History of Architecture - III

Development of early church from Roman basilica. The concept of center and path of Christianity manifested through centralized and longitudinal church. Interiority of churches and the articulation of interiors to create spiritualized space. Study of different basilica churches in Italy.

Centralization in Byzantine churches. Centrality and interiority of both cross-domed and cross in square planned church. Indistinct exterior of churches and the domed ‘heavenly’ interior. Construction of dome over polygonal compartments through the use of pendentives. Study of important churches in Constantinople

Massiveness and verticality of medieval churches. Combination of the five towered structures and longitudinal basilica.Gradual integration of tower from early to later examples.Integration of centralized and longitudinal plans. Articulation of external wall like arcaded interiors resulting in dematerialization of exterior. Study of important cathedrals and churches from Italy and France.

Continued integration of centralized and longitudinal plans. Spatial and formal integration of Romanesque churches. Integration of wall and vault. Ribbed vault and the dissolution external wall to allow light. Sensitivity to light and use of stained glass for mysterious interiors. Need and development of different external buttressing. Study of important cathedrals and churches in France.

Break with medieval churches for sources from Roman antiquity. Spatial centralization through simple addition of independent spatial elements. Use of elementary geometrical forms unified through symmetry and simple mathematical ratios. Reintroduction of anthropomorphic Classical Orders. Study of palazzos and development of centralized church form through specific examples from Italy.

Conflict and tension in Mannerism in place of harmony and order of Renaissance. Dynamic interplay of contrasting elements as against static addition of independent units of Renaissance church. Interplay between manmade and nature in villas. Dynamism of urban spaces. Centralized longitudinal and the elongated central church plans. Study of important villas, churches and urban spaces in Italy.

Dynamism and systemization of Baroque architecture. Vitality and spatial richness with underlying systematic organization. Space as constituent element of architecture, as a complex totality and indivisible figure, comprising of interacting spatial elements based on inner and outer forces. Sensitivity to effects of texture, color, light and water. Study of important urban spaces and churches in Italy and Germany.