The Gothic architects and their patrons fully understood a building’s ability to impact and amplify a user’s sense of self, connection to others, and connection to the divine. They played with this force willingly, developing light-filled, airy, high spaces with building techniques that seemed to defy the natural strength of their materials. They would then apply an overlay of pattern, color and light of such complexity and originality that few architectural styles have since been able to duplicate its sophistication.
Under such circumstances, the spectator can easily become overwhelmed or feel dwarfed by the architecture. But the tone and scale of Gothic design established by medieval artisans was so nurturing and generous that those who traveled through these spaces did so with feelings of deep exultation and gratitude.