A flying buttress functions to transfer the weight and lateral forces of the walls to supporting piers located outside the main structure. This allows Gothic cathedrals to have taller walls with large windows by countering the outward thrust of the arched vaults. Flying buttresses are essential structural elements that work together with the vaulted ceilings and thick exterior walls to support the entire Gothic architectural design.

1. Discuss the function of a flying buttress and its relationship to the rest of
a Gothic architectural structure.
8. Discuss the significance of Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in
1922 in relation to the history of interior design. What made it such an unusual find? (2
points) 9. Discuss the function of a flying buttress and its relationship to the rest of a Gothic
architectural structure. Think about gravity and what can happen in the walls with the
addition of flying buttresses. (4 points) 10. What does the word Renaissance mean? In
what city did this cultural movement begin? Give two reasons why it began. (4
points) 11. Which artist drew this image? Which ancient architect inspired it? Give two
reasons how it relates to the Renaissance. (4 points)