Notre-Dame Cathedral
1.
Joseph Vecchione
Arch-115
Introduction
After the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully ordered the original St. Steven’s cathedral
demolished in 1160; construction began on the Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known
as Notre-Dame de Paris. It was constructed in Paris, France and took nearly two
hundred years to complete, around 1345. There were several architects that worked
on the cathedral, resulting in differing styles throughout the construction of the
building. However, all styles were accurate to the gothic genre of architecture,
making it one of the first gothic cathedrals. It was desecrated in the 1790’s but was
restored during the 1800’s to return the cathedral to its previous state. It is used for
the Catholic archdioceses of Paris but is owned by the French government today.
2.
Structure and Materials
The cathedral is built from limestone that is used because it is a major component of
Gothic architecture and can found locally. Naturally, the limestone erodes over time
and has been repaired throughout the years. The rate of the building’s deterioration
is lessened, however, because of the famous gargoyles located atop the roof. They
were not only used to ward of evil, but also used as a drainage system directing
rainwater away to prevent deterioration of the building and the lead plated roof.
There is a major renovation taking place that is still going on today. The original
structure, however, is preserved very well. One component of the building that
makes it truly revolutionary is the flying buttress. The Notre Dame Cathedral was
one of the first cathedrals to use a flying buttress and became a staple for Gothic
architecture. It was not originally planned to be part of the structure, but as thin
walls grew higher, the pressure from the weight made the walls push outward, and
caused stress fractures in the structure. The flying buttress contained the problem.
On top of giving added support, it also allowed abundant sunlight into the nave, so
the architects added more flying buttresses in order to install new windows to add
light to the cathedral. This cathedral uses the Egyptian inspired post and lintel
system because the structure contains multiple beams, as do many cathedrals built
during this time period. Even though the cathedral has suffered from many different
catastrophes and renovations, it stays true to its original form. It still relies on the
post and lintel system to this day and has not been completely restored like most
other gothic cathedrals built in this time period.
3.
Form and Space
Despite being constructed by several architects over a great amount of time,
suffering from revolts, having to be repaired multiple times, and many other critical
factors, the Notre-Dame Cathedral still holds an approximate line a symmetry
running through the center of the western facade to the rear at the flying buttress.
However, the vertical layering throughout the building differs due to the changing
architects as it can easily be seen with the differing heights in the towers and arches.
The final products differed greatly from de Sully’s original concept. The interior of
the cathedral is an extension of the exterior featuring the same limestone pillars and
large gothic arches. The main focal point of the interior space is the massive organ
complete with 7,800 keys. The organ’s pipes have a “pillar-like” appearance that
blends with the numerous pillars placed in the cathedral. There are several lines of
symmetry in the interior with the organ as the central figure. There are three levels
of arches in the interior of the cathedral, all symmetrical on both sides. Both the
second and third level arches were complete with windows that were stained,
decorated, and naturalist influenced. The cathedral also featured rose windows
placed behind the organ and symmetrical to the other side of the structure. These
windows were large and circular stained with depictions of spirituality. These
windows were influential to future cathedral and are used in modern churches.
4. Cultural Significance and Interpretation/Cultural Context
With the expanding population and several cathedrals being built in surrounding
cities, Bishop Maurice de Sully decided he wanted to surpass the surrounding cities
and build a grand cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The catholic population in
Paris used this as their primary place of worship, but taking nearly two hundred
years to complete, the original meaning of the cathedral can only be found by
paintings, portals and stained glass. However, these stories are only retellings of the
Bible. The use of large gothic arches, high towers and the flying buttresses convey a
meaning of grandiosity and the gargoyles also were used to protect the building
physically and spiritually (directing rain away and warding off evil). Today, the
Notre-Dame Cathedral still holds masses based on the Catholic religion. It is also the
seat of the Archbishop of Paris, and most commonly used as a tourist attraction.
The Notre-Dame cathedral is the epitome of gothic architecture and the grandiosity
of it continues to overshadow other famous cathedrals still existing. It remains
intact and still is used for what it was built for which many churches built during
that time period do not. The architecture of the building is precise, very detailed,
revolutionary, and overall greatly inspirational to later forms of architecture. The
structural proficiency and historical importance are often overlooked with the
overall beauty of the cathedral, but it is not forgotten. This may not be the perfect
structure, but it is one of man’s great creations.