History of architecture; transformation of the basilica 'type' form Essay

History of architecture; transformation of the basilica 'type' form from the Imperial Roman use to the use by the (Western) Catholic Church - Essay Example The structures of these buildings were designed for varying use with a consistency for certain characteristics, and a new form of decoration and building evolved. The new construction in Rome like Saint Peters, Saint John in Lateran and Saint Pauls Outside the Walls deviated from the Roman baths that used massive engineering made of brick and concrete and from the classical and simple form of temple, to colonnades circling a cella or chamber. The new construction adopted elements from traditional market places, military and riding halls and judiciary building where the interior colonnade separates the space into a major longitudinal space and aisles. These elements were employed in an innovative way to form a religious gathering hall with a better ground plan and varying interior and exterior effects to house new functions according to the evolving liturgy of the Christian church. Saint Peters Basilica has the characteristics of this form of planning and structure. Since the Basilica is situated adjacent to a hill, the way to entrance gate is connected with a monumental stairway. The Basilica has a large atrium or colonnaded court with a purification facility from a fountain. The church is a five aisled basilica with colonnades separating two aisles. The longitudinal space leads to a broad arch opening to a transverse space called the transept. An elevated sanctuary or bema is constructed after the transept and the high alter is situated on the bema in an apse or semicircular area. Saint Peters basilica is covered using a timber roof. The basilica also has sloping roof above the aisle with a gabled roof above the nave (Calkins p.10). The spatial logics of the basilica permits only partial view of the ceremony. The ruler or emperor was the only layman allowed to enter the sanctuary. The participation of the emperor along with the clergy in the liturgical function by