Different European Architecture

For my Literature class, our homework was to choose (out of a list) certain projects to do. We're reading the book Trumpet of Krakow, which takes place in Poland (COOL!) and one of the choices was to write a report comparing three different architecture styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque.

Gothic-style structures are similar to what would come into mind as soon as any teenage American hears the word “Gothic”. The word “gothic” these days refers to teenagers who listen to Punk music, are very quiet, have their hair dyed black and shop at Hot Topic. All this in one word: “Dark”. When I see a Gothic-style structure, the intricate detail and almost menacing look of the building makes me think of the word “dark”. Gothic-style architecture features lots of turrets with spikes or knobs on top, extravagant windows and many different facets along the windows, doors, etc. It has the look of a place a king during the Dark Ages would live, maybe even a dictator (or someone similar), because of the said “dark” look. I think the sinister minds of a lot of people in that day had a lot to do with the looks of their architecture. People want to live in a place that fits them, so they designed buildings that expressed their own personalities.

Renaissance structures are similar to Gothic structures in some ways. They have the same extravagant and detailed look, but are definitely softer around the edges. They have more rounded roofs and windows that give it a “cathedral” look. They are very royal looking, and compared to Gothic, almost a bit more classy and modern. It’s interesting to see styles morphing throughout the years, and to see certain aspects of certain styles being influenced onto other styles.

Romanesque structures are plainer in comparison to the other two styles. They are strict looking, made of stone and almost have a Greek look to them. They have more rounded windows and roofs, but the starkness of the buildings gives it a rather pointed look considering the round corners. I can imagine a school having a Romanesque style because of the serious and studious look it possesses.

Comparing all three styles, I would say that Gothic is the darkest and most extravagant, Renaissance is the prettiest and most religious, and Romanesque is the most serious. It would be like a dark, menacing, respect-demanding father, his pretty Catholic wife, and their straight-A student son.

I hope my Lit teacher likes this! I think the personification at the end might have been a little over the top, but oh well ;-P