This document analyzes the Gothic elements of St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City. It describes key features of Gothic cathedrals like towering columns, rose windows, pointed spires, rib vaulted ceilings, and stained glass windows. It also discusses decorative elements like sculptures, gargoyles, and the symbolic cruciform floor plan. The document then examines how modern architects like Frank Gehry and Cass Gilbert were influenced by Gothic styles in buildings like the Beekman Towers and Woolworth Building through the use of stained glass, ornate details, and asymmetrical forms.
New York Gothic Elements in Cathedral Architecture
1. New York Gothic Elements – Building Analysis II
St. John the Divine
Ribbed Vaulted Ceiling
Exterior view Interior view Clustered columns achieved height
which was symbolic of reaching
toward heaven
Towering Columns, Rose Windows & Pointed Spires The Nave area consisting of columns leading to the apse area
Sculptures Crucified Plan Stain glass emitting light Decorative Columns Clerestory & Triforium area Flying Buttresses
Gargoyles featured in
many gothic style Colorful, stain glass was A masonry structure
cathedrals as a used as a storyboard to Detailed columns are The arcade area leads to consisting of a straight
decorative element and The simple floorplan of depict the sequence of featured throughout the the triforium and inclined bar carried on an
also functioned as a a cathedral space events leading to Jesus nave area of cathedrals clerestory which is shown arch and pier that supports
symbolic of the Cross
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drainage spout crucifiction above the thrust of roof or vault
2. Modern Architecture influenced by Gothic Elements
Frank Gehry; Architect Cass Gilbert; Architect
Nave area below. Also,
Neo-gothic includes a crucified floorplan
fascade within the arcade area
featuring a
fragmented
surface
landscape
formerly
known as Stainless-steel
skin
Beekman Asymmetrical
Towers form Woolworth
Building
Expansive glass
lightened space
Solitary arch Ornamented, Symmetrical towers
Sunlight plays an portal decorative
important role in gothic steel frame which
entranceway
sacred space elements, stands 792 feet tall,
with dense
strong pointed 1inch
piers
spires
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