| Medieval design can be introduced in two styles, Romanesque and Gothic. The Romanesque style emerged, during the time referred to as the Dark Ages. This was,immediately, after the fall of the Roman Empire, around 410 C.E. The Romanesque style made use of massive structural elements, such as, Roman vaults and semicircular arches. With the establishment of feudalism and improved aspects of life, the Gothic style emerged. A wider variety of decorative objects and a greater knowledge of design of interior spaces were enhanced, by the increased use of illustrated manuscripts and books. This characteristic in European design lasted for 400 years, until the Renaissance in Italy. |
