Studying the French Gothic Cathedrals in accordance with the Component of Unity in Multiplicity in Pseudo-Dionysius’ Thought

Document Type : Scientific Research

Authors

1 Professor at the Department of Philosophy, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

2 Ph.D. Student of Architecture, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

Abstract

Research Problem: The context of every architectural work has an impact on its body, and among the various aspects of every context, thought is considered one of the most important ones, although it seems that the intensity of the influence of thoughts on the works was not the same in different times and places. The Middle Ages in Europe is a suitable period for examining and analyzing this category because of the wide dominance of its special intellectual space on people's lives. One of the prominent thinkers in this period is Pseudo-Dionysius. On the other hand, the typical artistic Style of the Middle Ages is the Gothic style, and its most outstanding buildings are cathedrals. The objective of this article is to investigate the alignment between the features of Gothic cathedrals and the thought of Dionysius. Given that Gothic architecture originated in France and its notable cathedrals were built in the country, the research is confined to French Gothic cathedrals within the realm of architecture. Due to the great importance of the component of unity in multiplicity in Pseudo-Dionysius’ thought, this issue is considered a focal point in philosophy.
 
Research Question: This study aims to answer the following questions: What are the architectural characteristics of French Gothic cathedrals? What features define the unity in multiplicity concept in the thought of Pseudo-Dionysius? What are the architectural characteristics of French Gothic cathedrals by the unity in multiplicity concept of Pseudo-Dionysius?
Research Method: This qualitative research employs logical argumentation as its method. The required data is collected from library documents and online sources.
The Most Important Results and Conclusion: The conducted examination reveals features in the mass, spatialization, and details of French Gothic cathedrals that align with the unity in multiplicity concept in the thoughts of Pseudo-Dionysius. These characteristics encompass a broad spectrum from general features such as spatial continuity, architectural elements continuity, and intertwining of sculptures and architectural components, to detailed features such as hierarchies in sculpture, prevalence of pointed shapes, and labyrinths.

Graphical Abstract

Studying the French Gothic Cathedrals in accordance with the Component of Unity in Multiplicity in Pseudo-Dionysius’ Thought

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Architectural Thought
Volume 8, Issue 15 - Serial Number 15
Spring and Summer 2024
April 2024

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