Cathedral of Beauvais, Beauvais, Northern France, 1225

The Cathedral of Beauvais is actually an incomplete cathedral located in Beauvais in Northern France. It sets as one of the most important examples of Gothic Architecture especially during its time. The construction had started in 1225, with everyone’s expectation for this cathedral to be the best. Unfortunately, the construction of this cathedral had met many structural problems and has experienced many collapses.

Beauvais Cathedral

The the choir vault of the cathedral had collapsed in 1284, and many believed this was due to the result of resonant vibrations (or basically, failed buttresses). The cathedral was constantly built and rebuilt because different parts were constantly collapsing.

Floor Plan of Beauvais Cathedral (Black is existing, and grey is designed but not constructed)

I imagine this cathedral’s finished product would’ve honestly looked super beautiful, as I can already tell from the facade of the building that already exists. The interior of the cathedral is incredibly spacious because of the ceiling height, but the curve inside is extremely narrow.  

Interior of Beauvais Cathedral

But, let’s focus on the positives for this building. This cathedral had pushed many limits structurally and design-wise but had faced many failures with collapses as mentioned above. Nonetheless, what actually stands tall today is actually quite beautiful and bold, especially with its gothic style exterior that makes you stand there and wonder how it was even done. Granted, this building had not reached its full potential to be finished, but what currently stands now is enough to understand the ambitions the builders and designers had during that time period.

Works Cited:

"Falling Buttresses: Beauvais Cathedral and the Limits of Gothic Architecture." Ferrebeekeeper. N.p., 15 June 2011. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.