GOTHIC

The Gothic architectural is important because it was one of the only architectural system  that was not derivative from the classical orders, this system included plans, sections, facades and details. Gothic is the last style of medieval period, before the Renaissance, it is also a bridge between Romanesque and Renaissance. 

The interiors of Gothic houses or churches were composed by paintings and illuminated manuscripts. By the end of the Gothic period, designers were focused on delineating the interiors of the masonry buildings and increased the amount of comfort. 

During this time period designers started incorporating tie beams and vertical king post in order to stabilize the arches and the roof structure. Tapestries were also hanged from the walls. This period is defined by very dramatic shapes and colors. The Gothic arch is one of the main symbols of this period. 

Another great invention was the canopy bed, or tester, which was added for warmth and privacy. Bedrooms served double duty as a sitting room during the day for a group of women.

Chairs were very important pieces during this period. Through different periods chairs were used as thrones and these highlighted the status of the sitter by using different materials, the Gothic chair, however shows status upon the user differently by exaggerating its scale. Gothic chairs were not very common, most people sat on benches, chests, stools and common sitting types less elaborated.

Some of the current applications are:

Gothic inspired furniture

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Gothic inspired interior design

Gothic inspired design, shows Gothic arch

The following video explains with more detail Gothic Architecture and its components.

FROM LINDSEY'S BLOG: I think it was very interesting how she got to experience the whole scene when she was studying abroad. I really like the pictures she has from the windows because they show a lot of detail. I also like how she focused in university campuses as a current application.

FROM MEGAN'S S. BLOG: I liked how she mentioned the black plague, and I thought the video she posted was very helpful for people who enjoy this type of design.

ISLAMIC

Islamic design was centered on religion. Islam is spread in to Africa, Europe and Asia. This is the reason why this period is classified into several different regions such as:

-Mesopotamia

-North Africa

-Saharan Africa

-Spain

-Anatolia

The decoration motifs used for interior and exterior are different for each region. This motifs can vary from flowers, to geometrical shapes.

Mosques are very well known from this period. Designers of Islamic mosques were inspired to work within classical architectural languages, and often they reused the ruins and incorporated Roman columns and capitals.

The Islamic arch is pointed like a Gothic arch but its hemispherical shape exceeds 180 degrees, it resembles a horseshoe.

Sitting, kneeling and lying on the ground were means of repose, this is the reason why they created carpets, mats and pillows in order to make this activities more enjoyable. Chairs were in fact used as a meaning of national exchange, and they were known as a matter of status and cultural identification.

  

Islamic design was very influential in today architecture. Many different materials and motifs are currently used in modern architecture. The iconic colors used in this period were warm colors such as oranges, reds, browns and yellows, with a combination of cool colors for details. Gold was also used during this period for details and accentuation.

Islamic Arch

Islamic inspired interior design

Geometric motifs, and utilization of warm contrasting colors

FROM KRISTINA'S BLOG: I liked how she explained the main components of the "blue Mosque" and also how she compared the motifs used back then and how are they used in actuality.

FROM LESLIE'S BLOG: What I learned from her blog was that Muqarnas are a type of architectural decoration applied on domes, pendentives or cornices and these are made out of wood, stucco or stone.