ARCHITECTURAL CHARACHTER

E A R L Y C H R I S T I A N . R O M A N E S Q U E . G O T H I C
 I N T R O D U C T I O N

EARLY
CHRISTIAN &
BYZANTINE
Christianity became the official
religion of the Roman Empire in 326
CE then few years after, the
conversion of Emperor
Constantine.
Roman architectural forms were
adapted to new Christian uses.
Roman aisled basilica became the
common model for Christian
churches.
Aisled
Basilica
five-aisled basilica plan
high central nave
lit by a clerestory
apse which was used in
Roman basilicas for
tribunals held the altar
congregation assembled in
the nave.
Domed
Basilica
basilica was further
adapted through the
introduction of a central
dome.
domes provided more light
in the middle of the
building.
subdomes are added to
create a cruciform or cross-
shaped plan.
Mosaic Decoration
interior of Early Christian and Byzantine
churches are lavishly decorated with mosaics.
pictures made up of tiny squares of colored
glass and stone.
Gold-backed tiles were also used especially for
backgrounds, giving a shimmering unwordly
effect.
Outer
Narthex
Narthex was an
important part of the
early Christian
churches.
Unbaptized believers
could not attend the
mass itself, so they
withdrew to the Narthex
during the second part
of the service.
Christian
Capital
Byzantine capitals were
adapted from
Corinthian capitals
simplified and stylized
it has recognizable
acanthus leaves curl
around a central
Christian cross.
birds, beasts and foliage
stylized to the point of
becoming purely
geometric were also
common.
 I N T R O D U C T I O N

ROMANESQUE
characterized by round arches,
thick walls and heavy geometrc
decorations.
developed around 1000 CE and
was widespread across Europe
until the late 12th century.
Its name highlights its derivation
from ancient Roman buildings.
Apsidal
Chapel
reflect the curve of the
main apse
visual strength through the
massing of relatively
simple forms.
round-headed windows
and blind arcading repeat
the theme and provide
horizontal definition.
Romanesque
Elevation
round arches of the nave
arcades carried on clustered
piers.
central shaft provides vertical
definition into bays.
blind arcading of the small
triforium gives horizontal
definition.
clerestory windows are
flanked by blind niches.
Ornamental
Variety
variety in ornament is one of
the halllmarks of the
romanesque style.
example: cloister of S. Paolo,
Rome.
shafts are different from its
neighbors.
variety within some of the
pairs of columns and capitals.
Blind
Arcading
romanesque ornaments are
generally strong.
it includes geometric motifs
and grotesque animal or
human form.
"carved with an ax not a
chisel." comments to the
arcades because of its strong
appearance.
Romanesque
Door
heavily decorated.
emphasize the transition from
the secular world outside to
the sacred world inside.
decorations was intended to
give catechism to the laity.
 I N T R O D U C T I O N

GOTHIC
development of the pointed arch in
the 12th century opened up a huge
range of new architectural
possibilities.
gothic churches are higher and
lighter than romanesque.
Rib vaults became standard
larger windows
ogee or s-shaped arch were able to
develop later on to lessen the
steeply pointed arches.
French early Gothic
Typical of French early Gothic architecture
of the 12th century are the three west
doors(portals), surmounted by three
pointed lancets and a rose window
flanked by tall towers with spires
rib vaults inside are revealed by the flying
buttress outside.
Elegant
Ambulatory
Gothic masons were capable of creating
very delicate effects
walls are very solid, their weight is
disguised by freestanding elongated
shafts, many large windows and blind
arcadings.
English
Perpendicular
tall mullions and horizontal transoms to
create a paneled effect in the lower part
of the window is characteristic of the
English late Gothic variant called
Perpendicullar.
uses both pointed and ogee arches to
create a complex intersecting tracery
pattern.
Decorated Style
14th century is often called the
Decorated style because of its rich
surface treatment.
example: Chapter House of Wells
Cathedral, England
the central shaft is composed of small
shafts
ribs have multiplied
tracery patterns are very complex
 Reference:
Carol Davidson Cragoe - HOW TO READ BUILDINGS
A crash course in architectural styles