Architectural Features in Ecclesiastical Structures

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Questions and Answers

What are radiating chapels?

The main area of a church where the congregation gathers

Projecting chapels arranged radially around a church's ambulatory (correct)

A type of architectural dome

The raised altar in a church

Define tribunes in the context of architecture.

A raised platform in a semicircular apse where speeches are delivered.

What is a barrel vault?

A decorative element used in sculpture

An architectural feature found only in Gothic churches

A half-round ceiling formed by a series of arches (correct)

A type of dome structure

What is a groin vault?

A vault formed when two barrel vaults meet at right angles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a compound pier?

A clustered column with engaged or semi-detached shafts. Signup and view all the answers

The Latin cross is a type of cross that represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does cruciform plan refer to?

An architectural layout resembling a cross, commonly used in Christian churches. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'bay' in architecture.

The space between architectural elements or a recess. Signup and view all the answers

What is nave elevation?

The division of horizontal space in the nave wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is a transverse arch?

An arch that runs across a vault from side to side, dividing the bays. Signup and view all the answers

What is rib vaulting?

An architectural feature covering large interior spaces, divided by diagonal arched ribs. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Normans?

Vikings who settled in northern France and their descendants. Signup and view all the answers

What is quadripartite rib vaulting?

A rib vault with four ribs dividing each bay diagonally. Signup and view all the answers

What is sexpartite rib vaulting?

A rib vault divided into six bays by two diagonal ribs and three transverse ribs. Signup and view all the answers

Define didactic in relation to literature.

Intended to convey instruction and information. Signup and view all the answers

What does polychrome refer to?

The practice of decorating elements in a variety of colors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Baptistery?

The section of a church used for baptisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a campanile?

An Italian bell tower, particularly a freestanding one. Signup and view all the answers

Define portal in architecture.

An opening in a wall, particularly a grand entrance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a jamb column?

A vertical element of a doorway or window frame. Signup and view all the answers

What is a jamb figure?

Statues carved on the jambs of doorways or windows. Signup and view all the answers

What is a trumeau?

The central pillar supporting the tympanum of a large doorway. Signup and view all the answers

Define tympanum.

The decorative wall surface over an entrance, bounded by a lintel and arch. Signup and view all the answers

What is a voussoir?

A wedge-shaped stone used in building an arch or vault. Signup and view all the answers

What is an archivolt?

A band of molding around the lower curve of an arch. Signup and view all the answers

Define spandrel in architecture.

The triangular space enclosed by adjacent arches and a horizontal member. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiating Chapels

Projecting chapels arranged radially around the ambulatory of a church's semicircular or polygonal east end.

Tribunes

Originally a semi-circular apse in Roman basilicas for presiding magistrates.
Expanded to describe raised structures for speeches, including wooden platforms in the Roman Forum and emperor's box at the Circus Maximus.
In ecclesiastical architecture, applies to areas in vaulted apses, often housing high altars or bishop's seats.
Common in Roman and Byzantine churches; examples include San Clemente and Sant'Apollinare.

Barrel Vault

Also known as tunnel vault; a half-round ceiling created by consecutive arches.
Developed by Romans; subsequently adopted by Romanesque builders.

Groin Vault

Formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles.
Used in Roman construction, notably in the Baths of Caracalla.

Compound Piers

Clustered columns or piers with a central mass and engaged shafts.
Support arches, ribs of a vault, or important roof tie-beams.

Latin Cross

A cross with the vertical beam extending above the crossbar, symbolizing Christ's crucifixion.
Originated as a Roman Catholic emblem; recognized as a universal symbol of Christianity.
Upside-down version known as St. Peter's Cross; sideways version called St. Philip's Cross.

Cruciform Plan

Refers to the architectural layout of Christian churches resembling a cross.
Typically features an east end (altar), west end (baptismal font), and transepts as arms.
Later designs may incorporate a tower or dome over the crossing area.

Bay

The space between architectural elements or compartments, derived from Old French 'baee'.

Nave Elevation

Division of space in the nave wall, consisting of an arcade (lower) and tribune (upper).
Notable examples include Saint-Sernin and Cluny III.

Transverse Arch

An arch that spans across the vault, dividing the bays.

Rib Vaulting

Architectural feature for large interior spaces, divided by diagonal ribs.
A prominent feature in Gothic architecture.

Norman

Descendants of Vikings who settled in northern France, establishing Normandy and expanding through conquests in Italy, Sicily, England, and beyond.

Quadripartite Rib Vaulting

The first ribbed vaults with four ribs dividing each bay diagonally.

Sexpartite Rib Vaulting

A rib vault divided into six bays by two diagonal ribs and three transverse ribs.

Didactic

Concerning literature intended to instruct; often criticized for being excessively factual and dull.

Polychrome

The art of decorating architectural features and sculptures in multiple colors.
Originally applied to wooden and stone carvings, common in ancient Egyptian and Greek artwork.

Baptistery

The area of a church designated for baptism ceremonies.

Campanile

A freestanding Italian bell tower.

Portal

A grand entrance or opening in a building or fortification, often adorned with sculptural elements like voussoirs and tympanum.

Jamb Column and Jamb

Vertical elements framing doorways or windows.

Jamb Figure

Statues carved on door or window jambs, often depicting religious or secular figures.

Trumeau

Central pillar supporting the tympanum of large doorways, frequently sculpted.

Tympanum

Semi-circular or triangular decorative space above entrances or windows, often showcasing sculptures or imagery.

Voussoir

Wedge-shaped stone element used to construct arches or vaults, often found in alternating colors in different architectural styles.

Archivolt

A molding band surrounding the lower curve of an arch.

Spandrel

The roughly triangular space between adjacent arches and the horizontal member connecting their vertices or an enclosing right angle.

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Description

Explore the unique architectural features used in ecclesiastical structures, including radiating chapels, tribunes, barrel vaults, and groin vaults. This quiz covers both historical and structural aspects used in Roman and Byzantine churches. Test your knowledge of these important architectural elements and their applications.