Can you "read" a building?

Can you “read” a building?

Throughout history, architectural styles have changed a lot, from very early huts to today’s enormous skyscrapers. Not only have buildings become more sophisticated, but they can also portray a certain culture’s practices and beliefs. There have been different styles of architecture to go along with different periods in history. These different styles are based on what was going on during that time period. By looking at the architecture of a building, you can tell what time period it came from and also what was important to the people who built it. Take Romanesque and Gothic architecture as an example. Though these styles came from similar time periods, the differences between them are unmistakable. Romanesque architecture came just before the Gothic style, and the building style is completely different, which shows that the people of the two time periods had totally different views and beliefs. Architecture is used like a language to portray culture and important beliefs of the people, and therefore it is possible to “read” a building.

In the time period of Romanesque art, about 1000 to 1500, the Church was at the center of civilization and learning. Therefore, the style in which they built their churches can show their beliefs and thoughts on what was important. Romanesque churches were made from very heavy and solid stone, so that they looked almost more like fortresses than churches. This is how the people viewed the Church, and there was one in the center of every town. They were built with huge round archways and multiple towers. The thick walls and pillars seem overbearing and oppressive. ("Romanesque Architecture." Earthlore Explorations. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. http://elore.com/Gothic/Learning/romanesque.htm.) Another part of the Romanesque style of architecture is that there were very few windows, and the ones that were built were very small. As a result, the interior of the churches were very dark. ("Romanesque Architecture." Sacred Destinations. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/reference/romanesque-architecture.) A very important aspect in “reading” Romanesque church buildings is the artwork that is portrayed. Much of the artwork in these churches had to do with the end of the world and God’s second coming. For example, the church at Vezelay Abbey in France has a huge depiction of Judgment Day right above the main doorway. This shows that the people of the time were very preoccupied worrying about the end of the world. By looking at and “reading” Romanesque churches, it is clear that the people had an anxiety of the unknown, and they saw their church as a stronghold.

The period of art and architecture that came after Romanesque was Gothic, and the buildings of this period show that the people’s views on life and religion changed greatly. The churches of the Gothic period were very different than Romanesque churches. The churches were built with tall and elegant pointed arches. There were also intricate designs found throughout the buildings and churches. Another big change is that the people built many huge windows, many of which were decorated with stained glass. ("Gothic Architecture." Castles. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. http://www.castles.me.uk/gothic-architecture.htm.) This allowed a lot of light to shine into the churches. This showed that the people’s attitude changed from anxiety to hope. Their change in view can also be “read” in the artwork that they put in their churches. Instead of images of the end of the world, Gothic churches were filled with depictions of hope. For example, in Niederhaslach Church, there is a statue of the angel of the Annunciation. By reading the churches of the Gothic period, it is clear that the people were no longer preoccupied, and they saw life with more hope.

The way buildings were built can show a lot about the people who built them. Architectural styles are unique to certain time periods, and by looking at buildings, the time period in which they were built can be seen. Because the people’s views are shown through their architecture and in their buildings, it is possible to look at a building and “read” it to find out about the people who built it.

Works Cited
“Gothic Architecture." Castles. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. http://www.castles.me.uk/gothic-architecture.htm.
"Romanesque Architecture." Earthlore Explorations. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. http://elore.com/Gothic/Learning/romanesque.htm.
"Romanesque Architecture." Sacred Destinations. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/reference/romanesque-architecture.