The flying buttress is a structural element in medieval architecture that is used to support and distribute the weight of a building. It consists of an arched or sloping support that extends from the top of a wall to a pier or other support structure.
The significance of the flying buttress is that it allowed medieval builders to create larger, higher, and more complex structures than was possible with previous building techniques. By providing additional support and allowing for thinner walls, the flying buttress allowed for greater versatility in design and created opportunities for the construction of grand cathedrals and other monumental structures. It also allowed for more windows and natural light, a symbol of religious enlightenment.
Additionally, the flying buttress was often decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures, making it an important aesthetic element in medieval architecture.
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