Notre-Dame, Paris, France, French Gothic

Notre-Dame de Peris is a gothic cathedral located in Paris, France. Designed by architects Pierre de Montreuil, Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus and Jean de Chelles, the cathedral took 182 years to complete. Notre-Dame de Peris is a perfect example of French gothic architecture.

Plan

Gothic architecture was created in France in 1141 and is derived from Romanesque architecture. With the integration of pointed arches and rib vaulting. Designers at the time discovered that these elements worked well together and allowed them to create lighter structures. Because walls were no longer load-bearing, large glass windows could be installed. These windows filtered and transformed light entering cathedrals, symbolizing divine intervention. ^[1]

West Facade

Due to the thinning structure, Gothic architecture often has a skeleton-like appearance. Other defining elements of gothic architecture are the flying buttress, large glass, pointed spires, and rose windows.

Over its construction, many architects worked on Notre-Dame. This is evident in the changing styles in the buildings elevation. Originally, the cathedral was not intended to have buttresses, but as the building grew, cracks appeared in the façade. This prompted architects to add buttresses to carry the load. This made Notre-Dame one of the first buildings to use buttresses, which has become a staple in gothic architecture.

Rose Window at Notre-Dame

Notre-Dame appears to be influenced be Carolingian and Romanesque architecture as well. This is evident in the western façade. While appearing to be a westwork, elements of gothic architecture are evident, most prominently is the rose window. The west façade is a harmonious play on horizontal and vertical lines. The two towers, reaching to the sky, are symbolic, telling us the cathedral was built for god. While the horizontal strips ground the building, signifying its use for man. The façade is essentially comprised of squares and circles. The square representing created and limited space, while the circle is representative of god, boundless and never ending. ^[2]

South Elevation

Still following the same form as ancient basilicas, Notre-Dame consists of an apse, transept and nave. It is flanked by double aisles and chapels. During a renovation in the 19^th century, a central spire was added.

Over time, the cathedral suffered some damage, much of which after the French Revolution. However, it is presumably saved from destruction by Napoleon. Today, the cathedral is still used for weekend mass. The cathedral has become a popular tourist destination.
  

[1] Roth Leland M. and Amanda C. Roth Clark, Understanding Architecutre Its Elements, History, and Meaning, Third Edition Westview Press 2014. P.365

[2] http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/The-west-facade