Amiens:Cathedral of Notre-dame:France

photo credit

:Enter the Amiens Cathedral:

[click to enlarge]

This graphic analysis shown above was done by

Allison Wilson

Chey Shelton

Brenda Foust

Ellie Griggs

     When compared visually with the cathedrals of Salisbury and Cologne, Amiens seems very different.  However, there are some similarities along with those differences.  Salisbury and Amiens are similar because of their impact on the surrounding town.  They both seem to tower above the rest of the town and are distinctly set apart in the style of their surroundings.  They are different because Amiens shows the innovations and changes made to the style of the cathedral during the "Dark Ages", while Salisbury does not.  Amiens and Cologne are similar because of their composition.  They both utilize regional influences in the design of the cathedrals.  They also share a likeness through the structure, unlike Amiens and Salisbury.  Amiens is a strong example of gothic style in its most pure state.

     Amiens has a very distinct and well-known oculus that allows light to fill the space and illuminate the elaborate interior and exterior facade.  The openness of the structure also aids in allowing light from the heavens overflow throughout the space.  It is the light that in the end creates the moments and impression within Amiens.

photo credit

     The picture above is not of my assigned cathedral [Amiens] but I believe light was such an important element throughout all the cathedrals- although used in different ways- and this graphic does an amazing job at illustrating the power of light combined with the surface and structure of well designed buildings.

           Amiens Timeline::  not so 'Dark Ages'

• 1218 - The original cathedral on this site burns down.
• 1220 - Work begins on the current cathedral.
• 1236 - The nave and western facade are completed.
• 1238 - Work begins on the radiating chapels.
• 1240 - Work is suspended when money runs out.
• 1258 - Work resumes.
• 1269 - The choir is completed.
• 1290 - Construction begins on the side chapels.
• 1375 - Chapel construction is completed.
• 1366 - The south tower is completed.
• 1402 - The north tower is completed.
• 1981 - The Cathedral of Notre-Dame becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The interior height of the nave in 143 feet/46 meters.

     Timeline courtesy of GlassSteelandStone.com