If enjoying this thread makes one not healthy, then add me to the list 
of the sick. 

>Date: Tue, 30 Jun 1998 01:26:34 -0500
>Subject: Re: Neo-gothic architecture
>From: "George R. Hoelzeman" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Reply-To: "George R. Hoelzeman" <[log in to unmask]>
>
>>> I would also add some Methodist churches and of course, Catholic 
churches.
>>> Although the East experimented with the basilica plan, the centrally
>>> planned style characterized by San Vitale (Ravenna) and Hosios 
Lukos, et
>>> al. became the dominant form there.  The use of the greek cross 
capped with
>>> a dome ideally suited the Eastern liturgical and iconographical 
scheme,
>>> especially after Iconoclasm and Nicea II (787).  The Palatine Chapel 
of
>>> Charlemagne at Aachen is an example of a North European adaptation 
of this
>>> plan.
>>
>>It's arguable to what extent major churches in northern Europe derive
>>from te basilica rather than the Greek model epitomized by Hagia 
Sophia
>>in Constantinople.  The typical north European major church *is*
>>centrally planned architecturally even if this is obscured
>>liturgically.  It is designed around a central tower with 4 short 
wings
>>to support it, with the sanctuary in the eastern limb, the people in 
the
>>western limb and the choir underneath the tower.  Not so very 
different
>>from Hagia Sophia etc.  This form is found in England, France, Germany
>>and perhaps elsewhere -- certainly it was aspired to elsewhere.  But 
as
>>the building of the main church became higher the central feature 
became
>>smaller -- a feature particularly obvious in the cathedrals of the Ile
>>de France.  And naves became significantly longer to accomodate
>>processions (and possibly congregations) as well as under the 
basilican
>>influence of Italy (and the prestigious basilicas of Rome).
>>
>>Note that this explains the origin of transepts as well as of central
>>towers.  The central tower was perhaps the most difficult edifice
>>mediaeval builders tried to erect -- but they were continually trying 
to
>>build these central features.  In many places the building of shrines 
at
>>the east end meant a great lengthening of the eastern arm of the
>>building and in many places the choir was moved from under the central
>>tower (or in some places in the western arm) into the eastern arm.
>>
>
>An interesting thesis!  Very interesting indeed.
>
>Hagia Sophia seems to incorporate elements of the longitudinal basilica
>with the centrally planned Greek cross plan.  If you will note that the
>central nave of this massive conception is elongated, a fact that is
>obscured by the towering dome and piers.  
>
>Certianly, N.Euro churches were influenced by eastern plans.  In 
addition
>to the Palatine Chapel mentioned, I would also add the Plan of St. Gall
>(AD819).  The church design in the Plan is almost exactly like a greek
>church of the 6th century (although I forget which at the moment).  In
>spite of this I would still suggest that the basilica plan of Old St.
>Peter's had a more fundamental impact on the N.Euro churches than the
>Eastern plan for several reason (certianly not an exhaustive list):  
>
>Many early Medieval N.Euro church had wood timber roofs - typical of
>thelongitudinal basilica - in opposition to vaulted domes - typical of 
the
>Eastern style.  Baptistries and martyria are of course exceptions, but
>these are not churches per se.
>
>Furthermore, the early Medieval structures in Germany (and even parts 
of
>France) were entered through the side - also typical of the 
longitudinal
>Roman basilica.  Examples include St. Micheal's at Hildesheim and the 
Mainz
>Dom.  Even the church in the Plan of St. Gall is double apses with an 
entry
>that leads around the side aisles, rather than directely into the nave 
(as
>did Corvey, Essen and Bamberg cathedrals).
>
>Certianly the crossing towers incorporated elements of the centrally
>planned design, and altars were frequently situated beneath these
>crossings, but I wonder if these were actually the result of centrally
>planned influence, or if later builders expanded this region to mimic 
the
>centrally planned design.  The largest of the crossing towers seem to 
be
>found in German Romanesque (Speyer, Strassbourg) and English Gothic
>(Salisbury).  
>
>hmmmmmmm - sounds like a good disertation project! =8-)
>
>In nomine Domine
>
>George R. Hoelzeman (really enjoying this thread more than is, perhaps,
>healthy!)
>
>
>


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