Etchmiadzin Cathedral
Armenia

The development of church architecture, especially in the context of cathedrals and great churches, is a fascinating journey that reflects broader historical, cultural, and theological shifts. Here’s an overview of how church architecture evolved from early Christian times through the development of complex cathedral structures:

Early Christian Meeting Places

• House Churches: Early Christians initially met in private homes known as “house churches.” These were simple, domestic spaces adapted for worship.
• Atrium: As the Christian community grew, larger spaces were needed. The atrium, an open courtyard typically in front of the church building, was used for gatherings and processions. It often contained a fountain used for ritual purifications.
Development of Church Buildings

• Basilica: By the 4th century, with Christianity becoming more accepted within the Roman Empire, church buildings began to be more publicly prominent. The basilica, originally a Roman public building type, was adapted for Christian use. Its rectangular plan with a central nave flanked by aisles suited congregational worship and processions. The apse at one end housed the altar and clergy.
• Mausoleum: Some of the earliest Christian churches were built as part of or inspired by Roman mausoleums (structures built as tombs). The centralized, often circular or polygonal plan of mausoleums influenced the design of later church buildings, emphasizing a focused, sacred space.
Architectural and Liturgical Development

• Bema: In Eastern Orthodox churches, the bema refers to the sanctuary area or the entire nave and chancel, highlighting the sacred area where the liturgy is performed. It evolved to elevate the clergy and the altar, separating them from the laity, and enhancing the sense of sacred space within the church.
• Transept and Cruciform Plan:** The development of the transept, which crosses the nave at a right angle, helped form the cruciform (cross-shaped) plan of many large churches. This not only added architectural interest but also had symbolic meaning, reflecting the cross of Christianity.
Middle Ages and Gothic Architecture
• Cathedrals: As the seat of a bishop, cathedrals became central to Christian life in medieval cities. They were often built to impressive scales using the Gothic architectural style, which developed in the 12th century. Gothic cathedrals are characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, allowing for taller structures and larger windows.
• Innovation and Symbolism: The architecture of cathedrals and great churches incorporated vast spaces, intricate light effects through stained glass, and elaborate sculptures that narrated biblical stories and church teachings. These elements were designed to inspire awe and elevate the spiritual experience.
Renaissance to Modern Times
• Renaissance and Baroque Influences: The Renaissance brought a rediscovery of classical principles of symmetry, proportion, and geometry. Churches from this period and the subsequent Baroque era incorporated more elaborate decorations and dramatic use of light and shadow.
• Modern and Contemporary Churches: In modern times, church architecture has seen diverse styles, from the revival of past styles to innovative contemporary designs that reflect modern materials and aesthetics, focusing on community and functionality.

Each phase in the development of church architecture not only reflects advancements in building technology but also changes in how space is used to create a spiritual experience. This evolution is mirrored in the theological developments and the changing role of the church in society.


Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury, England




St Basil’s Catheral
Moscow




Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, Spain

Cathedrals

Cathedral of Cajamarca
Peru




Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
Moscow




Saint-Stephen Cathedral
Metz, France

Abbeys

The Romanesque Abbey Church of St Etienne
Nevers, France





The Gothic Abbey
Church of Batalha Monastery
Portugal




The Baroque
Einsiedein Abbey
Einseidein, Switzerland

Basilicas

Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Assisi, Italy




Basilica of St Josaphat Milwaukee
United States




Basilica of St Giles
Bardejov Slovakia

Atriums

The atrium at the Basilica di San Clemente
Rome




The Romanesque atrium at the
Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
Milan




A section of the enormous colonnade around the
piazza of St Peter’s Basilica, Rome

Basilicas

The Ancient Basilica of Sant’Apolinare
Classe, Ravenna, Italy




The Interior of
San’Apolinare
Classe




The bema of the Basilica of
Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome




The nave of Basilica of Saint Sofia
Sofia

Mausoleum

Circular Churches

The Mausoleum of Santa Costanza
Rome




Church of Saint George
Sofia




Bjernede Kirke
Romanesque church
Denmark




Temple Church
London

Early Modern Architecture
The Fagus Factory
Alfeld, Germany, 1911



Continuing from the previous overview of architectural history, here’s a look at Modernism, Postmodernism, and contemporary architecture:

Modernism (Late 19th century – mid-20th century)

Modernist architecture emerged as a reaction to the ornate styles of the 19th century and the new possibilities brought about by industrial materials such as steel, glass, and concrete. It is characterized by minimalism, a lack of ornamentation, and a focus on functionality. Architects like Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright were pioneers of this movement. Their designs featured clean lines, open spaces, and innovative structures that emphasized form following function. Notable examples include the Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier in France and the Bauhaus School in Germany.

Postmodernism (Late 20th century)

Emerging in the late 20th century, postmodern architecture was a response to the perceived blandness and impersonality of modernist architecture. It reintroduces ornamentation, color, and historical references, often in a whimsical or ironic manner. Architects such as Robert Venturi, Michael Graves, and Philip Johnson are key figures in this movement. Postmodern buildings often mix different styles and elements, sometimes playfully, to create eclectic and unique designs. Notable examples include the Portland Building in Oregon by Michael Graves and the Piazza d’Italia in New Orleans by Charles Moore.

Architecture Today (21st century)

Contemporary architecture is incredibly diverse, incorporating advances in technology, sustainability, and materials. Current trends include the increased use of green technologies and sustainable materials, digital design and fabrication techniques, and a focus on urban and environmental integration. Architects like Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, and Frank Gehry have pushed the boundaries of architectural design with innovative forms and the use of new technologies. Notable projects include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao by Frank Gehry and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai by Adrian Smith. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on smart cities, energy efficiency, and adaptive reuse of old buildings to meet today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Architecture today continues to evolve, reflecting and adapting to the changing needs of society, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technology integration.


Expressionist Architecture
The Einstein Tower
Potsdam, Near Berlin, Germany
1919




Art Deco Architecture
The Theatre des Champs-Élisées
Paris, 1910




International Style
The Glaspaleis
Heerlen, The Netherlands, 1934




Piazza d’Iitalia
New Orleans, US, 1978




Team Disney Building
Los Angeles, US 1990




Multicolour Interior of
the Cambridge Judge Business School
Cambridge, The UK 1995




The Dancing House
Prague Czech Republic, 1996




The Meadows Museum
Dallas, Texas 2001




The Beijing National Stadium
Beijing, China, 2003




The Library and Learning Centre of the University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria, 2008




The Isjerget Housing Project
Aarhus, Denmark
2013