Romanesque Architecture and Portals
Romanesque Architecture and Sculptural Programs key ideas: Latin cross plan coherence of design: unity and symmetry heavy, thick walls and small windows the use of a Roman vault?inherently limited; the barrel vault creates tremendous thrust at the springing point creates a wonderful ?stage? for the miracle of the Eucharist?the presence of God?God made incarnate again large, ordered space which contrasted strongly with the chaos and uncertainty outside the church walls use of sculptural programs to educate and engage the viewer Roman barrel vault in order to support a heavy roof?one that is very wide--the walls of the nave would have to be very, very thick floor plan Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Spain 1075-1211 floor plan Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy early 12th century