Module 01 Romanesque Architecture PDF

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 History of Architecture 02 (AHISTOR2) Course Overview Throughout the history of archi...

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 History of Architecture 02 (AHISTOR2) Course Overview Throughout the history of architecture, styles have developed according to a pattern or cycle. It begins with the archaic period, progresses through the mastery period, and then declines during the decadent period. The Archaic era marks the start of a style distinguished by its coarse and unpolished nature. The Mastery period, when techniques are perfected and the style is widely adopted and approved, is thought to be the pinnacle of architectural evolution. The period of Decadence is the term used to characterize the downfall of a style at which human ingenuity and curiosity give rise to new concepts that drive out traditional architectural techniques. This forward-thinking approach repeats the cycle of architectural growth by taking it back to the archaic period of the new style, when new ideas are explored and experimented with, ultimately leading to the period of mastery. The modules are made to convey ideas and concepts in a way that adheres to an outline in order to create an effective learning environment. All of the modules will use this template to establish a learning path that students can follow as they work through the sessions. Since every architectural style develops in a similar cycle, the following major subjects will be the focus of the learning materials and key points presentation: 1. Background and factors that influenced the development of the style 2. Architectural characteristics of the style 3. Building types prevalent during the stylistic period 4. Notable building examples that best exhibits the characteristics of the style Ar. Ralph Intal 1|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 MODULE 01 ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE KEY NOTES: 1. Romanesque architecture started in Italy and in areas that were occupied by the Roman Empire, and gradually spread across Europe. 2. Society was feudal. 3. Christianity became the unifying force in church architecture. 4. Church and military architecture was predominant. 5. Church plans were mostly Latin cross in shapes. 6. Norman Architecture - the architecture of the north. 7. Use of local materials giving local character to buildings. 8. Use of round-headed arches, barrel vaults, and groin vaults. 9. Buildings have thick walls and small openings. 10. Buttresses were attached to building walls. I. BRIEF BACKGROUND - an architectural style that developed after Byzantine and before Gothic from 800 -1100 A.D. - rooted from classical Roman Architecture; use of Roman style, construction techniques and ornamentations - first style that can be found over Europe even when regional differences - materials of some buildings were from the ruins of the Roman empire such as bricks and marble - masonry construction was developed (to make building fireproof) - religious buildings were predominant due to spread of Christianity - NORMAN ARCHITECTURE – Romanesque term in the North II. INFLUENCES 1. GEOGRAPHICAL The early evolution of the style first reached the areas that would later become a part of Roman society, following the pattern of the Roman Empire. Eventually, the stylistic characteristics of Christian architecture spread throughout Europe as religion gained traction in new areas. 2. GEOLOGICAL Romanesque building materials originated from the ruins of Roman structures, much like early Christian architecture did. However, as the style spread, it came to rely more on locally available materials. Marble, stone, terracotta, wood, and other regional elements that differed by location were among the materials that were prominently used to create the regionalized interpretation of the style. 3. CLIMATE The development of a regional interpretation of Romanesque architecture was also linked to variations in the local climate. Larger window openings and high-pitched roofs were more common in northern climates, whilst smaller windows and flat roofs were more common in southern climates. Ar. Ralph Intal 2|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 III. WHAT TRIGGERED ITS DEVELOPMENT 1. CHRISTIANITY Building churches was a shared religious purpose that brought society together, and Christianity played a significant role in this. It significantly altered the socioeconomic structure of the region during the Middle Ages in Europe. The foundation of the church turned into the hub of religion under Emperor Charlemagne's rule. It evolved into a representation of the society's desire for the divine and served as a vehicle for spreading church influence through instruction and advertising. Since religious structures were frequently viewed as the cornerstone of a city, their construction became extremely popular. Crusades and pilgrimages were also carried out during this time to spread Christianity to other regions that provided a platform for the interchange of ideas and cultures. A pilgrimage is a travel to designated religious places that commemorate significant moments in the life of Jesus Christ and other pivotal occasions in the history of the religion. A crusade is a violent campaign that uses force to evangelize Christianity. It also includes conflicts fought to reclaim holy sites that non-Christians have previously occupied. Charlemagne - individual city states were briefly united under his empire with Aix-la- Chapelle as its center. Once settled, he called artists and craftsmen from both the Western and the Eastern Roman empires to provide adornment for his churches and palaces. This is where the Romanesque was born. 2. FEUDALISM - most lands were owned by feudal lords and in order to keep their lands and personal interests they develop a means of protection against other feudal lords which led to the development of military architecture. - land payment of peasants is through military service IV. ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE A. ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER - Sober (moderate) and dignified (imposing) - Latin, Basilica, and Polygonal as prevailing church plan - massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers (upright support for a structure such as an arch or a bridge), groin vaults, large towers and decorative arcading - buildings have clearly defined forms and frequently regular and symmetrical to achieve simplicity - introduction of triforium gallery - inclusion of wall passages - addition of ambulatories and radiating chapels on church plan - architectural sculptures - structurally, Romanesque architecture depends on its robust walls, and often uses thick cylindrical pillars to support arcades B. PREVAILING BUILDING TYPES 1. CHURCH BUILDING - massive enclosure and manifest vertically - made to last and mostly made of stones - monumental and designed to advertise Catholic church Ar. Ralph Intal 3|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 - transepts (side arms) were added on both sides to accommodate more worshipers giving the churches a Latin Cross floor plan - relics became popular and crowd control was provided through the addition of small altars and chapels (radiating chapels) a. Monastic Churches – is a major seat of learning where members of certain orders stay and learn all sorts of arts (Senanque Abbey) Parts: church, cloister, chapter room, Abbot’s (head of the monastery) House, monks/nuns’ room, refectory, hospital b. Pilgrimage Churches – churches where pilgrims and crusaders stay to complete their journey of moral and spiritual significance (Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem) c. Imperial Cathedrals – a building where believers of Christianity gather and worship 1.1. MAJOR PARTS OF A ROMANESQUE CHURCH (Plan)_ Narthex – is the entrance or lobby area, located at the end of the nave, at the far end from the church's main altar. Traditionally the narthex was a part of the church building, but was not considered part of the church proper. It is either an indoor area separated from the nave by a screen or rail, or an external structure such as a porch. Nave – is the central approach to the high altar, the main body of the church Transept - an area set crosswise to the nave in a cruciform ("cross-shaped") building normally with breadth same as the nave Apse - is the semi-circular or polygonal termination to the choir or aisles of a church. It is where the altar is placed or where the clergy (is a generic term used to refer to the formal religious leadership within) are seated Ambulatory - originally used for procession during early Christian and Byzantine. It is a continuation of the aisled spaces on either side of the nave (central part of the church) around the apse (semi-circular projection at the east end of the church) or chancel (east end of the church where the main altar Ar. Ralph Intal 4|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 stands) to form a continuous processional way. The ambulatory often provided improved sites for the numerous altars for saints, which formerly were located along a crowded corridor behind the high altar; the altars are reached through circular arches piercing the curved outer wall of the ambulatory. Radiating Chapel – small circular chapels around the ambulatory often provided improved sites for the numerous altars for saints Baptistery – a separate centrally-planned structure surrounding the baptismal font (an article of church furniture or a fixture used for the baptism of children and adults).circular or polygonal in plan Campanile or Church Tower – a tower which contains one or more bells, or which is designed to hold bells, even if it has none. (Italian word 'campana' meaning bell, is synonymous with 'bell tower') stand alone, often civic monuments, symbol of power, acts as watch tower and normally square in plan surmounted by a pyramidal roof 1.2. SECTION OF A ROMANESQUE CHURCH - walls are thick and needs strong buttresses - few windows to keep the strength of the main walls - consist of three main levels - First floor with columns or cross-shaped pillars (pillars-decorative, column- provides support) - Tribune – corridor overlooking the nave, over the aisles (triforium gallery) - Clerestory – area of windows opening to the outside 2. MILITARY ARCHITECTURE (Castles and Fortifications) - facilitate dwelling and protection, normally built on top of hills and or surrounded by moats - need to convey fear, awe domination, envy, submission, respect, power and wealth - windows are small to keep the strength of the walls strong Ar. Ralph Intal 5|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 MAJOR PARTS OF A CASTLE COMPLEX (mostly in England) Donjon or keep – massive tower and a place of residence, especially in times of siege Ward – the defended courtyard inside the castle walls includes exercise area, parade ground, and emergency corral. (Lower bailey: in the motte castles the space between the outer enceinte and the motte or mound was lower than the lord's quarters and so formed a lower courtyard. This term is used for the open space given over to the outbuildings in opposition to the upper bailey or the lord's courtyard.). Enceinte - The enclosure or fortified area of a castle. Walls surrounding a city. Barbican - The gateway or outworks defending the drawbridge. The outwork usually circular separated from the rest of the fortress by a moat and protecting the main accesses. It forms a filter between the outside and inside of the fortress and serves as a shield Talus – An inward sloping part of a curtain wall, also known as BATTER or plinth. Glacis – sloped embankment in front of a fortification so raised as to bring an advancing enemy into the most direct line of fire Tower - salient (prominent) on the curtain walls, square or circular and providing sufficient flanking before the advent of fire-arms Allure – an alley, walk of passage, a gallery behind a parapet Parapet – portion of wall above roof gutter or balconies sometimes battlemented Battlement – a parapet with indentations Merlons – upstanding part of an embattled parapet Machicolations – wall or parapet allowing floor opening, through which molten lead or stones were dropped on the enemy Drawbridge – raising and lowering mechanism over a ditch or a moat Portcullis – defensive grating of massive iron or timber movable vertically Bailey – open area within a medieval fortification Palisade – a series of stout poles, pointed on top and driven into the earth, used as a fence or fortification Ar. Ralph Intal 6|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 3. DOMESTIC BUILDINGS - Mostly built of wooden or half-timbered construction a. Long Houses – typically wood and thatch, single storey that house the family and livestock b. City Houses and Tower Houses - restricted in space, (often by the fact that the town was encircled by walls) multi-storeyed normally having just a single room on each floor, accessible only by steep ladder-like stairs c. Town Houses - modestly sized building, fronting onto a square, symmetrical façade, a low gable that retains the appearance of a Classical pediment, and a portal that has a semi-circular arch raised above a broad lintel supported on corbels a common feature of medieval Italian domestic architecture C. STRUCTURAL INNOVATIONS Barrel or Tunnel Vault – also known as tunnel or wagon vault, simplest form of a vault, consisting of a continuous surface of semi-circular or pointed sections. It resembles a barrel or tunnel which has been cut in half lengthwise Ar. Ralph Intal 7|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 Groin Vault – or double barrel/cross vault produced by the intersection at right angles by two-barrel vaults groin refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults Round headed arches Development of pier form - often employed to support arches. Built of masonry and square or rectangular in section, generally having a horizontal moulding representing a capital at the springing of the arch. Sometimes piers have vertical shafts attached to them, and may also have horizontal mouldings at the level of base. pier is a raised structure, including bridge and building supports and walkways, typically supported by widely spread piles or pillars. Triforium Gallery - a shallow arched gallery within the thickness of inner wall, which stands above the side nave of a church or cathedral. It may occur at the level of the clerestory windows, or it may be located as a separate level below the clerestory Wall passages and ambulatories with radiating chapels Incorporation of Towers or Campanile on churches Buttresses - an architectural structure built against or projecting from a wall which serves to support or reinforce the wall. A means of providing support to act against the lateral (sideways) forces arising out of the roof structures that lack adequate bracing. Mastery of architectural sculptures (relics) Ar. Ralph Intal 8|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 V. ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE IN EUROPE A. ITALIAN ROMANESQUE - Basilica plan - concentrated on beauty and delicacy of ornamental detail - materials used on some buildings were from old ruins especially columns (Corinthian capitals) - buildings on church complex are separated - used wood and marble as construction and finishing materials - open arches, colonnades and galleries and façade with sculptures - incorporated wall buttresses and piers attached to wall - Islam influences due to contact with Muslims (South with Byzantine and Arabic influences) - used mosaics and interlaces pointed arches - FAÇADE – with ornamental arcades NOTABLE EXAMPLES 1. PISA CATHEDRAL with Baptistery, Campanile and Campo Santo - early basilica plan with long row of columns connected by arches double aisle and nave - red and white marble finish on the exterior Campanile – circular tower, 16m in height Leaning tower 4.2m overhang Baptistery – designed by DIOTI SALVI - circular in plan with a central nave and is 18m in diameter - use for baptismal rites carried out three times a year 2. St. Miniato, Florence 3. St. Ambrogio, Milan 4. Cefalu Cathedral, Sicily B. FRENCH ROMANESQUE - cruciform in plan - naves are usually covered with barrel vaults - semi-circular east end as an ambulatory with radiating chapels - used buttresses - main building is planked by two towers Ar. Ralph Intal 9|Page [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 Severies – ribbed vaults which are often sexpartite and in square compartments NOTABLE EXAMPLE 1. NOTRE DAME DU PORT One of the magnificent churches in the Auvergne area of France. Six nave bays were positioned between two low side aisles covered by plain vaults in a Latin cross floor plan. The transept features four radiating chapels, an ambulatory encircling the choir, and a semi-circular chapel on each arm. The exterior and certain interior areas exhibit a Moorish influence. The use of tiles produced original Islamic patterning, a regional feature that became well-known in certain French churches. C. ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE IN CENTRAL EUROPE - had a typical Roman plan (octagonal with an ambulatory delimited by columns) but very high central body was a novelty. - churches were planned on a large scale and used to be very high, they have an apse or sanctuary at each end - doorways are frequently in the side aisles, single windows, occasionally grouped polygonal towers - shafts and capitals in doorways were frequently elaborated carved with figures of men, birds and animals - Helm Roof- roof in which four faces rest diagonally between the gables and converged at the top NOTABLE EXAMPLES 1. Worms Cathedral, Germany - plan is apsidal at both ends - basilica with four round towers, two large domes and a choir at each end 2. Speyer cathedral, Germany - largest Romanesque church - has a triple-aisled vaulted basilica of red sandstone Ar. Ralph Intal 10 | P a g e [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 3. Aix-La-Chapelle (Aachen) Cathedral, Germany - referred to as the “Imperial Cathedral” Speyer Cathedral, Germany Worms Cathedral, Germany D. ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA (SPAIN AND PORTUGAL) - Romanesque architecture was greatly influence by Moorish or Muslim culture, - developed the used of horseshoe arch (although typically used on buildings of Muslim origins) Visigoths (first important ruler of Spain) – rulers for three centuries until the Muslim invasion in 711 -18 - buildings are simple and small - frequently have a covered area in the outside for meetings of the council - geometric and intricate surface decorations were used - The first buildings designs had thick walls and small openings through which a dim light could enter from outside. Later there was an evolution in the construction of the walls allowing the buildings to be better lightened and for opening bigger windows. - monastic buildings were the most numerous sharing the importance with cathedrals - shares the same characteristics of Romanesque architecture on the use of vaults (barrel and groin vaults), naves, and ceiling - arches are normally semi-circular in shape - often - used blind arcading in brick, and fine wooden ceilings Ar. Ralph Intal 11 | P a g e [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 NOTABLE EXAMPLE 1. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - 97 m long and 22 m high - it preserves its original barrel-vaulted cruciform Romanesque interior- consists of a nave, two lateral aisles, a wide transept and a choir with radiating chapels - largest Romanesque church in Spain E. ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE IN BRITISH ISLES AND SCANDINAVIA - massive masonry construction and steeply-pitched roof (castle and fortress like structures) BUILDING TYPES 1. Cathedral churches - long, narrow buildings were constructed with heavy walls and piers, rectangular apses, double transepts and deeply recessed portals - naves were covered with flat roofs, later replaces by vaults, and side aisles were covered with groined vaults 2. Monastic Buildings - building, or complex of buildings, comprising the domestic quarters and workplace(s) of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone (hermits). The monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which may be a chapel, church or temple, and may also serve as an oratory Buildings and Rooms in a Medieval Monastery The following rooms would be included in a plan of a Medieval monastery. The descriptions of the rooms are as follows: Cellarium - store-house of a monastery Chapter-house - The chapter house was a room in which monks met daily, to discuss business and to hear a chapter of the monastic rule Cloister - the cloister was a covered walkway in a monastery often situated around an quadrangle A cloister often comprised of a plain wall or colonnade on the outer side and a series of windows on the inner side Dorter - a dorter was a monastic dormitory. Sometimes the monks slept in isolated rooms called cells Frater - a frater was another term for a refectory (dining room) Garderobe - a garderobe was a lavatory in a medieval building Granary - A monastery storehouse for threshed grain Infirmary - the infirmary was the part of a monastery which housed the monks who were too sick or old to take part in the normal monastic life Kitchen - The monastery kitchen where food was prepared and cooked Lavatorium - the lavatorium was a room which contained a trough with running water where monks washed their hands before meals Misericord - a misericord was the part of a monastery where monks were disciplined Night Stair - A staircase used by the monks to enter a church directly from their dormitory in order to attend late night and early morning services Refectory - the refectory was dining hall of a monastery Sacristy - the sacristy was a small building, usually attached to the chancel in which vestments and sacred vessels were kept Ar. Ralph Intal 12 | P a g e [email protected] HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II School of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology 2024-2025 Scriptorium - the scriptorium was the room in a monastery used by clerics or scribes copying manuscripts Warming-house - the warming house was the only room in a monastery, apart from the infirmary and kitchen, where a fire was allowed. Also called a Calefactory 3. Castles - massively built and mainly made of stones - convey strength and power 4. Manor Houses - most important house in a country or village - were built of wood, or partly of wood, "half-timbered", constructed with timber frames, the spaces filled with rubble or other materials which were then plastered over - stone was often used for basements. 5. Other Types Cellar – a storey having half or more of its clear height below ground (storage) Solar – a room or apartment on an upper floor Ramloftstuga – Scandinavian domestic building made of stone Stave Church - Scandinavian wooden church with vertical planks forming the wall NOTABLE EXAMPLES 1. Durham cathedral 2. Canterbury Cathedral 3. Peterborough Cathedral SUPPLEMENTARY VIDEO: 1. Contests of the cathedrals the Romanesque period, DW Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_UvBLmdBMU SUPPLEMENTARY READING: 1. The Romanesque Churches of Tuscany San Miniato in Florence and Pisa Cathedral https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/romanesque-art/romanesque-art- italy/a/the-romanesque-churches-of-tuscany-san-miniato-in-florence-and-pisa-cathedral References: Fletcher, B. (1905) A History of Architecture on The Comparative Method, Fifth Edition. Harbison, R. (2009) Travels in the History of Architecture. Romanesque. p.95-111. Reaktion Books Ltd. Salvan, G. (1986) Architectural Character and The History of Architecture. Romanesque Architecture. p.203-281. JMC Press, Inc. Romanesque Architecture in Europe. p.217-258. Bradburry, Agnew, & Co. Ld., Printers Medieval Monasteries. retrieved from: http://www.lordsandladies.org/medieval-monastery.htm Ar. Ralph Intal 13 | P a g e [email protected]