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Church of Saint Mary the Virgin  139 West 46 Street, New York, NY 10036 (212) 869-5830 Fax No. (212) 869-7039 by Tim Chang (htchang@murray.fordham.edu)

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Gothic Architecture and Engineering

The Gothic Revival, which influenced Napolean Le Brun, architect of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, is connected to Romanticism during the 19th century. The Gothic Revival period most flourished during the second half of the 19th century. Imitating Gothic style and detail were less important than creating unique works based on Gothic architecture.  Also, since functionalism was a priority during the Gothic Revival, the steel frame was becoming more and more popular to many architects or structural engineers. The Gothic Revival spread very quickly, especially to countries like England, France, and Germany, which eventually spread to America.  During the Gothic Revival, the most notable architect of the Gothic Style was a man named Richard Upjohn. For 30 years, he designed about 40 English Gothic churches, especially for Episcopalians.

The illustration above, of St. Mary's during its construction, shows that, despite its Gothic appearance, modern Steel Frame methods were used.

Gothic Architectural Structure

1. bay  2. nave  3. aisle  4. nave arcade  5. clerestory  6. cluster pier  7. triforium  8. buttress  9. flyning butress  10. wooden roof  11. colonette

Gothic Portal Elements