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Torso-Limb Index
Research on Gothic Cathedral Plans

This research delves into the examination of polarity in natural forms and its application in various domains, including architecture. It references Goethe's work on morphology and the concept of polarity within plants and animals. In the context of Gothic cathedrals, it investigates the Torso-Limb Index (TLI) and its utilization in the analysis and comparison of cathedral designs. Unlike the traditional approach that relied on human anatomy for architectural proportions, the Gothic method takes a more creative perspective. For instance, Bourges showcases a bloated nave reminiscent of an animal's structure, while Salisbury features a lower TLI with a slender torso and contracted sections. The study suggests that Gothic morphology can be examined as a generative algorithm and explores the role of gravity and symmetry in maintaining equilibrium, even in the face of pronounced variations between architectural elements.

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