著者

前川 道郎

出版者

美学会

雑誌

美學 (ISSN:05200962)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.32, no.3, pp.1-13, 1981-12-31

被引用文献数

1

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O. von Simson characterized the form and idea of Gothic church architecture by two qualities, as "luminosity" and as "geometrical order". I have already discussed the first quality, and it is time to certify the second. In this treatise I have intended to clarify situation of geometry by Gothic architects. After discussing importance of geometrical order for architectural space in general, I have surveyed mediaeval geometry, reffering to treatises by L.R. Shelby, historian of technology. Then, after examining geometries of Villard de Honnecourt and Mathes Roriczer, as well as studying, as an example, history of drawing regular pentagon from Euclid to Durer, I have reconfirmed that geometry of Gothic architects was just what Shelby called constructive geometry distinguished from theoretical geometry and practical geometry both by geometer. Geometry of Gothic architects does not belong to theory as one of seven liberal arts, but to technique of building craft. It does not mean geometry has nothing to do with the art of architecture. Northern Gothic architects used to design their buildings according to some basic geometrical figures by forming plan, section and elevation in one system, as was shown in the minutes of Milan Cathedral in the 14th century.