Incorporating Dragons in Building Framework
April 28, 2010
Grotesques, such as dragons and gargoyles, have always been thought of as symbols of strength, protection, and serendipity. That said, it is quite understandable why they have been part of architecture for hundreds of years.
However, when they were originally introduced to the art of building, they had a very functional use. The shape of these gargoyles was created to perform as rain spouts that would prevent water from accumulating on top of Gothic cathedrals and castles as it would cause damage.
When building strategies improved and pooling water no longer posed a danger to the structures, the grotesques remained, but now more of an adornment. "Gargoyles" was the original label for the statues. The pieces were commonly modeled after people or domesticated animals, as well as characters of religion and lore. There were also frightening figurines that were labeled "grotesques."
Dragon architecture holds a revered status in Imperial China and was only permitted to be located on the most official building. They appeared as roof pieces and decorations on beams, pillars, and doors. However, you would never find dragon symbology on common buildings, it was distinctly for the upper class.
Dragon architecture also tells stories from long-lived customs. If you are ever in Ljubljana, Sloenia, you will spot dragons everywhere; with historical roots in the tales of Jason and the Argonauts, the dragon is the official symbol of this city. Maybe you are familiar with the world-famous Dragon Bridge.
Cities such as Ljubljana proudly give home to their dragons. London and Pittsburg are two other examples. I've heard that Pittsburg provides a great walking excursion of the spots you can hit upon gargoyle and dragon images and statues.
Maybe you have heard of the well-known gargoyles that watch over Notre Dame in Paris.
And then you have the National Cathedral in Washington, where you will notice gargoyles of a different and more contemporary style; not your everyday dragons. In the 1980s, National Geographic’s World magazine partnered with the cathedral to set up a competition that asked children to design the sculptures that would adorn the cathedral. And that is how this wonderful building ended up with a modern dragon statue of sorts: the helmet of Darth Vader. And also one of a raccoon, a computer, a robot camera, and a mass of other characters, including one with a gas mask, designed to protect us in a future run rampant with technology and unseen dangers.
The next time you pass by an old church, whether it be one lost to time or one still used for services, look carefully at the stonework. If you are actually looking out for them (because they can be tricky in their hiding spots), you will be amazed at how many dragons and gargoyles are actually around us.
However, when they were originally introduced to the art of building, they had a very functional use. The shape of these gargoyles was created to perform as rain spouts that would prevent water from accumulating on top of Gothic cathedrals and castles as it would cause damage.
When building strategies improved and pooling water no longer posed a danger to the structures, the grotesques remained, but now more of an adornment. "Gargoyles" was the original label for the statues. The pieces were commonly modeled after people or domesticated animals, as well as characters of religion and lore. There were also frightening figurines that were labeled "grotesques."
Dragon architecture holds a revered status in Imperial China and was only permitted to be located on the most official building. They appeared as roof pieces and decorations on beams, pillars, and doors. However, you would never find dragon symbology on common buildings, it was distinctly for the upper class.
Dragon architecture also tells stories from long-lived customs. If you are ever in Ljubljana, Sloenia, you will spot dragons everywhere; with historical roots in the tales of Jason and the Argonauts, the dragon is the official symbol of this city. Maybe you are familiar with the world-famous Dragon Bridge.
Cities such as Ljubljana proudly give home to their dragons. London and Pittsburg are two other examples. I've heard that Pittsburg provides a great walking excursion of the spots you can hit upon gargoyle and dragon images and statues.
Maybe you have heard of the well-known gargoyles that watch over Notre Dame in Paris.
And then you have the National Cathedral in Washington, where you will notice gargoyles of a different and more contemporary style; not your everyday dragons. In the 1980s, National Geographic’s World magazine partnered with the cathedral to set up a competition that asked children to design the sculptures that would adorn the cathedral. And that is how this wonderful building ended up with a modern dragon statue of sorts: the helmet of Darth Vader. And also one of a raccoon, a computer, a robot camera, and a mass of other characters, including one with a gas mask, designed to protect us in a future run rampant with technology and unseen dangers.
The next time you pass by an old church, whether it be one lost to time or one still used for services, look carefully at the stonework. If you are actually looking out for them (because they can be tricky in their hiding spots), you will be amazed at how many dragons and gargoyles are actually around us.
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