26 Questions
Why did the tower tilt and rotate despite being built to stay in equilibrium?
Due to external influences such as land
What was the primary purpose of building the tower according to the text?
To maintain equilibrium
How did external influences impact the tower's stability?
By making it tilt and rotate
What consequence did the tower face due to its tilt and rotation?
Loss of stability
What was the intended result of building the tower in terms of its position?
To stay perfectly still
What is the standard Christian church form made of?
Nave and side aisles
Which shape was not commonly used for Christian churches according to the text?
Oval shapes
In addition to the nave and side aisles, what other forms were used for Christian churches?
Elliptical shapes
Which shape was specifically mentioned as a form used for centralized plans of Christian churches?
Octagonal shapes
What architectural feature do circular, polygonal, and cruciform shapes add to Christian churches?
Domes
What was done in 1992 to prevent the tower from buckling?
Wrapping plastic coated steel wires around the south side of the second floor
What architectural feature divides the façade into 3 bays?
Flying buttresses
Why did the tower incline towards the south side?
Due to overly stressed walls suddenly bursting
What was the purpose of adding 750 metric tons of lead ingots on the north side of the tower in 1993?
To stop the incline towards the south side
What type of vaults replace barrel vaults in the structure?
Ribbed groin vaults
What happened in 1995 that required additional lead on the north side of the tower?
Ground plates cracked
How are the vaults supported in this architectural design?
Large piers covered with plasters and columns
How did adding lead ingots help in maintaining equilibrium on both sides of the tower?
By providing support and stabilizing the structure
During which period were spires added to the structure?
Gothic period
What type of floor plan is mentioned in the text?
Square modules
What architectural feature is described as surrounded by half columns connected by semicircular arches?
Door
Which of the following statements is true about Romanesque architecture in the South of France?
Use of timber rooms in naves
What architectural feature can be found in both S.Giovanni and S.Paulo fuori le mura buildings?
Twisted twin columns with glass mosaics
In which French region was there a greater freedom to develop a new architectural style?
North of France
What architectural feature in Abbey AUX hummes gives a rational appearance to the nave?
Semi-column running up the whole height
Which type of arches are present above the semi-circular arches of the arcades in Abbey AUX hummes?
Arched gallery openings
Study Notes
The Tower of Pisa
- Built to stay in equilibrium, but external influences such as land caused it to tilt and rotate
- Efforts to save the tower:
- 1992: Plastic coated steel wires wrapped around the south side of the second floor to prevent buckling
- 1993: 750 metric tons of lead ingots placed on the north side to stop the incline and achieve equilibrium
- 1995: Additional lead ingots added to the north side to counteract the tower's renewed tilt
Christian Church Architecture
- Typical form: Nave with side aisles ending in an apse
- Alternative forms: Centralized plans, including circular, polygonal, and cruciform shapes
Characteristics of Romanesque Architecture
- Typical features:
- Naves covered with barrel vaults
- Richly decorated church facades
- Cruciform plans
- Graceful cloisters
- Regional variations:
- South of France: Heavily influenced by Roman features
- North of France: Greater freedom to develop a new style, with features like western facades with 2 towers and timber roofs (later replaced with rib vaults)
Specific Buildings
- Abbey AUX hummes:
- Groined vaulted aisles
- Nave with reconstructed stone sexpartite vault
- Compound piers in the nave
- Semi-columns that run up the whole height, giving a rational appearance to the nave
- Arched gallery openings above the arcades
Test your knowledge on Christian church architecture forms, including the standard nave with side aisles that end in an apse, as well as centralized plans with circular, polygonal, and cruciform shapes.
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