizontal

sexpartite (6 part) vaults and vertical bands
spanning 2 bays recessed triple portals
alternate support system towers at crossings and
transepts
 High Gothic - Amiens
Cathedral, 1220-1236

deeply recessed portals 3 story elevation

more tracery, sculpture & quadripartite (4 part) vaults spanning 1
piercing of walls rectangular bay
play of light & dark no alternate support system (unified
space)
equal height of arcade & clerestory
 Nave elevations of four French Gothic
cathedrals at the same scale
(a) Laon, (b) Paris, (c) Chartres, (d) Amiens.

Early Gothic High Gothic

Late/Flamboyant Gothic - St.-Maclou, Rouen,
1434-1514

named for flame-like pointed tracery

attached to every surface

ornamental surface treatment emphasized

over structural clarity

cavernous portals and open tracery

five-part facade

crossing towers not façade towers

much smaller than High

Gothic structures.
THANK YOU
GROUP 2