The photographs alone are incredible, but there are also a series of maps and timelines tracking the development of Gothic architecture chronologically, geographically, spatially, and politically.
link to the project here
The images on the website are so large that I couldn't get one to load here, but, believe me, they are worth seeing. I quote from the description of this project: "Whereas pictures can be satisfactorily represented in two dimensions on a computer screen, space -- especially Gothic space -- demands a different approach, one which embraces not only the architectonic volume but also time and narrative. Mapping Gothic France builds upon a theoretical framework derived from the work of Henri Lefèbvre (The Production of Space) that seeks to establish linkages between the architectural space of individual buildings, geo-political space, and the social space resulting from the interaction (collaboration and conflict) between multiple agents -- builders and users."
This seems a very interesting project linking material culture and architectural space with political developments. It is a bit unwieldy at the moment, but could make for a great classroom exercise, perhaps paired with some readings from Abbot Suger's diary.
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