Gothic architecture differs from Romanesque by which feature that allows taller structures and larger windows?

• A. Flying buttresses
• B. Thick walls
• C. Round arches
• D. Wooden beams

Answer: (A)

This question tests how Gothic architecture achieves taller, lighter spaces. The key feature is the flying buttress, an exterior arched support that transfers the weight of the roof and vaults away from the interior walls to external supports. By offloading thrust outward, walls can be thinner and host large windows, especially stained glass, which floods interiors with light and creates the vertical, airy feel characteristic of Gothic churches.

Thick walls and round arches are hallmarks of Romanesque architecture, which rely on heavy mass to bear weight, limiting height and window size. Wooden beams appear in many periods and don’t specifically enable the tall, light-filled interiors that Gothic design is known for.