Medieval architecture was unique in its own style, all around the world there was different ways of construction, different looks, and also great architects that shared their ways with others and changed the world forever. Without architecture we would not have the houses we live in today, or the schools we go to learn, or the malls we go to shop at and etc. Architecture has come a long way from the middle ages to modern day. We will see the start of official architecture and styles during this essay, like we will see the different professions, tools, styles, and even talk about some of the greats themselves. Let’s get started shall we…
📷📷 When a Lord of a land or a wealthy nobleman would want something built, they would call upon a person who has the skills to draw up their desired project. This very skilled person was an architect. Architects were tasked with drawing up and figuring out all the logistics of these projects. Like how would they build it, what materials would be best for the structure, what kind of workers they need, and so on. They would make blueprints of the building or whatever the project was and this would layout everything on the building, which would be kept for records and other examples for other related projects. Architects today still look back at early designs for modern day construction. All those drawings from so many years ago, are being used for some of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world, but surely this would all be sloppy and outdated, and would be impossible to look at without knowing what kind of tools for construction. This is where we begin the talk of tools. 📷📷
Throughout time, we humans have made tools to help us with everything. Hunting down that fat hog, or cleaning dishes, and even constructing buildings. As time went on to become more developed and modern, tools became more sophisticated. Like the brace and bit, which would make things easier when drilling, or the square which was used to make perfect ninety degree corners. All sorts of tools were invented for architecture, some which we use to this day, and others soon became digitized. Like the template which you can literally google on your computer and insert whatever you want, or the plane which you can also just insert into a computer and let it do everything for you. No matter, they are still basically the same. Precision tools were by the way a thing back in medieval times. The square was one, dividers, measuring sticks, and a hammer and chisel. These were the precision tools of the middle ages, all requiring a little bit of skill to use back then believe it or not.
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Now on to what they used to construct these buildings and masterpieces of today. Construction of these buildings were pretty easy ...sort of. There were plenty of resources everywhere to use. Wood, stone, clay, and grass, really just about anything. Metal was really not a material for construction, unless it was like nails, hinges, and etc. Metal was really used for weapons and armour at this time, and not only that but metals were very expensive, and not really rare, but unlikely. Iron was just about anywhere, steel was quite a bit of work and anything other than that was really useless for construction at this time. Most peasant homes and lower class really were constructed of wood, straw, and clay. Really that was super easy to find, buy, and work with. May not have been the most durable or strongest materials, but it was something. Castles, palaces, and fortresses, were usually constructed with huge bases of stone. This would give a solid foundation for the immense weight that would be set on the ground. The walls, towers, and gates were constructed of stone as well, with clay and sticks giving reinforcement underneath. Metals would rarely be used for them, but the gates would be metal and wood construction most of the time, with large stone counter-weights. That was really the basics and the complex side of materials they used for architecture, unless we brought up mortar, but that is literally a mixture of stuff making a pretty paste and that was literally just covered in no time, so see now you know the materials they used for construction of medieval and modern architecture.
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Well now we will go over a great of medieval architecture, his name is Master James of Saint George. He was born around 1230, in Lake Neuchatel, Savoy. He built many Welsch castles around the European lands. He designed all sorts of churches, and he was even a medieval siege engineer. He would design huge weapons like the trebuchet to smash and break down castle walls, ironically some of the same castles he constructed. There are numerous records of his work. He by the way learned all of this from his father who was also a Master Architect. Too bad there are no records of his father’s name or the majority of his family really. Just a bunch of his benefactors and sponsors. 📷📷
Well you’ve now learned some pretty cool history on architecture and it’s construction, materials and tools that were used, even got to learn of a Master architect who basically has no records of his family ...pretty cool. Well architecture is pretty important and the history of it, hopefully you found this pretty informational and not boring, this essay was written in as much enthusiasm as possible.
Done By: Noughlan Hebert
Rest of images I cannot track….
Research Sources: Master James of St George, http://www.ancientfortresses.org/master-james-of-st-george.htm.
“Medieval Architecture.” English Heritage, https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/medieval/architecture/.
Medieval Architecture, http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-art/medieval-architecture.htm.
I enjoyed reading your article very interesting and informing. By adding subtitles, it would of been more organized and put together.
Loved the way it was written but wished some tools and equipment was shown.
I think that the article needs better indention and spacing; the words are kind of jumbled together. I also think that there are too many pictures, and the way they are placed just makes the article weird to read. I also think that the writing is a little to casual, although this is a double-edged sword because it makes the writing easier to understand. Another double-edged sword is how you delve into the subject. It seems like there is more that can be explored, but you only revealed the surface. For instance, you could talk more about the artists themselves and their achievements, but what you discussed in this article is still just fine, especially for those who don't want…
Your article has a calm tone if that makes sense. the paragraphs come together well.
I really enjoy the tone of your article. It's easy to follow and not too short either. I do wish you included a picture of one of the tools you were talking about so I would have a clearer idea about the topic in my head, but still that doesn't take away from my enjoyment.