rEading cOmprehension 3...

1. A- Inside/Outside (Cologne vs. Salisbury); The Cologne Cathedral and the Salisbury Cathedral have extremely similar interiors but differ on the outside. They were both based on the Basilica form borrowed from the Romans and most commonly had a ground plan of the Jewish cross, with the long nave. This form serves as functional because it allows the building to be divided into sections where different activities can take place, or that are occupied by different people, such as the clergy, the choir and the laity. It also served the purpose to perform the initiation process of faith.
The Salisbury Cathedral’s exterior’s facade is wider and shorter than that of the Cologne Cathedral. England concentrated on more the balance of verticality and horizontality, even though the structure still made a huge statement to the people. The flying buttresses of Salisbury were smaller in size because there was less weight to counter. While at Salisbury the attention was more grounded, at The Cologne Cathedral the Germans concentrated on slender verticality because of its urban location and reaching high to the heavens to show religious superiority. Having two spires at the entrance verses the one in Salisbury accentuates the importance of receiving God by having these clearly indicate the entrance.
These two structures differ externally because although the religious beliefs and practices are similar, the depictions of their faiths are different. Location also has an effect. Salisbury is more of a rural area. With the presence of its outside court it implies more concentration on prayer and being one with God through rumination. Cologne concentrates more on how high you can get physically to the Heavens and shows of the vertical height.

B- Composition (Cologne vs. Amiens); In my opinion there are differences between a one-tower and two-tower cathedral. Normally, two-tower cathedrals have them situated in the front which is logical if the point is to direct people into the Christianity faith. They act as giant arrows pointing down saying “Enter Here”. They also serve multiple purposes. The towers hold bells that announce special events and ceremonies and possess windows to reflect light for a mystifying experience.

C- Symbol (Cologne vs. Florence); Florence’s Duomo symbolically aids an understanding of the rebirth of antiquity because of its massive dome. The largest dome since the Pantheon, it represented the similar engineering power as the Romans. They not only accomplished the structure of the antiquity dome but went above and beyond pushing the human potential beyond means.
The Cologne Cathedral symbolizes the idea of heaven on earth. The stained glass windows filter sparkling, diffused light into the inside. The infinite height brings a feeling of lightness and contentment. It forms the perfect location to reflect your connection between this world and the next.
The meanings of both cathedrals are designed to motivate the people’s faith and beliefs. The Duomo further concentrates on human potential and pushing beyond all means, while Cologne is meant to keep focus on a close relationship with God and acceptance into the next life or heaven. The materials used on the interior are very similar in that both contain the clerestory and stained glass windows to filter light into the space as well as the barrel vault. The Duomo strayed away from the heavy stone and implemented the brick, especially for use on the roof, being that brick is lighter.
As for the people of the environment, I do believe they laid their symbols upon the Cologne Cathedral. However, because this structure has been maintained over a long period of time, these symbols may no longer be present or have been altered in some shape or form.

2. The domestic, medieval interior was usually a setting where people enjoyed tranquility and prosperity. The woman in the picture seems to be located in the kitchen. The kitchen was typically a detached building from the main home in either a square or rectangular shape. It was connected with the hall by a passage. Commonly located on the ground floor, the kitchen was very distinctive as a safety measure against fires. The ceiling was usually vaulted to further protect against fires. Within the space were stoves and ovens, a table and three-legged stools. Everything necessary for use in the kitchen was available on the spot.