Romanesque & Islamic

Early Medieval Period 

Gina Christopher 

Two prominent design periods in middle architecture, Romanesque and Islamic, blessed the world with considerable riches. Furniture, churches, houses, and cities were further developed in the Romanesque period. Romanesque churches encompassed arches, defined spaces, multiple aisles, ribbed vaulting, high illumination, rich colors, high ornamentation, and impressive masonry. The two most prominent things to note from the Romanesque churches is the defined spaces or floor plans, and the ribbed vaulting. Many churches of this time were built in the shape of a cross. The bottom of the cross shape embodied the narthex, then the center of the cross embodied the nave with side aisles on both sides, which leas to the transept and then the top of the cross was the apse. The Romanesque churches were tall in stature, which were made possible due to rib vaulting, which is also heavily carried into Gothic architecture. Ribbed vaulting looks like a skeptical structures of thin overlapping arches at the ceiling. In the moments of intersection there is often a keystone that helps keep the ribs together. Along with the development of churches, the Romanesque period offered extreme ornamentation, which will be  highlighted later, in the churches and furniture. Residential designs are also prominent in the Romanesque period. The houses and cities offered a divide between commercial and residential functions. The residential areas were on the second floor with smaller, more private windows and openings. The commercial areas were on the ground level and had large welcoming openings. Islamic design, like Romanesque, is heavily centered around religion. Mosques were built from Islamic design, Mosques included a courtyardprayer hall, ablutions fountain, and qibla wall with mihrab. Mosques were huge in size and an open prayer hall held by columns created a large space for many to worphip.  Islamic design focuses on ornamentation like never before seen. The horseshoe arch, pointed arch (ogival arch), muqarnas- filled niche, and muqarnas dome were often features in Islamic design. Islamic decoration was largely geometrical and formed by tiles or mosaics.

My favorite art/furniture/architecture

Vézelay Abbey

This church is one of the greatest displays of Romanesque art and architecture. The abbey is located in Burgundy France and was built between 1120 and 1150. The church has a large narthex, a long nave with aisles on both sides, and an apse. When you walk into the building, it feels like you are walking through a portal due to his longitude and high rib vaulted ceilings. Notice the intense ornamentation on the inside and out of the building. Engraving into the stone with such detail took time and talent. 

Alhambra

The Alhambra is a palace located in Granada, Spain. The building is huge and has a courtyard, mosque, bath, pavilion, and many halls within it. I wanted to highlight the Islamic design in this palace. They use tall columns, arches, and the courtyard still holds significance. The difference here is there use of ornamentation. The muquarnas filled niche (photo on the right) is simply insane to me. WOW! I can’t get over Islamic design, the details are graceful, it’s almost as if they are telling a story.

Romanesque Chests 

The chest is one of the most basic types of furniture, made to provide storage. They can also be used as seats or tables. The chests designed in the Romanesque period are unlike any other. They saw this simple object and a canvas for design. They used iron tracery and carving techniques to bring these pieces to life. The designs often included geometry, human figures, animals, and figures of vegetation. I admire their determination to make the littlest things so beautiful. 

One Step Further 

Otto of Metz

Otto of Metz was an architect and builder. He is known for his contributions to church architecture during the early Middle Ages. He blended Roman architectural elements with early medieval styles, such as arches and vaults. He designed the Palatine Chapel (pictured below), which is often considered one of the earliest examples of transiting from Roman to Romanesque architecture. 

Current Applications 

Union Station (Washington D.C)

Union Station is a great example of Romanesque architecture today. The interior highlights the use of tall ribbed arches and ornamentation, specially bar tracery in the small windows. Even the use of arches and thick walls on the exterior resembles Romanesque architecture. 

KAPSARC Mosque, Saudi Arabi

This mosque was built in 2014. The design of this mosque is a modern day version of Islamic design, using the element of earth and life. The windows are perforated with patterns that glow from the light outside. Worshipers that go there step on floating stone steps and a glass bridge. 

Modern Day Chests

Modern day chests are more sleek than tall than the Romanesque chests. More levels allows for more storage, but the design of chests today are very simple. Many chests are just used for clothes today, and are built with one material and often have no design implications. 

Extra Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVTsdh1gzss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS3ZxvpJFsA