Romanesque Architecture, Its context, Architectural elements: What characterizes the romanesque? An example of Romanesque: Saint Martin, c 1050. In addition to the use of Arches and Blind Arches. Use of Barrel and Groin Vaulting. The rest of the uses will be posted in images not in person, for example St Philibert de Tornus, 950-c 1120.
The Basilica
Origins
• Roman Public Building in the center of a Roman city
Architectural Description
- • Big hall for legal and commercial affairs
- • Interior colonnade that divides the space into a a nave and aisles
- • Apse where the cathedra is located (seat of the magistrate)
- • The central Nave usually larger than the aisles
- • Includes high windows
Why the Basilica?
• In the fourth century Christianity is recognized as an official religion of the roman empire under Constantine the Great
– Christians go from hidden to public spaces –With imperial financing, they can start to think of building public spaces
– But why not choose the already established form of a Pagan Temple?
- • Association between the Temple form and paganism: the use of the basilica publicly affirms a difference
- • The architectural formula of the temple is not adapted to Christian rituals
- • A pre-existing model is needed (known plans, feasible, having proven its worth)
Transformation into a place of Christian Worship
• In the Apse, instead of the Magistrate a Priest
• The basilical plan can accommodate a large number of individuals
• Easily lit because of the high windows
Byzantine Architecture, The beginning of a divergence between Roman and Byzantine architecture under the reign of Justinian the Great, The Dome as an example could be the most reliable sign.
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