Question

chapter 13 quiz: whereas romanesque churches...

whereas romanesque churches tended to be dark inside, with few and small window openings, gothic builders strove to open up their walls for what to light up the spaces?

multiple choice

oculus

stained-glass windows

fluorescent lighting

skylights

arches

Explanation:

Analyze the architectural contrast

Using the Medieval Architecture Styles knowledge point
Romanesque churches relied on thick, heavy load-bearing walls with minimal window openings to support massive stone vaults, resulting in dark interiors. In contrast, Gothic builders utilized pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses to distribute weight outward, allowing them to open up the walls.

Identify the light-admitting element

Gothic architects filled these newly opened wall spaces with expansive, colorful stained-glass windows, which flooded the interior with filtered, divine light (lux nova).

Evaluate the given options

• oculus: A circular opening at the top of a dome, characteristic of Roman architecture (like the Pantheon), not Gothic walls.
• stained-glass windows: The defining feature used by Gothic builders to fill wall openings with light.
• fluorescent lighting: A modern electrical invention, completely irrelevant to medieval architecture.
• skylights: Modern roof openings, not a feature of medieval Gothic construction.
• arches: Structural supports rather than the actual openings or elements that let light in.

Answer:

• oculus
• stained-glass windows (Correct answer)
• flourescent lighting
• skylights
• arches