byzantine architecture
Rewind:
Byzantine architecture flourished between the 4th and 15th century and is comparable with early Christian architecture since many early Christian buildings were built at the command of Constantine, the Byzantine Emperor who converted the Roman Empire to Christianity. Byzantine architecture was built at the command of Justinian with hopes of unifying his people by building churches throughout the empire. Impressive size, shapes and quantity of decorations within their churches are what set the Byzantines apart from everyone else.
The Church of Saint Vitale in Ravenna Italy is believed to be the best example of Justinian’s architectural style. Decorative mosaics that cover whole surfaces and tell stories, the focus on the apse, the half dome alcove at the front of the church, and clerestory windows to allow light into the spaces are all qualities that early Christian architecture carried. Along with many others, these characteristics are still found in present days designs.
Because Justinian built churches in different areas of the empire throughout Europe, there are different features and traits found in churches depending on the location. There are also slight changes that naturally happened over time. In the mid-6th century, the narrow basilica style remained dominant in Western Europe while rounded central-plan styles dominated the East.
Key design components of Byzantine architecture:
Lets take a closer look:
The Hagia Sophia located in Istanbul Turkey is one important interior that significantly contributes to the languages of Byzantine architecture. Constructed in 537 AD, it has been repaired and transformed into multiple different cathedrals and mosques but is currently being used as a museum.
The narrow basilica style was the dominant style for Western Europe but the central style, as seen in the Hagia Sophia, took over Eastern Europe and had an immediate impact on designs from then on.
There are many domes within Hagia Sophia but the extraordinarily massive central dome is what captures all of the attention. Scale and size are important factors for Byzantine architecture since it had to be easily distinguishable when comparing it to other styles. There have been many alterations and updates to the dome but to this day it is still difficult to understand how it still exists. Since it seems to not rest on masonry, the faithful believe that it is being held above the building by divine intervention. Constructing such a large dome so long ago was not an easy task but it had to be done in order to make it Byzantine architecture.
Arches were put in all throughout the building as seen in the section. The arch shape is also created from the pendentives that provide structural stability since earthquakes have been an issue in the past. They allow the weight to transmitted and transferred.
Originally, the interior was completely finished with mosaics and statues but over years, when new religions converted the building to better suit them, many were destroyed or covered. Mosaics are incorporated into interiors to work with the lighting and create a unique experience, something that Byzantine architecture really advanced.
Byzantine architecture flourished between the 4th and 15th century and is comparable with early Christian architecture since many early Christian buildings were built at the command of Constantine, the Byzantine Emperor who converted the Roman Empire to Christianity. Byzantine architecture was built at the command of Justinian with hopes of unifying his people by building churches throughout the empire. Impressive size, shapes and quantity of decorations within their churches are what set the Byzantines apart from everyone else.
The Church of Saint Vitale in Ravenna Italy is believed to be the best example of Justinian’s architectural style. Decorative mosaics that cover whole surfaces and tell stories, the focus on the apse, the half dome alcove at the front of the church, and clerestory windows to allow light into the spaces are all qualities that early Christian architecture carried. Along with many others, these characteristics are still found in present days designs.
Because Justinian built churches in different areas of the empire throughout Europe, there are different features and traits found in churches depending on the location. There are also slight changes that naturally happened over time. In the mid-6th century, the narrow basilica style remained dominant in Western Europe while rounded central-plan styles dominated the East.
Key design components of Byzantine architecture:
- Central plan
- Domes
- Arches
- Mosaics
Lets take a closer look:
The Hagia Sophia located in Istanbul Turkey is one important interior that significantly contributes to the languages of Byzantine architecture. Constructed in 537 AD, it has been repaired and transformed into multiple different cathedrals and mosques but is currently being used as a museum.
The narrow basilica style was the dominant style for Western Europe but the central style, as seen in the Hagia Sophia, took over Eastern Europe and had an immediate impact on designs from then on.
There are many domes within Hagia Sophia but the extraordinarily massive central dome is what captures all of the attention. Scale and size are important factors for Byzantine architecture since it had to be easily distinguishable when comparing it to other styles. There have been many alterations and updates to the dome but to this day it is still difficult to understand how it still exists. Since it seems to not rest on masonry, the faithful believe that it is being held above the building by divine intervention. Constructing such a large dome so long ago was not an easy task but it had to be done in order to make it Byzantine architecture.
Arches were put in all throughout the building as seen in the section. The arch shape is also created from the pendentives that provide structural stability since earthquakes have been an issue in the past. They allow the weight to transmitted and transferred.
Originally, the interior was completely finished with mosaics and statues but over years, when new religions converted the building to better suit them, many were destroyed or covered. Mosaics are incorporated into interiors to work with the lighting and create a unique experience, something that Byzantine architecture really advanced.