Chartres: Sacred Geometry, Sacred Space

by Gordon Strachan, Oliver Perceval (Illustrator)

Overview

In this ground-breaking new work, Gordon Strachan explores the magnificent structure of Chartres Cathedral and its influences on the medieval master builders. Using Chartres as a starting point, Dr. Strachan shows how the origins of the Gothic style—the pointed arch—may lie in Islamic architecture. He goes on to a fascinating and detailed consideration of how a particular architectural space affects us, and how sacred geometry creates sacred space.

About the author:
Gordon Strachan teaches in the Department of Architecture at the University of Edinburgh. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Jesus the Master Builder (Floris Books, 1998).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780863153914
Publisher:	Floris Books
Publication date:	10/15/2003
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	6.08(w) x 8.64(h) x 0.34(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgments	7
	Introduction: The Sacred Site at Chartres	9
1.	The Islamic Origin of the Pointed Arch	16
2.	Sacred Geometry and Abbot Suger	35
3.	St Bernard and the Early Gothic Plan	43
4.	Of Cubes and Ka'aba	53
5.	The Plan of Chartres	60
6.	Dionysius the Areopagite and the Unknown God	74
7.	St Denis, Chartres and the Darkness of God	88
	Endnotes	103
	Bibliography	107
	Index	109
	Photographic acknowledgments	111