Islamic & Romanesque

 During the Islamic time period, the design for mosques was being developed and became a precedent for future designs. Mosques are used in the Islamic culture as a place for prayer, worship, and gathering. Some of the key factors seen within these structures are perimeter walls, covered hall of columns, and courtyards. The Great Mosque of Kairouan showcases these details, as it has classic capitols with the Islamic arch to span between the columns. 

These arches highlight the height of this building and draws your eyes upwards. Even the mosaics on the floor reflect the arch shape to keep a connected design throughout the space. 

Islamic design had a wide footprint as it stretched from India to Spain and places in-between. Turning toward Spain, the Great Mosque of Cordoba is the highlight of Islamic design in Spain. The prayer hall of this mosque features several types of arches as it has a blend of Islamic and European design styles. Horseshoe and ogival arches are very prominent within the hall. Muqarnas filled niches create pocket areas of design that enhance the experience within the space. An interesting style of dome, muqarnas domes, create a tiered design that adds a level of sophistication to a traditional dome. I have had the pleasure of seeing this space in person, and it is truly breathtaking. The multi-colored arches create a pop of color to this space and leave it to truly stand out. The size and scope of this space is not done justice by images, as it is an incredibly large space.

Looking towards Romanesque churches, they differ from what is seen in Islamic design. While some elements reflect one another, these two designs truly shine independently. Romanesque churches often featured arches and vaults such as, barrel, groin, and ribbed vaults. In addition to these common features the floor plans contained the same elements. A nave, transept, and apse are always present as well as a side chapel. Below is a floor plan of a Romanesque basilica, the floor plan shapes generally looked similar to the one below. Multiple aisles were present to allow for the large amount of people. Choir area was added to enhance the worship experience. 

The roof structure was made of masonry as opposed to wood, as previously seen. The interiors featured rich shades of green, blue, purple, and gold. This added an elegant feeling within the space. Tapestries often were featured on the walls in addition to gilded sculptures. 

Thrones were a large part of the furniture in Romanesque design. Two prominent thrones were the Throne of Dagobert and Throne of Charlemagne. The two are very different in style with the former being more intricate than the latter. On the left is Throne of Dagobert and the right shows Throne of Charlemagne. 

The designs contrast greatly, as Dagobert features a more sculpted look with intricate carvings. Charlemagne's has grandeur with the steps but, features a simple clean line design. The extravagance can be presented in two very different ways as these thrones highlight. 




Modern Applications


Modern mosques do not always reflect the Islamic designs seen throughout history. Seen to the right, is the Mosque of Light prayer room. It has a very minimalistic design, with clean lines and only one arch within the space. Arches were a very prominent feature but, now clean lines have taken over. 


Modern Catholic Churches still keep the same shell plan as Romanesque churches. Multiple aisles are present, as well as side chapels. The color choices within have become more neutral with rich browns and creams rather than jewel tones that were commonly seen in Romanesque churches. Tapestries are not often hung as they once were, except during seasons of lent of advent to celebrate the season. 
While thrones were popular during Romanesque times, modern churches use a simpler version for priests to reside at during the ceremony. A simple wooden chair, that sometimes has a tall back, is used for the priest's seat at the altar. The extravagance has been toned down to have something more humble and approachable. The chair for the priest is over flanked with two side chairs for deacons or alter helpers. This showcases his importance while keeping it modest.

Comments

  1. Eva SerratoSeptember 23, 2023 at 5:24 AM

    Meaghan,
    I appreciated the detail you went into about arches in your blog, you dissected the different mosques well and explained the different types of arches used and how they changed the space physically. I also enjoyed how you described the different throws during this time as well. I enjoyed how you went into detail about the different types of throws seen throughout these time periods as well. I think you did a great job on your modern applications and the applications you picked showcased the Islamic and Romanesque design characteristics well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 24, 2023 at 6:25 AM

    Meaghan- What an insightful Blog post. It is so interesting that you have actually visited the great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain- I would love to go there myself. I appreciate how your compared the thrones during this period. I also love your description of the Romanesque characteristics. Your examples of contemporary mosques and catholic churches was excellent. 50/50 Points

    ReplyDelete

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