| Title |
A Study on the Sainte-Chapelle in Terms of Semper's Theory of Four Elements |
| Keywords |
Hearth ; Stereotomy ; Textile ; Tectonics ; Semper |
| Abstract |
This paper attempted to analyze the Sainte-Chapelle(1242-48) in Paris in terms of Gottfried Semper's theory of four elements. For this aim, this study was divided into two parts: the first part regarding Semper's theory, which included not only the theories of four elements and four technical arts but also the concepts of the two types of primitive dwellings; the second part regarding the Sainte-Chapelle, composed of the overall study and the characteristics of the building and finally the analysis of it in terms of Semper's theory. The Sainte-Chapelle was regarded as a real example of Semper's four elements, in that the building was composed of a sacred altar containing Christ's earthly relics, stereotomic bases made of stone, a tectonic structure featuring linearity, and textile stained glass as an elaborate enclosure. While the bases and the structure were employed as serving elements, the altar and the stained glass played critical roles to make a whole space immaterial and monumental. These two elements served to reveal not only biblical typology but also the religious and political vision of Saint Louis to establish Paris as a new Holy Land. |