This piece of architecture originated in ancient France during the 12th century and later became very popular throughout Europe in the middle ages. Gargoyles and gothic architecture was used for building churches and cathedrals as well as castles and fortresses. Its prominent appearance presented an image of power and strength.
This form of construction featured different elements such as large stained glass windows, tapestries, buttresses, high arches and tall spires reaching the sky. High stained glass windows were most common in cathedrals and depicted religious scenes. The stained glass permitted the entrance of light from outside to light up the interior of the building and accentuate the image in the window when lit in colour.
Gargoyles depicted images of people or animals with a demon like image. Primarily they were used for draining water from the roofs of tall buildings gradually falling through their mouths. Originally gargoyle derives from the word gurgulio in Latin meaning throat. The word in French is gargouille meaning throat or gurgle which imitates the gurgling sound it makes when water runs through its mouth.
These statuesque creatures were built on top of high buildings projecting from roof gutters and seemed as if the figures were leering over the roofs like sentries guarding the buildings. Their frightening expressions added a fearsome ugly look which intimidated people. As a result, superstitions were created regarding their ghastly image as people believed their intention was to scare away evil spirits. As they became popular in time, gargoyles were built mainly for decoration after they stopped using them for their initial purpose. Later, they were called grotesques or, chimeras.
The gothic style conveys a juxtaposition of ugliness versus beauty. The dark and dreadful images amid the intricate detailed carvings. The height and prominence of the building together with the colourful light reflecting through the windows.
Structural designs have changed forms through the centuries and the style is rarely used in the modern world. It is remembered as a unique method of construction mostly known for its ability to secure and strengthen buildings. However, it is still made use of in government constructions and academic buildings.
This form of construction featured different elements such as large stained glass windows, tapestries, buttresses, high arches and tall spires reaching the sky. High stained glass windows were most common in cathedrals and depicted religious scenes. The stained glass permitted the entrance of light from outside to light up the interior of the building and accentuate the image in the window when lit in colour.
Gargoyles depicted images of people or animals with a demon like image. Primarily they were used for draining water from the roofs of tall buildings gradually falling through their mouths. Originally gargoyle derives from the word gurgulio in Latin meaning throat. The word in French is gargouille meaning throat or gurgle which imitates the gurgling sound it makes when water runs through its mouth.
These statuesque creatures were built on top of high buildings projecting from roof gutters and seemed as if the figures were leering over the roofs like sentries guarding the buildings. Their frightening expressions added a fearsome ugly look which intimidated people. As a result, superstitions were created regarding their ghastly image as people believed their intention was to scare away evil spirits. As they became popular in time, gargoyles were built mainly for decoration after they stopped using them for their initial purpose. Later, they were called grotesques or, chimeras.
The gothic style conveys a juxtaposition of ugliness versus beauty. The dark and dreadful images amid the intricate detailed carvings. The height and prominence of the building together with the colourful light reflecting through the windows.
Structural designs have changed forms through the centuries and the style is rarely used in the modern world. It is remembered as a unique method of construction mostly known for its ability to secure and strengthen buildings. However, it is still made use of in government constructions and academic buildings.
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