FRENCH GOTHIC PHASE

Six-part rib vault

What does the term sexpartite mean in Gothic vaulting?

6

Into how many parts is each bay in a sexpartite vault divided?

2 diagonal

What ribs make up a sexpartite vault?

Alternating columns and pillars

Where is the weight of a sexpartite vault transferred?

External support

What is a flying buttress in Gothic architecture?

Flies to pier

What is the difference between a flying buttress and a regular buttress?

Outward thrust

What problem does the flying buttress solve?

Thinner walls

How does the flying buttress affect the thickness of cathedral walls?

Large windows

What architectural feature does the flying buttress make possible?

Reduced weight

How did using lighter materials between the ribs affect the vault?

Taller ceilings

How did rib vaults impact the height of ceilings?

Supports more weight

What advantage did the pointed arch have in weight support?

Taller and narrower openings

What effect did the pointed arch have on the height of buildings and on the width of openings?

Birthplace of Gothic architecture

What is the Basilica of Saint-Denis often considered?

Abbot Suger

Who was responsible for the renovations of the Basilica of Saint-Denis?

c. 1140

Around what year did the choir renovations take place?

Pointed arch, rib vault, stained-glass windows

Which three architectural features were first combined at Saint-Denis?

Choir

What part of the church was renovated by Abbot Suger?

Light and color

What effect did the combined three architectural features create inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis?

Early to High Gothic

What type of Gothic transition does Notre-Dame Cathedral represent?

1163

In what year did the construction of Notre-Dame Cathedral begin?

Flying buttresses and six-part rib vault

What structural innovation is seen in an early form at Notre-Dame Cathedral?

4

How many parts is a quadripartite rib vault divided into?