GOTHIC

Notre Dame 1163-1345 - Paris, France

Gothic - 1140-1500

Gothic is considered the latest style before the Renaissance.  It serves as a bridge between Romanesque and the Renaissance, but the beauty of its architecture and design can be categorized as its own.  Religion was a big part of their lives, so the cathedrals show the best examples of Gothic design and architecture because it is where everything centered around physically and spiritually.  

Wells Cathedral - Somerset, United Kingdom

 Regensburg Cathedral - Regensburg, Germany

Barcelona Cathedral - Barcelona, Spain    

Sienna Cathedral - Siena, Toscana, Italy

Paris was the center of the Gothic period, but there are other places in Europe where the Gothic style was appreciated.  England had its own variation that made the buildings shorter and longer in length.  Germany had cathedrals that were very similar to those of the French:  thinner in width and tall towers.  Spain had represented their Gothic architecture with a wider and much more complex plan than in France.  Italy introduced color in their interior designs to enhance the many details exhibited during this time period, but also represented a thinner and taller concept to its architecture.

Design

THEN:

Particular elements of Gothic ornamentation and design are widely used today. The rose motif was typically constructed on the west wall of a cathedral and contains The Last Judgement.  It was crafted with stained glass windows that gave a colorful and heavenly light in the interiors.  

 NOW:

The Rose window, also called the wheel window, has transcended into different kinds of design outlets today.  Necklaces and bracelets, either with weave or gem design have this intricate design, as well as plates, mugs, and other fine chinaware.

Review of Islam

Rose's post on Islamic design focused on the intricacy and beauty of architectural elements during this time period.  She focused on the horseshoe arch that are typically found in the Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia, North Africa.  She also pointed out the stained glass windows that were typically found in many mosques from the different regional areas, and provided a great modern example of stained glass window in a modern application.

Natalie's blog post included an awesome video on Islamic Architecture! It was a great addition to her post and gave an in depth explanation on architecture features during this time period.  She also provided us with pictures from three different mosques and was able to successfully correlate modern applications of design from each mosque.

ISLAMIC

Taj Mahal - Agra, India

The Islamic religion is the foundation of Islamic design, as people in this time period lived closely with their faith.  Mohammed (570-632 CE) was the figure-head of this religion, and the first mosque was actually Mohammed's farm.  This facility for prayer and worship and its purpose was a centralized destination where the masses could join and pray with one another towards Mecca.  Because the Islamic religion was spread to so many different areas in Africa, Asia, and Europe, there is a regional variation of Islamic design that vary in style and beauty.

Architecture

The mosques were built with similar architectural features.  The perimeter wall, the prayer hall, and ablutions fountain, a courtyard, and a qibla wall with a mihrab.  Depending on the region is where the design elements and added architectural features come into play. 

The Mosque of Sultan Ahmed - Istanbul, Turkey

THEN:

Interior of the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed

The Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, or otherwise known as "The Blue Mosque," was built in Constantinople - now known as Istanbul, Turkey - from 1609 - 1617.  There is one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes.  The exterior is outstanding, but the architectural elements shine exquisitely in the interior.  The walls were decorated like intricate carpets, there are 200 stained glass windows that offer vibrant variations of color, and there are over 20,000 hand made tiles.  The decoration in cathedrals and churches prior to this were representations of religion and spirituality, but in Islamic design, it is more geometric and non-representational.

Chelsea Textiles

NOW:

The geometric design has inspired so many different manufacturers in the modern world.  Islamic textiles are widely used, glass and stone mosaics, and even jewelry can emulate the beauty of the the dimensional geometric design stemming from handmade tiles and motifs from religious centers of the Islamic period such as the Blue Mosque and the Taj Mahal.

Reviews of Romanesque

I first looked at Justine's blog, and I liked how she focused on the design and ornamentation of the Romanesque period.  The two modern day application design pictures were perfect examples.  Then I took a look at Samantha's post, and I like how she focused on the architectural elements of the Romanesque churches.  The vaulted ceilings and the semi-circular windows are clear indications of architectural achievement during this period and should not go unnoticed.

ROMANESQUE

Cross-shaped Cathedral

Leaning Tower

Romanesque 800 - 1150

Since the collapse of the Roman Empire, this was the first period that grew a centralized political authority.  In 800, Charles the Great was crowned emperor and he encouraged education of the arts and the construction of different buildings and monasteries using the technology derived from Roman structures. He also worked to preserve and copy Roman literature, thus showing how inspired Emperor Charlemagne was with Roman art and architecture.

Furniture

Few pieces of furniture have survived from this time period, but the ones that are still intact today represent the very famous occupants whom they were made for to begin with.  Charlemagne and Dagobert were two of the very few figures of authority during this time period where centralized political goals were set. 

THEN:

The throne of Dagobert has an X-shaped frame and is completely made of metal.  It's design has been shown in many different time periods prior to this, and has just been altered a bit more regally.

NOW:

This Georgian mahogany library chair has the same shape and general ornamentation of the Throne of Dagobert.  

Outdoor patio furniture in both residential and commercial settings use metals and similar materials to hold against weathering.  

Architecture

Romanesque church plans are loosely based on Early Christian plans.  Their churches are among the finest architectural and interior form and space with respect to how literal and simple each design was.  Cathedrals and churches were literally shaped into a religious cross and the feat of spectacular architectural representation was formed from the inspiration and experimentation from past period's technology and buildings.  Additions to their churches included an area for a choir, better illumination, and much more space to host more people at once for worship.  Rich tapestries and gilded structures were laced throughout the interior with rich cool tones and gold.

Saint Sernin Floor Plan - Toulouse, France

THEN:

Apse of the Fontenay Abbey in Burgundy, France.

NOW:

Whether in a residential or a commercial application, long hallways complete with tall arches are found in modern design that are similar to the grand, luxurious atmosphere of the apse in Romanesque churches. 

Great and Informative Video on the Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius

Here is a great clip I found when doing extra research on the history of Pompeii.

Deconstructing History: Pompeii
History Channel
http://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/pompeii

Enjoy!

Reviews of Pompeii

Instead of focusing on the destruction of Pompeii from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, Megan took a different route and highlighted the art during this time period.  She explained the four different styles of painting that the Romans were famous for during this time period.  She did a great job explaining what each style represented and how society was influenced by them.

Katie explained how Pompeii had flourished pre-eruption.  She focused on the positive attributes of the town during this time period, as well as the influence its art had during the 18th century.  Her research gives the reader an idea as to how life was for people living in the city, and the different kinds of amenities the city had for vacationers and inhabitants alike.

Pompeii

Artistic depiction of Pompeii 

Mount Vesuvius is located at the Bay of Naples near the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy.  About 5 miles away is where the city of Pompeii was located.  It was an ancient Roman city of 160 acres with more than 20,000 inhabitants.  On August 24th, 79 AD, Mt. Vesuvius erupted and is considered one of the largest most deadliest eruption, and it was a 24 hour period that literally erased Pompeii from the map.  The debris and volcanic ash from the eruption doubled as time capsule for the city.  The buildings, artifacts, and skeletons left behind have given us an opportunity to study and understand everyday life in the ancient world.

Before the destruction, Pompeii was an ancient city captured by the Romans in 80 BC.  At the time of the eruption 160 years later, the inhabitants had developed a complex water system, had built an amphitheater, and had a gymnasium and a port.  Given the opportunity to visit this historical gem, here are some photos I had taken on my trip:

Entrance to amphitheatre

Example of water system

Narrow paved street

NOW:

Pompeii, although a lot of its history and flare was lost in the destruction in 79 AD, we do have some architectural elements that are still used today.  The paved narrow walkways in between houses then can be compared to alleyways and driveways now.

And amphitheaters for different events now are prevalent now with football, baseball, and soccer stadiums for larger sporting events for the masses to enjoy.

Reviews of Byzantine

Chanel's post on the Byzantine time period was mostly focused on the attributes of the dome and pendentive construction, a new stylized technique to apply a dome to a four cornered structure.  This was brand new, and an architectural element that is used today, so it has much significance to the architecture and design industry.  I thought her modern take to the Byzantine dome were spot on.

Katrina focused on pendentive construction of the dome, but instead of showcasing interior applications of a dome, she found exterior modern day dome construction.  The Parisian basilica and the Turkish hotel are both so abstract to Byzantine architecture but equally amazing and an appropriate comparison.

MIDDLE AGES: BYZANTINE

Byzantine Empire 324 CE - 1453 CE 

Referred to as the "The East," the Byzantine period was largely influenced by the Ancient Greeks and the Orients.  Its period was logged in as one of the longest reigning political entities in history.  The Hagia Sophia shown below is one of the most breathtaking structures constructed during this time period.  Emperor Justinian (483 CE - 565 CE) built "The Church of Holy Wisdom" with the help of two architects in Constantinople.  Pendentive Construction, or the use of a spherical dome over a rectangular base, was a groundbreaking technique used.  The central dome has a height of 55 feet above the floor - the largest vaulted space of the ancient and medieval world.  One way to put it:  The Hagia Sophia is to the Byzantine Empire as the Pantheon was to the Ancient Romans.

Hagia Sophia

Mosaics

THEN:

Byzantine mosaics contained glass, semiprecious stones and metals to incorporate a natural sparkle and variance in color.  Many times it was applied to curved walls and ceilings to increase the shine and visual interest. They were floor, wall, and ceiling applications used in temples and upper class homes.  

NOW:

Mosaics are installed in both residential and commercial settings. Color, material, and application vary between a countless number of options.  

Furniture

Byzantine furniture was largely based on the reuse of Roman designs and forms as a source of inspiration.  Their inspiration lead to inventions and adaptations over time.

THEN:

The Throne of Maximum represents the highest level of craftsmanship that the Byzantines furniture makers and ivory carvers were capable of.  It is carved on all sides with a curved back which suggests that this piece was a centralized object in the room rather then against a wall.  The more intricate details are in front in comparison to the carving on the back, but all of them tell a story. 

NOW:  

Byzantine styled chairs are prevalent in residential design.  Dining and kitchen chairs such as these provide a traditional and Mediterranean design style.

Reviews of Early Christian

I first took a look at Melanie's blog, and I appreciated her tribute to the architecture during this time period.  She really made an effort to analyze the comparisons between the Roman Empire and the modifications that were made when the Emperor began treating Christianity as a valid religion.  There was such a rush for new facilities for worship after this validation that architecture during this time period flourished and was definitely a point that deserved notice.  

I appreciated Rachael's tribute to Christian art and motifs from this time period.  Before Christianity was considered a valid religion, it was basically an underground belief for many for quite some time.  It prevented them from displaying holy artifacts that people deeply valued.  Their art form is distinctive to religious carvings and crosses, grapevine, and lamb motifs, so displaying their love for Christianity was very important to them.

MIDDLE AGES: EARLY CHRISTIAN

Two important historical factors that are key to remember when studying into the styles of the Middle Ages are the decline of Rome and the rise of Christ.  A great deal of continuity with form and style links the Ancient Roman period to the Early Christian and Byzantine periods such as dress, painting, sculpture and furniture.  Early Christians were associated with living in the West and the Byzantines in the East.  But comparing the the all encompassing legacy of Ancient Greece and Rome, the works of the Early Christians and Byzantines lack stylistic cohesiveness.

Early Christian: 330 CE - 800 CE

Semi-Vaulted Apse in Sant' Apollinare in Classe

This basis of this time period began with the death of Christ, and was born during the the Roman Empire, but gradually grew apart from the Romans after Emperor viewed Christianity as a threat, and the refusal caused the persecution of early Christians in Rome.  Christianity then flourished as an underground religion and served as a prospect of hope especially to those in the lower class giving them personal relationship and direct access to God. 

Even though Christianity was a religion that people where practicing for much time beforehand, Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire declared it as an official religion by 313 CE.  This gave them the right to have houses of worship and to display holy artifacts proudly.  This also forced them to get to constructing new facilities for worship due to the overwhelming amount of new followers. 

Architecture

Christianity inherited two architectural styles from the Romans that were used throughout this period: the straightforward basilica and the centrally planned domed space.  Some attributes to best explain early Christian architecture for worshiping structures would be the centralized space planning, separation between the nave and flanking aisles, and clerestory windows.  

THEN:

Sant' Appollinare clerestory windows

NOW:

Residential design utilizing the clerestory windows to brighten the room with natural light.

THEN:

The interior view of the nave and the apse in the Sant' Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna, Italy.  This view shows the wooden beams on the ceiling, the centralized floor plan, and the grand open space provided for worship.  

NOW:

Although this is not a place of worship, the Grand Central Station Terminal Lobby is a modern example of Early Christian architecture with the clerestory windows, large open space for constant traffic, and the centralized floor plan for clear way-finding.

  

Reviews of Classical Rome

I connected and recognized all of Emily N's comparisons with Ancient Roman furniture to modern application.  A lot of the Roman furniture is used today in luxurious settings and Victorian-inspired interior design.  Master suites, spas, and even high-end department stores use this type of design today, and thus showing how versatile their innovations have proven to be.

I appreciated John E's connection with the innovation in Ancient Roman road work, and how it became a source of power in mobilization.  The stone paving also doubled as a drainage system for the city.  They were built to last while having amazing intricacy for showmanship.  Its practicality and rich visual appeal made the Romans the master of road construction.

CLASSICAL CIVILIZATIONS: ROME

Ancient Rome: 753 BC - 337 BC

The Etruscans were the people who lead the Romans.

Roman art and design was inspired by Ancient Greece.The art and architecture of the southern half of Italy is proof that the Italians had experience with Geek culture and colonies.

Urban Character

THEN:

The Roman Empire adopted the grid system in city planning.  This type of system promoted organization and clarity when traveling within the city.  There were also new amenities that were built at an unprecedented scale to provide more for the Romans than just their temple.  Amphitheaters, baths, warehouses, and different markets were scattered throughout the cities.  Oddly enough, the best examples of the Roman city plans were within Rome's colonies; Rome was not very Rome with its scattered and irregular routes of trade.  Having visited both Rome and other cities in Italy, I found that their ancient urban planning has been not only preserved, but has continued to flourish thanks to preservationists and city officials as one of their most prized possessions.

Example of a Roman colony grid system

NOW:

Cities around the world have adopted this technique for organizational, spatial relationship, and pure aesthetics to modern day urban planning.  Large urban cities such as New York, Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco have a clear grid system that allows local and tourists alike to have a better understanding of getting from point A to point B.  

Aerial view of New York, NY

The Arch

Interior view of Pantheon

THEN:

Roman architecture was highly inventive, and most of the credit is dedicated to the discovery of the arch.  Mostly built with concrete and brick, the arch is is subject to gravity, with most of its forces being counter-acted at its base.  The edge of the base meets the durable and massive walls that create the exterior of the building.  This architectural feat took intensive labor and large amount of material to build.  

NOW:

The arch and dome is an architectural element that is used in different types of design today.  Interior and exterior application of this ancient Roman technique enhances the visual aesthetics for the space as well as providing a grand and luxurious type of setting.