Principles and Elements of Medieval Church Architecture in Western Europe

by Michel Henry-Claude

This work is made up of three fundamental parts. The first “Definition of the Plan” enables the reader to apprehend the origins of Medieval Church Architecture in the West (the basilican choice) as well as the reasons (hierarchical, political, economic) for the architectural distribution inside a church. The second part “the Mastery of the Forces” is an exhaustive analysis of the forces which disrupt the equilibrium of a building of the longitudinal type and of the whole of the Romanesque and Gothic techniques invented to fight against these forces. The last part “the elements” enables the study of the whole of the architectural “objects” of a church, arches, vaults, supports etc. and their function within the building. The illustrations entirely in synthetic images are numerous throughout the book.

CONTENTS : Introduction – Milestones - Definition of the plan – The plan of a Church – The origins of the basilican plan – Aisles, side aisles, mastering the interior space – The Christian choice – East and west – Magistrates, faithfull & pilgrims – The Church within the church – Main periods – Mastering the forces – Forces, the Romanesque equilibrium – At the heart of Romanesque Church – Romanesque and the feudal universe – The forces, gothic light – At the heart of a gothic church – A theology of light – A monastery, an enclosed world – The elements – Arches – Vaults – Timber frame roofs – Supporting members – Shouldering and buttressing – Openings – Tools, material…& builders – Glossary – Index – Decoration – For further information – Some churches and cathedrals in France.

Genres: Architecture

11 3/4 X 6 1/2"

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Marty Manjak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that the plan for Christian churches was an outgrowth of the Greek and Roman basilica, which itself was a building that combined public, commercial, and judicial functions.

I learned a great deal about the construction techniques employed and the physical problems the builders were confronted with it their attempts to express and foster the various religious concepts that the faithful wanted to embody in these buildings.

This is not a light read! The level of detail in the book is surprising, and if you are not already familiar with architectural terminology and designs, be prepared to learn many new concepts and terms!

The effort is well worth it. You will gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary buildings. And if you have the good fortune of visiting one, your astonishment and enjoyment will be elevated to a whole new level.