What do you prefer, Gothic or Classical?

[-:Undertaker:-]

There are many types of architecture, but i'm mainly interested by the two schools/styles of architecture that were used in the Victorian era: that is, Gothic architecture and Classical architecture. In Victorian Britain, examples of both can be seen virtually everywhere but Britain tended to side on the whole more with Gothic rather than classical. On the other hand, America tended to go for classical.

Examples of Gothic

Palace of Westminster, Great Britain.


The recently rebuilt Church of Dresden, Germany.


St Pancreas railway station, Great Britain.


Parliament of Hungary.


Example of a Gothic house in America.

Examples of Classical

St Georges Hall in Liverpool, Great Britain.


Capitol Building in Washington DC, America.


Bank of England building, Great Britain.


Former Palace of the Viceroy, now home to the President (India).


Example of a Classical house in America.

My favourite is the Gothic style myself, I love the detail and the fact that it represents Christianity whereas the classical school is more representative of a 'New Rome' ideal - hence why historically the Gothic style is linked to Royalty whereas the classical school is always linked more to Republicanism. That all said, my favourite building in the world is actually the former Palace of the Viceroy in India which is in a classical style.

So although they don't really build in these styles anymore, preferring ugly and plain glass/concrete - which of the two do you prefer?

[Munex]

I love them both for different reasons. It's very hard to side one way or the other, but judging by the pictures in this thread, Gothic wins by a mile.

[FlyingJesus]

Wouldn't say gothic represents Christianity, it was widely opposed in its emergence and the name "gothic" was used as a slur to mean barbaric since it drew inspiration from pagan civilisations - Visigoths and Ostrogoths, loose city-states of raiders that sacked Rome that said I'm a fan of both architecturally, prefer gothic styles for northern Europe though certainly. Classical (probably due to the idea of it shining bright white) works far better in nicer climes than ours lmao

[-:Undertaker:-]

Wouldn't say gothic represents Christianity, it was widely opposed in its emergence and the name "gothic" was used as a slur to mean barbaric since it drew inspiration from pagan civilisations - Visigoths and Ostrogoths, loose city-states of raiders that sacked Rome that said I'm a fan of both architecturally, prefer gothic styles for northern Europe though certainly. Classical (probably due to the idea of it shining bright white) works far better in nicer climes than ours lmao

Was unaware of the pagan part, although knew it has a Germanic connection... interesting. Either way, over the centuries it's clear that the Church has adopted Gothic gradually to the point that I can't really think of a classical church building - maybe the Vatican can be classed as so I guess.

Sidenote for anybody who is interested, I know when Queen-Empress Victoria visited Liverpool and St George's Hall came into sight she apparently commented that the building was 'worthy of ancient Rome' ... it's probably one of the best examples of Classical in the country.

[iBlueBox]

I much prefer Gothic, when I went to Washington practically all the buildings, memorials were built in the 'classical' design made to represent Rome, such as congress.

I remember my history teacher saying that the UK Parliament with it being much older, looks like somewhere attic, with random pieces and not being able to modify it.

Where as Americas congress looks much more modern, and adaptable.

[-Amyy]

I prefer Gothic

[wixard]

well my fav disney movie is hunchback of notre dame

GOTHIC

[kasi]

gothic is so pretty but so is classical, not in the pics you showed though

[Cerys]

DEFINITELY gothic.

I just love the style to it and sdjkghdfjkgh

[lucaskf390]

Gothic

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