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Byzantine empire.
Characterized especially by massive domes with square
bases and rounded arches and spires and extensive use of
glass mosaics.
Early Byzantine architecture was built as a continuation of
Roman architecture.
Stylistic drift, technological advancement, and political and
territorial changes meant that a distinct style gradually
emerged which imbued certain influences from the Near
East and used the GREEK CROSS plan in church architecture.
Byzantine Empire - Early Period Timeline:
1) Early Byzantine architecture continues Early Christian and Late Roman forms becoming
distinctive by 6th century with the building of Hagia Sophia. Early churches follow the basilica
plan but eventually most are centralized and square with domes.
2) By the Middle Byzantine period (9th-11th century) a lot of monastic churches were built. Which
are smaller with more exterior ornamentation and patterned brickwork. Variations of Greek cross
(cross with equal length arms) and central dome s are typical.
3) Taller, narrower forms, more domes, more exterior ornamentation characterize Late
Byzantine Churches (beginning 12th century). Surface decoration of interiors moves to exteriors.
Architectural innovations: pendentive (triangular curving form that allows construction of circular
dome over a square of rectangular space)
Combined centralized and basilica plans in churches and a skillful use of light as a mystical
element.
Public Buildings
Floor plans: churches plans are symmetrical, ordered and often complex. Centralized plans with circular
and polygonal forms are most common.
Materials: brick. Vaults and domes are out of brick to eliminate centering. Iron-toe rods reinforce arches
and vaults. Brick is usually covered with stucco, marble, stone or mosaics.
Facades: walls of earlier churches are smooth plain and unadorned. Later ones are articulated with
architectural elements. As time passes facades grow more complex as in form following the interior shapes.
Circular or polygonal forms, the repetition of windows, walls, and arches create rhythmic pattern in Middle
and Late Byzantine structures.
Columns: usually unfluted, with inverted pyramidal impost block (which separates the capital from
springing of arch). Both impost block and capital are covered with complex and pierced lacy undercut
foliage or geometric shapes.
Windows: windows with round tops punctuate walls and domes, usually placed in the drums of dome so
that dome appear to float.
Roofs: sloped and gabled rooflines are complicated. Domes over plan centers and crossings are universal,
small chapels may also be domed or semi domed.
Interiors
Byzantine churches interior are opulent
and formal. Surface decorations of rich
colors and materials are typical.
Paintings, mosaics and marble panels
cover floors, walls and ceilings. Few
secular interiors have survived? Writings
and illustration indicate that homes of
wealthy citizens followed late Roman
forms and decoration.
Public and Private Buildings
Walls: are articulated with columns, pilasters, and cornices. Walls are richly colored and decorated.
Mosaics: Byzantine mosaic have more gold and reflective surfaces than Early Christian, as the symbol
of Christ as the light of world. Placement of figural decorations is hierarchical.
Ceilings: center or crossing of churches have domes, surrounded by smaller or half-domes. Central
dome supported by pendetives, which provided a transition from a circular dome base to squared plan.
Types of domes :-
1. Single
2. Compound
3. Melon
4. Onion
A new way of design and
rendering was developed.
A picture or pattern
produced by arranging
together small colored
pieces of hard materials
such as stone, tiles or
glass.
Some Mosaics design of BYZANTINE
ARCHITECTURE
Hagia Sophia- “Holy Wisdom”