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Relief, Sledd Hall
Characteristics of the Collegiate Gothic Style

The term Collegiate Gothic derives from Gothic Revival, an architectural style inspired by medieval Gothic architecture.  Beginning in the mid-18th century, Gothic Revival became a leading building style during the 19th century and was often employed because of its moral overtones for academic, political, and religious buildings. 
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University of Florida buildings designed in the Collegiate Gothic style typically feature some or all of the following elements.  Examples are linked  to pictures of the feature described (in development).
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For more information on this style, consult the Dictionary of Art Online (UF/SUS only).  See the online R.S. Means Building Dictionary for building terminology.

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Arches. Entrances are often recessed and framed by arches.  Arches are curved constructions which span an opening.
Example
Balustrade. A balustrade is a low railing made of stone, wood, metal, glass, or other materials and designed to prevent falls from roofs and other elevated architectural areas.
Buttress. Buttresses appear as decorative elements in some Collegiate Gothic buildings.  A buttress is an exterior support projecting from the face of a wall and serving either to strengthen it or toresist the thrust created by the load on an arch or a roof.
Example
Crenelation. Name given to a treatment of a railing or low wall in which an upright section (called a merlon) alternates with a space  (a crenelle) in a series.
Example
Dormer. A dormer is a window set upright on a sloping roof; sometimes this term refers to the actual roof of such a projected window.
Example
Drainage spout.  Drainage spouts are often elongated and decorated in Gothic Revival buildings.  A decorated water spout projecting from a building is one meaning of the term 'gargoyle'.
Example
Fenestration. Window treatment.  Gothic style buildings often have elaborate fenestration.
Example
Finial. A decoration on the point of a spire, pinnacle, or conical roof.
Example
Gargoyle. Ornament, usually a fantastic creature, projecting from a building; a decorated water spount projecting from a building.
Example
Entrances. Principle entrances in buildings of this style are often recessed and arched.
Example
Parapet. The wall above a roof line.  See "balustrade".
Plaque. A tablet applied to or set within an exterior surface. Can have an inscription or relief sculpture.  See also 'medallion'.
Example
Quoin. Hard stone or brick used, usually decoratively, to reinforce an external corner.  Rustic quoins (see Rustication) are often used in this style.
Example
Relief Sculpture. Figurines atop arches or windows and reliefs on exterior walls are sculptural elements that appear on some buildings.
Example:  Mucozo relief, top left, this page
Roofing. Orange slate tiles (or facsimiles) are often applied to the roof.
Rustication. Rustication  is applied to the corners.  Coming from the word 'rustic', rustication implies a rough look.  Rustication in building is stonework (often limestone)  whose blocks are separated by deep grooves called chamfers.  The stonework typically has a rough texture but can sometimes be smooth.
Example
Tracery. Curvilinear shapes creating a pattern in a window.
Example
Walls. Brick is used for the exterior walls.  The bricklaying style is often English bond.
Windows. Bay windows (windows that project outward) are characteristic of some buildings.
Example
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- Source:  Historic Architecture Sourcebook.  Edited by Cyril M. Harris.  (New York: McGraw-Hill:  1977).
 
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Historic Sites | UF Builds | Introduction
 
Page Author:  Edward H. Teague
Contact:  Ann Lindell
Page Created: 31 Augut 1999
Page Updated:  2 February 2000