ARTS1301 M3-Part 1: Anatomy of a Sacred Space comparison

Anatomy of a Sacred Spaceformal analysis of Romanesque and Gothic Architecture.

CONTEXT:

• In architecture practical needs form a greater part of the decision making process in designing and creating a building. Below you will find various aspects of a building that can be analyzed. The terms in bold are the generic areas that apply to all buildings. The questions are how these might convey the idea of sacred space clearly in your writing and discussion.
• Sacred space and sites
• DefinitionSacred= That which is holy, related to religion, God.
• For a structure or space to be designated sacred, it must be related to a cultures religious beliefs. When creating a sacred space or structure meant for religious devotion, social, or cultural factors play a large role in determining how and where the space or structure is created. The finished product reflects the religious beliefs of the culture that created it. REMEMBER THERE IS A DISTINCTION MADE BETWEEN SECULAR AND SACRED SPACES IN ALL CULTURES. How a space is made sacred is the focus of your response.

Part 1. “Anatomy of a Sacred Space” is a formal analysis of Romanesque AND Gothic architecture.

A. Select one Romanesque style cathedral/church, and one Gothic style cathedral/church from the resources in the eBook. Be sure these are from the correct time/period (check the dates). Begin by labeling each cathedral/church by Title, style, and location/country.

For reference, ‘Romanesque style’ is roughly any church/cathedral built during the 6th through 11th century.

For reference, ‘Gothic style’ is from the late 12th to the 16th, in some European areas stretching into the late 17th and 18th C.

B. Compare and contrast both architectural styles by Topic, as listed belownumber ALL ANSWERS. Type in the same order as listed; answer briefly in 2 to 3 complete sentences for each Topic.

You must insert effective cohesive devices and transitions in your sentences throughout this mastery, such as: compared with, equally, similarly, in comparison, in contrast, instead, on the contrary; however, likewise, on the other hand.

C. Format

• PowerPoint arrangement or Word Document file types.
• Add art images to illustrate your comparisons, (maximum 2 per Topic).
• Begin by listing both examples by Title, style, location/country.
• Label all answers by Topic and number, as outlined (in bold type)
• Options for Topic comparisons:
• either block-by-block (all of the Romanesque answers, then the Gothic);
• or, a side-by-side arrangement (Romanesque with Gothic answers).

Topic 1: The Floor Plan (the horizontal layout of spaces)

• What shape does the floorplan make? (specify by distinctive floor plan such as central dome, Latin cross, cruciform, hall church, etc.).
• Focal pointdoes one part seem most important (notice the altar, transept, nave, side aisles, narthex). Compare which of these parts emphasizes the idea of sacred.

Topic 2: Orientation (how the building sits on its site)

• Compare the main portal entrances–does it face a particular direction (specify by east, west, north, south)?… How do you approach and enter the building?
• And, is the building vertically oriented or does it have earthbound, horizontal lines?
• Is the orientation significant or symbolic in some way?

Topic 3: Site (where the building is physically located)

• List the country of origin, city/town.
• Site is an area of ground and geographical location on which something is constructed. Compare/contrast where the building is placed in relation to where the people live or travel?…is it on a mountaintop; near some spot considered holy by that or earlier cultures?…or, is it in the center of the city; is it surrounded by a park or special ground treatment (gardens)?

Topic 4: Structure (how is it built)

• Compare any of the 3 or 4 structural characteristics that identify Romanesque and Gothic styles.
• Key terms: arch style, ceiling/vaulting designs; nave, aisles, and specific added supports, etc.

Topic 5: Medium (the material of which the building is made)

• Compare the variety of materials used.
• How do the materials contribute to the buildings purpose? For example, marble is associated with dignity and permanence; brick suggests warmth and handcraftsmanship; wood can be manipulated in many ways from roughness or smoothness.
• Consider the process and technique in both construction and ornamentation; craftsmanship.

Topic 6: Ornamentation (the embellishment of surface, addition or architectural sculpture, color, etc.)

• What type of decoration is used on the building? Consider the exterior designs with emphasis on the portals, tympanums, stained glass (compare the narratives/stories).
• How does this decorative carving connect to the religious beliefs of the people?
• If relevant, what is the role of colordoes it symbolize something, clarify form especially in the characteristic window designs?

Topic 7: Scale (the size of the building)

• Compare some of the measurements (search: specific length, width, height).
• Is it monumental, human size, etc.?…How would it make the person feel when in front of it or inside it?

Topic 8: Function (the use or purpose of the building)

• How was the building usedtomb, a place of worship, a shrine, pilgrimage/use of relics?… If a tomb, how does it function according to the cultures religious beliefs?
• Who was allowed in it?
• Where did worship take placeif is/was a place of worship?…and, who was worshiped? (Hint: there was a dramatic departure from the Ancients to Christian times).

I am choosing West faade of abbey church of Saint-Denis. ca. 113740 for the Gothic and of Santa Costanza, Rome, Italy for the Romanesque