03 I Exploring Medieval Buildings [1.5 hrs]

WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHY WE ARE DOING IT

Learn about the architectural style of medieval style

Sketching Building Facades

ACTIVITY MATERIALS

ACTIVITY RESOURCES

Check the toolbox!

ACTIVITY LESSON

The Three Periods of Medieval Architecture Medieval architecture isn’t just one style—it reflects centuries of change. Here’s how it breaks down:

Early Middle Ages (475–1000)

● Thick stone walls

● Small windows and rounded arches

● Roman-inspired but built for survival

● Ribbed vaults and pointed arches

● Flying buttresses

● Sky-reaching cathedrals

● Detailed stonework

● Regional styles emerged

● Blending Gothic with Classical influence

High Middle Ages (1001–1300)

Late Middle Ages (1301–1500)

Medieval buildings weren’t just about thick walls and tall towers. They were clever, creative, and built to last. Here’s what set them apart:

Designed with Purpose – Castles were built for defense

Mix of Cultures – Styles came from Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions

Built from Stone – Stone was strong, flexible (for carving), and lasting.

As towns grew, architects started designing for real people—not just kings or priests.

Town Halls

These buildings showed off local pride. Many had tall towers, arched windows, and carved stone. Example: Bruges Town Hall in Belgium mixes Gothic style with handmade details.

As towns grew, architects started designing for real people—not just kings or priests.

Medieval markets weren’t just open-air—they were often covered, with wooden beams and decorated fronts.

Tip: Some even had clock towers to keep trading on time.

Residential Houses

؜While there was wide variation in location, time period and class, residential architecture featured simple rectangular floorpans, often with 2 stories.. A central hearth/ fireplace, steeply pitched roofs, and small windows were consistent features in response to need to shelter from weather conditions.

How Trade Changed Architecture

Trade routes like the Silk Road brought more than silk.

They brought ideas—shapes, colors, and techniques that made their way into buildings.

Middle Eastern Design in Europe

Look closely at church windows or carved walls from the time—you’ll spot floral patterns and geometric shapes inspired by Islamic art.

New Building Skills

▪ Use of glazed tiles

▪ Pointed arches improved from Middle Eastern stonework

▪ Intricate mosaic floors and walls

Medieval Building Materials: The Real Foundations of Design

1. Stone: Strong, Local, Lasting

2. Timber: Fast, Flexible, Warm. It was fast to build with, easy to shape, and perfect for homes, bridges, and halls.

3. Brick and Clay: Urban and Adaptable. Where stone was rare, bricks filled the gap. Easy to make, light to move, and simple to lay.

4. Wattle and Daub: Wattle and daub is an ancient, composite building technique using a woven lattice of wooden strips (wattle) covered with a sticky mix (daub) of soil, clay, sand, straw, and dung. It was cheap, fast, and surprisingly good at keeping homes dry and warm.

5. Metal: Iron added strength where stone and wood couldn’t. It held gates, windows, hinges—and it looked good doing it.

6. Glass: It brought in light and told stories. Color and design mattered as much as function.

ACTIVITY PROMPT

Students will explore what medieval buildings looked like and draw their facades to understand architecture, function, and culture. This will helps them plan how their district will look in the cardboard city.

؜Check your district & list your buildings

Decide which buildings belong in your district. Examples:
City walls & Gates
Cathedral / Mosque / Synagogue
Market stalls / squares
Tavern
Church
City Hall
Pillory
Well or a pump
Wealth Houses
Wealthy shops
Craft workshops / guild halls
other Homes
Shelters, Orphanages, Schools, Universities
Castle/Citadel

1st

Recap on areas for each group

؜Recap on the group division

Suburban District: Houses, farms, and crops
City walls: Gates & Bridges
Craft or guild neighborhood: Artisan Workshops, Guild Halls, Storage Buildings / Warehouses, Shops / Market Stalls
Institutional Area: Shelters, Orphanages, Schools, Universities
Residential Area : Small houses, Courtyards & Gardens, Small chapels, Wells and public fountains for water.
Main Square with church: Tavern, Church, City Hall, Pillory, Well or a pump, Wealth Houses, Wealthy shops

Research the facades

On a sheet, draw the front view (facade) of each building

(15 x 15 cm)

Include key features:

Doors and windows
Roof style (gabled, flat, tiled)
Towers, arches, gates, or balconies
Signs of use: market stalls, chimneys, shop signs

Label the building name and function.

2nd

Exploring Medieval Buildings

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