Reading Comprehension 3 for IAR222

1.Florence.vs.Cologne.vs.Salsbury.vs.Amiens.

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The Duomo in Florence is a building constructed by Arnolfo di Cambio during the Gothic era in which history has played a huge influence on. Not only does is it apparent that stacking first used by the Egyptians is present but also a more intriguing detail of the triangle atop the entrance ways is clearly visible. The Mycenaeans were known for the triangle above the entrance way of the lions gate. (Image 2. above) Moreover, the Duomo possesses a inner courtyard much like the ones found inside Roman villas. It is clear in image 3 of the Duoma courtyard and in image 4 of the House of Vetti, that an influence was gathered along with the addition of the roman archways.

While ancient Greece and Egypt utilized height as a way to become closer to the gods, the Gothic era did the same with Christianity. The difference is in the interior. While in ancient times the inside was only visible to the high priests and royalty, the interiors of Gothic architecture were mostly open to all viewers. Designers and architects during the Gothic era also wanted to create an illusion as one entered. The influence of height and the spiritual effect may have rooted with the interior of the Hypostyle Hall however, it as much more intense in the Gothic times. The vaulted archway ceiling allows for the illusion of height and narrowness. Also, the hall ways were very dimly lit.

The palette used for the exterior of the building is much like the palettes of the buildings that surround it. Symbolically done though, as to be one with its neighbors imitating some of the ideals of Christianity. Nevertheless, the designers did place symbols on the building as shown in image 5. Much like ancient civilizations depicting gods and goddesses, the architecture of the Duomo depicted priests and disciples.

In comparison to the Cologne Cathedral (image 6) located in Germany, the Duomos, their exterior shapes are oddly related. The culture in both are different which in turn leads to separate architectural details. The Doumos is a series of domes where as the Cologne is a collection of steeples. The color palette is different as well. The Cologne is a very drab and eerie gray and the Doumus is a crisp off-white color with a rustic orange roof.  The color choice is most likely a reflection of the climates in which the architecture is located. The ornamental language of the Cologne is barely a reflection of the people in Germany. It tells nothing of the type of the purpose of the building first hand. It must first be examined before truly knowing its function, where as the Duomos is covered in statues of biblical elements.

Both however possess a series of arches that have been manipulated in some way. While the Duomos's arches have been multiplied into a dome it is also endowed with the same pointed arches as the Cologne. Moreover, the Cologne Cathedral is unlike the Duomos in the sense that it is more vertically inclined. It is illusioned by its narrowness to seem higher than it actually is. However that is not to say that it isn't a vastly tall building.

A cathedral that gives a great first impression is the Salisbury Cathedral. The initial reaction is the same as the fascination of a little child to a fairytale princess's castle.  The interior isn't as instantly flashy but it still maintains its awe-factor. It appears, that as the years progressed, the designers of this era, wanted to concentrate less on the wow-factor and more on the comfortable feeling that an interior should have. In relation to the Duomos Cathedral, it is quite clear that the same style is placed in each. Both have the arched colonnades that make up a hallway whether is be interior or exterioir (image 3 & 8).  The also both possess frescoes on certain ceilings. Inside the dome of the Duomos, there is a beautiful bright and vibrant fresco above. Where as inside the Salisbury the frescoes are more earth-toned and less static. It also seems that inside the Salisbury, the lines are not as strong and harsh. Everything seems to flow together is a peaceful way. Maybe it is because the warfare had began to wear off and people were getting along and living by the Christian religion taught.

When considering the effects of religion it is always a great idea to look at the architecture and how its evolves through time and through the social development and/or acceptance of a particular religion. For instance, the Amiens  Cathedral (image 8) in association with the Duomos Cathedral the advance is clear.  The floor plan shape is transferred into a more smooth edged cross allowing for a more profound statement on the land. Also, the exterior of the Duomos Cathedral becomes a much more smoother skin than that of the Amiens. This in turn symbolizes that the society is more at ease with each other. The invasions have come to a standstill. More so, more is known about Christianity and it has spread all throughout the lands, thus allowing for a celebration of the architecture in which it is worshiped. The building becomes a lighter, more airy building instead of being a defensive fortress.

2. A Medieval Home Companion

Interiors in the Middle ages were typically constructed and adorned with wood such as pine, oak, and walnut. The ceilings were most commonly vaulted in a more upscale house but typically the commoners' houses had ordinary beamed ceilings. Rooms were lit by torches or candles. The palette of the architecture consisted of earthy colors with a pop of rich violets. In order to maintain somewhat of a constant or general temperature, small square cased windows were usually found in the home. There were also tapestries hung on the walls throughout the house to promote value and worth. Other decorative elements found in and around the home were benches, thrones, chairs, trestle tables and chests.