Medieval Church Geometry

Clarissa Grandi

A hands-on workshop introducing various symbolic proportions and geometric constructions employed  in medieval church design.

Geometric Art Course Collection

Geometric Art Online Course Collection 2024

During this three-hour session we will explore the various symbolic proportions and geometric constructions employed by master masons in medieval church architecture. We will begin with an introduction to the fundamentals of ‘sacred geometry’ before looking in more detail at the key proportions used in church and cathedral architecture: the integer roots and the ‘divine proportion’, phi. You will learn to construct these by hand with compass and straightedge, before analysing a site plan of Norwich Cathedral to identify these proportions on the plan. Next, we will learn about the key structural developments that heralded the Gothic architectural period and learn to construct a pointed lancet arch.Finally, we will look at the foliate geometries of arched and rose window tracery and will learn to construct and embellish various quatrefoils.*Please note: there is no requirement to attend 'live'. The session will be recorded and made available within 48 hours. There is no time limit for completion.*Attending the live session: The workshop requires you to use Zoom, a free video conferencing app. Please be prepared to log into the online session 5 minutes before the start. You will be emailed the Zoom meeting link a few days before the session, along with a printable cathedral plan and a reminder of the equipment needed (see below for details). If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder and Eventbrite email preferences in your account settings. However, this information will also be accessible via the Online Event Page. Required equipmentEssential: <ol><li>Drawing compass with pen attachment (any decent compass will do, but I always recommend the Staedtler Mars Comfort 552 quick release compass with pen attachment)</li><li>30cm/12inch ruler</li><li>An HB pencil, sharpener and eraser</li><li>6 sheets of plain A3 (or similar) sized paper (e.g. cartridge paper, sketchpad). However, if you do not have access to A3, then A4 will suffice.</li></ol>Optional :Coloured pens or pencils, and any other of your favourite art equipment, e.g. metallic pens.

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