Romanesque Architecture Overview

Romanesque Architecture Overview

• Defined as "in the Roman style," Romanesque Architecture combines elements of Byzantine art and Christianity.
• Major contributions by Gerville, who coined the term "Romanesque."
• Christianity served as the primary source of education and culture during the era.

Architectural Significance

• Architecture regarded as a "sacred science" in the Romanesque period.
• Key characteristics include massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers, and decorative arcading.

Design Elements

• Cruciform plan characterized by a layout in the shape of a Latin cross, essential in Romanesque structures.
• Main structural elements consist of steep timber roof, clerestory, triforium/gallery, and nave arcade.
• Transept altar positioned at the east end, oriented towards Jerusalem.
• Twin towers serve as significant structural elements at the west entrance.

Vaulting Techniques

• Barrel vault is a continuous series of arches forming a half-cylinder tunnel vault.
• Groin vault results from the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles, referred to as a double barrel vault.
• Two types of rib vaulting are quadripartite (four parts) and sexpartite (six parts), used for square and oblong bays respectively.

Decorative Features

• Squinch arches support the transition between square and dome structures, particularly with octagonal towers.
• Corbel tables consist of projecting stone blocks that add stylistic elements.

Openings and Windows

• Round arches dominate openings, emphasizing the Romanesque aesthetic.
• Tympanum serves as a decorative half-round panel above entrance doors, often adorned with sculptures.
• Rose or wheel windows represent large circular stained glass features typical in Romanesque buildings.
• Windows are generally narrow and small, visually enhanced by surrounding columns, arches, and moldings.

Prominent Structures

• Notable example: Durham Cathedral, a key Norman Romanesque cathedral.
• Predominant building types include churches, monasteries, and monastic villages, symbolizing God’s kingdom and aiding in religious practices.
• Monasteries designed as micro-cities for monastic communities, facilitating various monastic occupations.

Structural Supports

• Piers function as supports at the intersections of arches, featuring vertical shafts and horizontal moldings.
• Various types of columns are found including salvaged columns, drum columns, and hollow core columns, contributing to structural integrity.

Column Construction

• Salvaged columns repurposed in church interiors and porticos.
• Drum columns, made from individually carved stone cylinders stacked together, were a prevalent construction method.
• Hollow core columns designed with ashlar masonry, filled with rubble for added stability.

Explore the key features and significance of Romanesque Architecture, a style marked by massive structures and round arches. Learn about the contributions of figures like Gerville and how Christianity influenced architectural designs. This quiz will cover major design elements and vaulting techniques that define this unique architectural period.