Why did gothic forms survive? / Why the use of gothic forms?
Gothic constructions were a real revolution. All of a sudden cathedrals were built within no time, even though years before constructions of their size appeared impossible.
One special aspect of gothic architecture was, to make massive, heavy weight constructions , look slender, graceful and elegant. As gothic buildings, mostly cathedrals, aim for height,
it appears as if everything is pointing upwards. Which leaves the visitor with the impression, the building would channel a special divine energy coming directly from up above. The inside of the building will generate a special vibe. Within this environment it will be easy for the visitors to open their minds and be more receptive of spiritual matters.
Important to mention in our context as well is the fact, that the construction of gothic arches is based on a 5-pointed star, which is the traditional symbol of man.
If you compare the floor plan of our center in comparison with a gothic cathedral , you will find it is based on a circular, a square and a rectangular part. All have the same cubic content.
The visitor proceeds from one to the next part and fulfils with this a symbolic transformation.
Floor plan of the main aisle of theCathedral of Chartres
(Robert Laffont, Les Mysteres De La Cathedrale De Chartres)
As with all gothic cathedrals/buildings the floor plan for the main aisle is based on 3 differently shaped panels.
A square one, a round one and a rectangular one.
Regarding the entity of the cathedral each of those different shapes is referring to it’s own typical quality and energy.
On his way from the entrance to the altar the visitor has to pass each one of them.
Their symbolic meanings are described with “intuition” (round), “intelligence” (square) and “mystic” (rectangular).
The square panel is the result out of the squaring of the round one and symbolizes the process of the partial spiritualization of intuitive instinctive knowledge.
Reaching the rectangular part, which stands for the combination of both earlier described qualities of square and round, we find a more spiritual consciousness as a result. In a way some kind of higher receptiveness.
This is the panel of mystic which remains impenetrable if approached purely in an intuitive way as well as it is not accessible in a solely intellectual manner.
It has been proven that very sensitive people do indeed notice the changing vibes in ancient energetic functional cathedrals as they pass through the different areas.
Architects of old sacred buildings used the knowledge about those qualities deliberately to build constructions that would function like an energetic tool.
The here explained energetic aspect is rather a neutral unspecific one though and does not always just have to be explained in a religious context.
Sacred Architecture