How did the Cistercian reform movement express itself in architecture?

The Cistercian reform expressed itself in its architecture. It clearly showed changes in the buildings and churches. Especially in the churches.The changes in the buildings went from exquisitely decorated to modest and plain. The reasons behind this is that the flashy designs took away from the spirituality of religion and the Church. Because of that thought, the buildings became drab and created solely for God. Monks were distracted by the most subtle decorations even if they were related to religious artifacts. The simple designs in the Cisterian reform were easy to create and maintain therefore the churches lost their trademark of being lavishly decorated. This bland technique of building was very soon abandoned and the Churches went back to creating remarkable, breathtaking churches.

"Cistercians - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia." Main Page - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistercians>.

image from: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/Abteikirche_Marienstatt_1.jpg

"Cistercian Architecture - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia." Main Page - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 20 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistercian_architecture>.