Gothic architecture can be traced back to the 1144 completion of the Monastic Church of St. Denis near Paris. This type of architecture became the dominant style during the middle ages. Overall, Gothic architecture is based on principles of height and light. To create these aspects, architects used flying buttresses. These ornate sculptures were built along the exterior to make walls strong enough to bear the lateral thrust of the highly pointed peaks. By reducing the amount of wall space needed, the walls were allowed to be adorned with large stained glass windows. Abbot Suger of St. Denis brought about these principles by saying he wanted the church flooded with light because light emanated from God. It was the desire to be closer to God that made the light such a dominant feature of the Gothic style.