The Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral, also known as Amiens Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Amiens, France. It is renowned for being the largest Gothic cathedral in France, both in terms of interior volume and overall size. Here are some key points about the cathedral:
Historical Background
Construction: The cathedral’s construction began in 1220 and was largely completed by 1270. It was built to replace an older church that was destroyed by fire.
Architects: The main architects involved were Robert de Luzarches, Thomas de Cormont, and his son Renaud de Cormont.
Purpose: It was built to house a relic of John the Baptist’s head, which brought many pilgrims and increased the city’s prominence.
Architectural Features
Gothic Style: Amiens Cathedral is a prime example of High Gothic architecture, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
Size: The cathedral is 145 meters long, and its nave reaches a height of 42.3 meters. The width of the nave is 14.6 meters.
Facade: The west facade is particularly famous for its intricate sculptures and three large portals adorned with biblical scenes and figures of saints.
Interior: The interior is vast and airy, with large windows filled with stained glass, including a magnificent rose window. The choir and ambulatory are richly decorated with sculptures and carvings.
Cultural and Historical Significance
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Amiens Cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
Preservation: It has undergone various restorations over the centuries, particularly in the 19th century under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
Events: The cathedral has been a site for numerous historical events, including royal ceremonies and significant religious processions.
Notable Art and Sculptures
The Beau Dieu: A famous statue of Christ on the central portal, symbolizing Christ’s teaching and judgment.
The Golden Virgin: A 13th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, known for its elegance and beauty.
Modern Day
Tourism: Today, the cathedral remains an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come to admire its architectural splendor and historical significance.
Light Show: A modern addition is the “Chroma” light show, which illuminates the cathedral’s facade with vibrant colors, recreating how it might have looked in the medieval period.
Amiens Cathedral stands as a monumental achievement of medieval architecture and a testament to the artistic and engineering prowess of its time.
Outside view of the choir
Portal
Facade detail
Facade detail showing the middle group of sculptures under the rose window
Facade detail
Rose Window
The prophets and apostles to the left of the main entrance
Sacred-Hear Chapel – Stained glass by Jean Gaudin & J. Lebreton
Condos and the Area in Playfair Park, Ottawa
1705 Playfair Drive (Vista on the Park):
Building Overview:
Construction: Built in 1989 by Greatwise / Fuller, the building is known as “Vista on the Park.”
Structure: This is a 15-storey building housing 190 units.
Accessibility: The building has no stairs at the entrance and includes elevators.
Unit Features:
Sizes and Layouts: The units typically come in two or three-bedroom configurations.
Interior: Most units have modern finishes including tiled or hardwood foyers, spacious closets, and updated kitchens.
Amenities: Residents enjoy access to a fitness center, sauna, party room, workshop, and underground parking. Additional amenities include storage lockers and a multi-use room.
Condo Fees:
Inclusions: Fees generally cover water, sewer, building insurance, common element maintenance, amenities, and air conditioning.
Recent Market Activity:
Prices: Recent listings at 1705 Playfair Drive show prices ranging from around $365,000 to $450,000 depending on the specific unit and its condition. For example, a unit listed at $379,900 features two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Sales History: The average sale price of units has been increasing over the years, with recent years showing an average sold price of around $375,543 in 2023, and units typically spending about 40 days on the market.
The Area – Playfair Park:
Location: Playfair Park is situated in the Alta Vista neighborhood, which is known for its greenery and residential feel.
Nearby Amenities: The area includes several parks such as Grasshopper Hill Park and Playfair Park, providing ample green space for outdoor activities. It’s a family-friendly area with easy access to schools, shopping centers, and healthcare facilities.
Transportation:** The neighborhood is well-connected by public transit, and there are several bike paths for cyclists. Major roads and highways are easily accessible, making commuting convenient.
Overall, Playfair Park offers a peaceful residential environment with modern condo living at 1705 Playfair Drive, complemented by a range of amenities and convenient access to Ottawa’s urban and suburban attractions.
In May, new home construction in Canada saw a significant rise, with housing starts increasing by 10% compared to the previous month. This growth was primarily driven by multi-unit projects, such as condominiums, which surged by 13%, while single-unit starts saw a modest increase of 2%. Major contributions came from cities like Montreal and Toronto, which experienced substantial increases in construction activity, whereas Vancouver saw a decrease in new housing starts by 32%.
However, home sales during the same period slightly declined by 0.6%, despite a small increase in newly listed properties. This drop in sales has been attributed to various factors, including higher borrowing costs, economic uncertainties, and policy interventions.
The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut by 25 basis points is anticipated to influence the housing market. Some economists predict that this reduction could encourage more buyers to enter the market, potentially leading to a rebound in home sale.
For further details, you can check the full reports on the CBC and Yahoo Finances.
Royal LePage recently released the results of the Canadian Renters Report.
Key highlights from the national release include:
27% of renters plan to buy a property in the next two years; 40% among renters aged 18-34
Of those who do not plan to buy a home in the next two years, 54% say they do not feel their income will be sufficient to afford a property they desire; 61% among those aged 18-34
29% of Canadian renters say they considered buying a property before signing or renewing their lease; 41% of them lacked a sufficient down payment
In British Columbia, 25% of renters spend more than half of their net income on monthly rental costs, well above the national average of 16%
Of renters who say they plan to buy within the next two years, half (50%) say they will have a down payment of less than 20%
44% of renters planning to purchase in the next two years believe they will be able to afford a home in their current city of residence, while 37% do not
Today we reach the end of the exploration of the architecture of cathedrals and great churches. In today’s final post we explore revivals, modern, and post modern styles. Interesting timing that yesterday I purchased an antique engraving. That of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame d’Amiens. Perhaps next week’s exploration. The previous posts can be read here. Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
Cathedrals and great churches have continued to evolve in architectural styles, reflecting the cultural and technological changes of their times. Here’s an overview of the architectural styles during the Revival periods, Modernism, and Postmodernism:
Revivals (19th-20th centuries)
Characteristics:
Gothic Revival: Inspired by Gothic architecture, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Emphasis on verticality and ornate decoration.
Neoclassical Revival: Inspired by classical Greek and Roman architecture, featuring columns, pediments, and symmetry.
Romanesque Revival: Features round arches, heavy masonry, and robust structure, inspired by Romanesque architecture.
Examples:
Gothic Revival: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City – Known for its pointed arches, intricate tracery, and towering spires.
Neoclassical Revival: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C. – Incorporates classical elements like domes and porticoes.
Romanesque Revival: Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto – Displays round arches and a fortress-like appearance.
Modern Architecture (20th century)
Characteristics:
Emphasis on minimalism, functionality, and the use of new materials like steel, glass, and concrete.
Simplified forms and lack of ornamentation.
Open floor plans and large windows for natural light.
Examples:
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, UK – Known for its strikingly modern design, with a circular plan and radial chapels.
Notre Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France – Designed by Le Corbusier, featuring sculptural forms and an innovative use of concrete.
Cathedral of Brasília, Brazil – Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, characterized by its hyperboloid structure and modernist aesthetics.
Postmodern Architecture (late 20th century to present)
Characteristics:
Reaction against the austerity of modernism, reintroducing ornamentation, color, and historical references.
Use of eclectic styles and playful forms.
Incorporation of cultural and contextual elements.
Examples:
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles – Designed by Rafael Moneo, it blends modernist elements with symbolic and cultural references.
Jubilee Church, Rome – Designed by Richard Meier, it features a combination of modernist and postmodernist elements, with its curving walls and white concrete construction.
Santuario de la Virgen de las Lajas, Colombia – A dramatic church that blends traditional and modern elements, built into a canyon.
Differences and Evolution
Revivals: Sought to bring back historic styles, often with a romanticized view of the past.
Modern: Focused on simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials and construction techniques.
Postmodern: Reacted against the strictness of modernism, embracing a more eclectic and expressive approach.
These architectural styles demonstrate how the design of cathedrals and great churches has continually adapted to reflect changing tastes, technological advancements, and cultural shifts over time.
Kronstadt Naval Cathedral
Saint Petersburg, Russia
St Michael’s Cathedral
Qingdao, China
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Melbourne, Australia
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Delhi, India
In the Romanesque Style
Church St Pankraz at Anhold
Germany
Early English Gothic
Truro Cathedral
England
Perpendicular Gothic Style
St Andrews Cathedral
Sydney, Australia
Italian Baroque Style
Notre Dame de Québec Cathedral
Québec City
The Basilica of our Lady of Altagracia
Dominican Republic
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
By Sir Frederick Gibberd
Tokyo Cathedral
Japan
Cathedral of Brasilia
Brazil
Interior of the Cathedral of Chillan
Chile
Interior of the Cathedral of Brasilia
Brazil
Interior of the Cathedral of Christ the Light
Oakland, California
Interior of the Christ Cathedral in Garden
Grove, California
Cathedral of Saint Sava
Belgrave Serbia
Modeled on the Ancient Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia
The interior of the Basilica of our Lady of Lichen
Draws from Classical Forms of Western European Church
The Basilica of our Lady of Peace in
Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast
Before buying a condo in Ottawa, it’s essential to conduct thorough due diligence to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process:
Review the Condo Corporation Documents
Status Certificate: Obtain and review this document to understand the financial health of the condo corporation.
Reserve Fund Study: Check the reserve fund to ensure it has enough funds for major repairs and replacements.
Meeting Minutes: Look for any recurring issues or upcoming major projects discussed in recent board meeting minutes.
Bylaws and Rules: Understand the condo’s bylaws, rules, and regulations to ensure they align with your lifestyle.
Financial Health
Budget: Review the condo corporation’s budget to ensure it’s well-managed.
Special Assessments: Check if there are any upcoming special assessments, which could result in unexpected costs.
Building Condition
Inspection: Hire a professional inspector to assess the condition of the unit and common areas.
Maintenance History: Review the maintenance history of the building to identify any potential issues.
Location and Neighborhood
Amenities: Check the proximity to amenities like public transportation, grocery stores, schools, parks, etc.
Future Developments: Investigate any planned developments in the area that might affect property values.
Legal Considerations
Title Search: Ensure there are no legal issues with the property’s title.
Insurance: Check the insurance coverage provided by the condo corporation and what additional insurance you might need.
Condo Fees
Fee Breakdown: Understand what is covered by the monthly condo fees (e.g., utilities, maintenance, amenities).
Fee History: Check the history of condo fee increases to anticipate future costs.
Lifestyle Fit
Community: Assess the community to see if it matches your lifestyle preferences.
Pet and Rental Policies: Ensure the condo’s policies on pets and rentals align with your plans.
Resale Value
Market Trends: Research recent sales in the building and neighborhood to understand market trends.
Unit Layout and Features: Consider the layout, view, and features of the unit, as these can impact resale value.
Legal Review
Lawyer Consultation: Have a real estate lawyer review all documents and agreements to protect your interests.
By carefully examining these aspects, you can make a well-informed decision when purchasing a condo in Ottawa.