Minecraft Architecture - Gothic Cathedral

Undertaking the construction of a typical Medieval Gothic cathedral was a significant task in my Minecraft architecture studies.

Emerging in Western Europe in the 12th century and replacing the post-classical Romanesque style, Gothic is most visible in historic cathedrals.

Gothic emphasises vertical structure and light. The cathedrals employed new techniques - including the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress - to achieve towering heights. Most Gothic cathedrals follow a cross-shaped (cruciform) floor plan, the long spine being the nave, the arms of the cross being the transepts, and the head of the cross being the choir. Churchgoers sit in the nave, while the clergy hosts the service from the choir and altar. The choir is generally on the east side of the cathedral.

As with my Greek study, my first step with such a large project was to define a unit of building.

I used cobblestone walls and stairs to achieve the look of composite columns and pointed arches.

As a final touch, I created a redstone circuit to ring the belltowers as the sun rises and sets.