Love of Nature
The gentle side of Gothic architecture is found in the love of nature. "Gothic did not arise
out of, but developed itself into, a resemblance of vegetation" (Ruskin 714). The enjoyment of
nature was a vital part of the styles of Gothic architecture. The worship of trees, flowers, and
natural ornaments inspired the Victorians to create buildings with a softness and
thoughtfulness: "the affectionate observation of the grace and
outward character of vegetation is the sure sign of a more tranquil, gentle existence sustained by
the gifts, and gladdened by the splendor, of the earth" (Ruskin 714). The love of nature inspired
craftsmen to look to the beauty outside of the city and to bring the glory of the earth to buildings
and architecture.
The pictures we have posted exemplify the love of nature in a bold way. The picture of
the house has many green vines adorning the border of the roof. This desire to integrate nature
within the architecture brings the natural together with the artificial. Mixed with the love of
change, found in the asymmetry of the roof, the patterned vines and foliage show the glorification
of nature. In the picture of the iron gazebo, the idea of creating architecture as a part of nature is
seen. The gazebo is designed to appear as a part of the natural surroundings. The shape of the
gazebo is proportional to the trees on either side making it one with nature. The
designer has succeeded in weaving the architecture into the natural landscape. This relationship
between nature and the designer previously mirrored the relationship of God as the designer:
"Nature also took on a
symbolic character, becoming an expression of the divine" (Wordsworth 74).
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