Definition
Clerestorey - Definition: where the walls of a building are raised and pierced by windows to bring light down to the dark interior.
The clerestorey was invented by the architects of Egyptian temples and used in Roman basilicas. It became a key element of the great medieval churches, especially the Gothic cathedrals such as Chartres. Clerestories are used by architects today to bring in daylight without compromising privacy, or over-heating interior spaces.
Strategy
The great European cathedrals are among the most ambitious buildings ever conceived, combining the passion of belief, with the utility of a great structure that had many uses for the community. Building a cathedral demanded clear objectives and a substantial commitment of resources.
Structure
Despite the lack of sophisticated technology, great cathedrals and temples were made possible by using standard measures, that were then repeated and multiplied to give balance and consistency to the design. Salisbury Cathedral is designed around multiples of a unit 19ft 6 inches long.
Systems
Lincoln cathedral spire was 160m, the tallest building in Europe at the time. The astonishing scale of these buildings created the challenge of lighting the vast interior. The answer was clerestorey windows in higher walls, with the greater weight channelled through arches to key points of strength - the Gothic arch.
Style
Gothic architecture made unique decoration and display possible. Clerestorey windows could be filled with figures and scenes in stained glass. Chartres has 186 such windows, each containing a 'message' to reinforce belief and guide behaviour.
People
Great architecture depended on the skills and resources of the community around the building. Contributions to the cost, donations of labour motivated by shared belief, made extraordinary achievements possible. The drive to succeed lead to many innovations, like the unique lifting machine the architect Brunelleschi invented for the huge dome in Florence.