Gothicness surrounds the transformation of ribs from singular to multiple. Nowhere is this more distilled than in the column pier. The story of Pierness follows a progression from few to many through three distinct typologies—column, clustered column, and compound pier; however, this story is peppered with intrigue. The details, figuration, and configuration of gothic piers reflect larger architectural conditions. This lecture briefly outlines how these transformations manifest through a series of case studies. It first addresses the terminology and typologies of archetypal gothic piers. It then examines a series of case studies through lenses of gothic evaluation criteria, such as Changefulness, Redundance, and Illusion & Perception. These case studies include…

1. Peterborough Cathedral, Great Britain. Retrochoir. Ca. 1518.

2. King's College Chapel in Cambridge, Great Britain. Ca. 1443-1515.

3. Laon Cathedral, France. Ca. 1160-1205.

4. Salisbury Cathedral, Great Britain, ca. 1220-66.

5. Lincoln Cathedral, Great Britain, ca. 1230.

6. S. Séverin in Paris, France. 14th-15th centuries. Ambulatory with spiral column built ca. 1489.

7. Great Mosque of Córdoba, Spain. Begun 8th century, prayer hall expanded 9th century, maqsura added 961-76 under caliph al-Hakam II, consecration as Christian cathedral 13th century, Christian transformations 16th century.

8. Minaret of Quṭb Mīnār, India. Begun ca. 1200. Restored 14th-15th centuries. Enlarged 16th century under Sikandar.

9. Exeter Cathedral, Great Britain. Begun ca. 1112. Reconstructed ca. 1279-1360 in English decorated style.

10. Auxerre Cathedral, France. Ca. 1215-33.

11. Vitthala Temple in Hampi, India. Ca. early 16th century.