Week Five - Romanesque and Islamic
Romanesque and Islamic Design: This week we studied two major design traditions of the Middle Ages, Romanesque and Islamic design. Both developed in different parts of the world but were heavily influenced by religion and influenced architecture and interiors a great deal. I thought it was interesting that both styles used architecture as a means of communicating something larger than just the function of a building. Romanesque architecture focused on churches, monasteries, and protection. Islamic architecture focused on places of worship, palaces, gardens, and intricate decorative patterns. Romanesque Design: Romanesque design was developed around 800 AD and acquired special importance in Italy and France. The name Romanesque comes from its association with Roman architecture and construction. Charlemagne was a key figure at the start of this period as he encouraged learning, the arts, schools, monasteries and building, using Roman building technology. Romanesque architecture...