Introduction to Architecture

Introduction to Architecture
Lesson 32: Cathedral of Notre Dame
The Cathedral of Notre Dame (aka Notre Dame) was built in Paris, France, between 1163 and
1345. It is one of the best representations of Gothic architecture in France. When we discussed
Neuschwanstein, you were introduced to the Romanesque Revival style. The Romanesque style,
which gave rise to Romanesque Revival centuries later, came first and eventually transitioned
into the French style, which was later renamed Gothic by those who disliked the style,
comparing it to the “barbaric” Goths from northern Europe who conquered the Romans.
Cathedrals built before the advancements of the Gothic style were short and thin. The knowledge
required to build higher despite the weight of the stone did not yet exist. Very little light could
enter since the weight of the stone would cause the walls to collapse if large windows were
present.
When Gothic architecture arrived on the scene, churches, castles, and cathedrals were light and
airy . . . and they were much taller. The roof of Notre Dame is 115 feet high. The two bell towers
are 223 feet high. One of the major advancements was the flying buttress. This architectural
element helped buildings rise higher by supporting the weight of the walls from the outside.
Since the flying buttress supports the weight of the wall, instead of the wall itself, by transferring
the weight to the ground, larger windows could be added.
Flying buttresses
These are examples
of flying buttresses,
though they are not
part of Notre Dame.
As you can see, they
come in various sizes
and decorative levels.
Gothic architecture is also highly decorative and ornate. Another of the defining features of this
style is the gargoyle. I have circled two in the picture below. These creatures aren’t there for just
decoration; they are waterspouts. They provide a practical purpose. It is said that the scary
features many gargoyles have was to scare the common folk into attending church. What do you
think? Would gargoyles have made you go or kept you away?
ACTIVITIES: (*denotes activities that are required for high school students wishing to obtain
academic credit)
*1. On your timeline, mark “Cathedral of Notre Dame” at 1345, the year it was finished.
*2. On your world map, place “Cathedral of Notre Dame” in Paris, France.
*3. Compare and contrast Romanesque and Gothic styles. Make a list in your notebook. While
you are comparing and contrasting, make a list of the defining features of the Gothic style of
architecture. Here are some websites you can use to get you started:
http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html
http://www.ehow.com/info_8537456_similarities-between-romanesque-gothic.html
http://study.com/academy/lesson/gothic-art-and-architecture.html (This is just a portion
of a video available. To access the full video, you need to be a member. You will learn a
lot by simply watching the available portion.)
*4. Watch “Notre Dame de Paris” on YouTube. Parents: Consider viewing this 10-minute video
first. There is a section about halfway through that discusses the scenes surrounding the three
archways. Some of the explanation may not match your religious beliefs. You will need to decide
if you are comfortable with your students hearing this.
SchoolhouseTeachers.com note: Parents should closely monitor children’s use of YouTube and
Wikipedia if you navigate away from the videos and articles cited in these lessons. We also recommend
viewing the videos on a full screen setting in order to minimize your students' exposure to potentially
offensive ads.
Notre Dame has several sections. There is a choir, which is where mass (or service) is
performed. The apse is the part of the building that projects outward and is semicircular and
vaulted. There is also a transept and a nave. Large clerestory windows are located on the sides of
the cathedral.
ACTIVITY:
*5. View this labeled diagram of Notre Dame’s façade. (Click on the picture for a larger image.)
List and define the following in your notebook: crocket, finial, gable, arcade, pinnacle, niche,
archivolt, tympanum, lintel, trumeau, and jamb. Please also write the definitions for choir, apse,
nave, transept, clerestory, and buttress. See if you can locate any of the above elements in the
aerial photo below (hint: you are looking toward the back of the cathedral as if you were
standing in the bell tower) or on the image of the façade on the first page of this lesson. Consider
printing these two pictures and placing them in your notebook (along with the labels).
You can use this website for definitions: http://www.athenapub.com/14glossary.htm.
Notre Dame was damaged during the French Revolution, but Napoleon saved it from being
demolished. Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, added to its notoriety. The
French architect Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc helped restore the cathedral in the midnineteenth century.
ACTIVITIES:
*6. Learn about the history behind the following elements of Notre Dame Cathedral:
The Rose Window - http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/spip.php?article448
The Framework - http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/spip.php?article410
Bells and Clock - http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/spip.php?rubrique93
*7. Read about Viollet-le-Duc.
8. If you need another activity to meet your hourly requirement, consider building your own
Notre Dame Cathedral out of card stock. Directions and template are found on Canon Creative
Park.
9. We are leaving Paris and won’t be returning during this course. If you are interested, you can
research some more amazing architecture found in this city, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the
Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, Chateau de Maisons, Mont Martre, St. Louis des Invalides, and
Basilique Saint-Denis.
Additional Resources:
Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction by David Macaulay
Puzz 3D Notre Dame by Hasbro
Notre Dame Cathedral Wire Sculpture Doodles Destinations Series - This is pretty amazing (but
pricey)!
Piececool 3D Puzzle Laser Cut Model
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo