Precedent Analysis: Cologne Cathedral

COLOGNE CATHEDRAL: also known as the kolner dom
Cologne cathedral is a gothic cathedral in Germany that was built in 1248 on the site of a Roman Temple. It’s outstanding use of light, along with its unforgettable detail and duality of color, makes it compatible with other cathedrals across the world. Like the cologne cathedral, the Salisbury cathedral utilizes light to direct the emphasis to what’s most important in the cathedral. It also uses a duality of color in the aisle, as well as in the vaults surrounding the choirs. The exteriors of these two pieces of architecture are very dark and mysterious, while the inside sets a tone of celebration. The contrast between interior and exterior in these two buildings tell two different stories. With a structure comparable to the cologne cathedral, amiens also represents the idea of the “dark ages”. Also, both structures are so complex that they share a “bulky” quality, with multiple buttresses and naves and vaults. The incorporation of height in both the cologne cathedral and the duomo cathedral are meant to be landmarks. The impossible-to-ignore two spires on the cologne cathedral and the overpowering tower on the duomo act as landmarks for cities. These two cathedrals also portray past and present, which also presents future. Both borrow the traditional cruciform and the use of columns, however, they elaborate on these columns, and incorporate vertical elements to show the important areas inside. Their innovation of other structural elements, as well as elaborate detail, gives way for development in the future. All four of these cathedrals are efficient in commodity, firmness and delight, however, their designs change with region.

- Nicole Robert
- Charese Allen
-Caraleigh Schwall
-Hanna Flynn