Flying Buttresses

Definition

Flying buttresses are architectural structures that provide external support to buildings, primarily used in Gothic architecture to counteract the lateral forces from vaulted ceilings. These supports allow for taller walls and larger windows, which were pivotal in the development of cathedrals that featured expansive stained glass. By transferring weight away from the walls, flying buttresses enabled the creation of more open and airy interior spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic and spiritual experience within these structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flying buttresses were a defining feature of Gothic cathedrals in the 12th century, facilitating innovations in height and light within church designs.
2. These structures typically consist of an arch that extends from the upper portion of a wall to a pier located some distance away, allowing for increased stability.
3. The use of flying buttresses allowed architects to design larger windows, which became a hallmark of Gothic style, particularly with the use of stained glass.
4. Flying buttresses not only supported walls but also contributed to the decorative aesthetic of cathedrals, often embellished with sculptures and intricate designs.
5. The effectiveness of flying buttresses revolutionized church architecture and influenced later styles, leading to increased experimentation with verticality and openness in subsequent building designs.

Review Questions

• How did flying buttresses influence the design and functionality of Gothic cathedrals?
  • Flying buttresses significantly impacted Gothic cathedrals by allowing for greater heights and larger windows. This architectural innovation enabled architects to create more open interiors filled with light from expansive stained glass, enhancing the spiritual experience for worshippers. The design also provided essential support to tall walls and vaulted ceilings, allowing for a more dramatic and upward-reaching aesthetic that characterized Gothic architecture.
• Evaluate how the use of flying buttresses reflects broader trends in architectural innovation during the Gothic period.
  • The introduction of flying buttresses exemplifies a shift towards greater engineering sophistication and artistic expression during the Gothic period. This structural innovation not only allowed for taller and more elaborate buildings but also marked a departure from earlier Romanesque architecture's heavier, bulkier forms. By supporting thinner walls with larger openings for light, flying buttresses represented a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty, pushing boundaries in both design and construction techniques.
• Synthesize the role of flying buttresses within the context of Giovanni Pisano's work and how they contributed to both Gothic and naturalistic elements in sculpture.
  • Giovanni Pisano's work showcases a blend of Gothic architectural principles and naturalistic elements in sculpture, with flying buttresses serving as both structural supports and as integral parts of the artistic vision. In his sculptures on cathedral facades, Pisano utilized the verticality created by flying buttresses to enhance the dynamic poses and expressions of figures. This interplay between architecture and sculpture highlights how flying buttresses not only supported physical structures but also inspired artistic innovation by allowing for greater height and complexity within both architectural design and sculptural composition.

Related terms

Gothic Architecture:

A style of architecture that emerged in the late Middle Ages, characterized by features such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, allowing for taller and more light-filled buildings.

Cathedral: A principal church of a diocese, often large and grand in design, which frequently employs flying buttresses to support its high vaulted ceilings and extensive stained glass windows.

Vault: An architectural element formed by the arching of stones or bricks to create a ceiling or roof, often requiring additional support from flying buttresses to withstand lateral forces.