Amiens Cathedral
Begun in the 1220s
View from the South
Lester's note: Amiens is one of the few cathedrals started at the west end facade. In contrast with the classically balanced facade of Notre Dame, at Amiens the body of the facade extends above the square proportion. This gives the design a dynamic lift. Entrance doors are preceded by cavernous porches which loom forward from the facade plane, creating a spatial depth and plasticity. The dynamic quality of the design is enhanced by the abundant statuary and decorative carvings all over. Here smooth wall areas are replaced with flickering shadows and projections.
Lester, Tulane