This fascinating study of the structural elements of Gothic cathedrals is written by an engineer who has spent the last 15 years applying analytical techniques of structural mechanics to Gothic buildings. Like a detective, he uses these techniques to solve continuing historical arguments about whether flying buttresses hold the roof up or are merely decorative, whether ornate pinnacles atop piers are structurally necessary or purely aesthetic, whether the ribs of the vaults hold up the ceiling as is generally believed, whether the cathedral at Chartres deserves its place in history as the height of innovative medieval design.
- ISBN10 0262131706
- ISBN13 9780262131704
- Publish Date July 1982
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher MIT Press Ltd
- Imprint MIT Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 176
- Language English