HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN Paula Obregon
CONTENTS 1. Introduction 2. Prehistoric 2.1 Tribal Cultures 2.2 Pre Columbian and South American 2.3 Ancient Egypt 3. Classic Civilitations 3.1 Greece 3.2 Rome 4. Early Christian 5. Byzantine 6. Romanesque 7. The Later Middle Ages 8. Georgian 9. Islamic and Asian Traditions
1. INTRODUCTION ¿What is an interior space? An interior space is a shelter created by humans for our own use, what means that those spaces are completly addapted to the use we are going to give them. Some examples of them are the house were we live, offices, shops... The design of those spaces has been always effected by the era, social/economic factors and enviromental impacts of the times.
The History of Interior design defines the firsts interior space from approximetly 6 - 7000 years ago. But in consideration than the human have lived on the earth for 1.7 million years ago, they had to use other options before the arrived of those first interior spaces.
The Interior Space doesn’t exist without
BUILDING’S CHARACTERISTICS - Serve a purpose - Reflect activities - Reflect lives
Lighting
Decorative Elements Furniture
2. PREHISTORIC Is considered as Prehistory all those findings discovered 6 - 7000 years ago. Since that date is considered History, because of the appearance of the writing. We can use guess work and stories which have been passed down, but we can not be 100% accurate of them, because there’s not nothing written of the firsts prehistoric findings. The firsts shelters where located on caves and those one created with materials easy to work with. Early paintings were the one what gives us the knownledge of people made use of natural shelters such as caves, which were limited and uncomfortable.
2.1 Tribal Cultures Primitive and Tribal cultures have been traced back for 400,000 years. Many shelters were built from twigs, branches and animal hide. Detach the Teepee. Wich were a conic shape building made with wood sticks and bison hide. It was used by the nomadic indigenous peoples of the United States of the Great Plains but they have also been constructed and inhabited in other geographical areas, as is the case of the Timucua people in Florida.
Traditional frame consists of a basic element of a frame and cover
Those shelters which we’re having information are those that have been built by stone, because those are the only one which had survived. We are having also information of some tools built by stone like arrow heads, spear points and large arrangements of stone.
Small size, which reflects the limited amount of materials and resources
Characteristics of Early Shelters Take influence form nature such as the nests of birds and insects.
Round shape, because of the influence tooken by nature
Incluence on Today’s Design Teepee Shape Influence
Igloo Shape Influence
2.2 Pre Columbian and South American Pre Columbian citizen are known because of to be the first one on to get the use controlled of fire, the invention of language and the development of agriculture. When it was discovered that people ould harvest large fields of crops it became necessary to large settlements rather than portable structures, adding an improvement of food supply the population also grew. People began making necessities for living like clothing, utensils, weapons... What made trades to emerge, like fisherman, weavers, shepperds and farmers. These people began to barter and exchange between each other. Around 4000 B.C.E larger cities began to appear.
Pattern and Design Weaving is a technique used to create baskets, blankets, rugs and clothing, which allow the use of different colors, being natural or dyed. And, in that way, different pattern are created.
Around 4000 B.C.E larger towns and cities began to appear. Before the Spanish Conquerors of 1519 there werer many highly developed civilizations. Mexico city was successively occupied by the Toltec, Aztec and Mayan people, city where was known as Teotihucan.
Christopher Columbus Was an Italian explorer, navigator, colonizer, and citizen of the Republic of Genoa. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. Those voyages and his efforts to establish permanent settlements on the island of Hispaniola initiated the European colonization of the New World.
2.3 Ancient Egypt Many complete evidence of Egyptian design has been left to us to study. This mainly due to: stone of good lasting quality and writtings. Religion. Their religion consisted on the adoration of differrent gods (polytheistic), each one adored for a reason (sun, death, love...) They believed in a life after death and an emphasis of preservation of dead bodies, which were buried in such a rich tombs where, whatever placed on them, it was supposed to be taken by that body into the afterlife. Objects too large to place them on the tomb, were drawn in walls.
Pyramid of Giza Consist on three different pyramids positioned with a north-south axial orientation of great precision. This was particularly impressive since the nort and south orientation of the earth was unknown at this time. The largest one is the Pyramid of King Cheops (2500 B.C), known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Until the industrial revolution in the late 19th century the great pyramid of Giza was the tallest structure in the world, with a heigh of 146.5 m and its base is 230 m2. The built of the pyramids has been being an unknown subject for a long time. But the most logical solution is that they used a series of ramps and sleds in order to transport the stones.
Architecture The pyramids are probably the most well know of Ancient Egyptian remains. The oldest pyramids date back to 2800 B.C. They show the conceptual thinking of the Ancient Egyptians.
Karnak and Luxor The physicall presence of Ancient Egypt is said to be felt most today at the temple city of Karnak. It’s origins begin around 2000 B.C. Every Pharaoh saw it as his religious right to contribute to the splendour. Despite 2000 years of architectural history the grounds and layout are still clear. Karnak is found on the East Bank at Thebes, now known as Luxor. A city built around temples dedicated to various gods.
Ancient Egyptian Houses The architecture of the pharaohs as we perceive it today is dominated by stone, but we now learn that many of these buildings were actually built with degradable materials. The plans of Egyptian houses are very simple to the plans to Egyptian temples. For the most part ancient Egyptiand houses were constructed using materials that were hande and plentiful.
Wood was extremely scarce, almos non-existent in ancient Egypt, so it wouldn’t be used to built with. The two construction materials mainly used was sand and papyrus reeds, and also mud bricks for houses but in a very short amount of time, usually just a few years, because an ancient Egyptian house constructed of mud brick would begin to deteriorate and crumble. Nobles ancient Egyptian houses were pretty different by commoners houses in the way fo to built them. Nobles had the option or opportunity of to take stone from the quarries, what made them so much sturdier and solidly. In Egypt ancient houses built with wealthy families, were likely to contain tiled floors and beautiful painted walls, what made them extremely opposite to those commoner family houses. Otherwise, the construction style for commoners and nobles were pretty similar in order to survive the Egyptian climate. So the main characteristics commons for all type of houses were: - Flat roof, where families often lounged, ate and slept on them, - Presence of hearth, in order to prepare food. - They weren’t use too much furniture, due to the lack of wood. but the most common were three legged stools and chest
Ancient Egyptian Furniture Chairs were used only by the wealthiest people in ancient Egypt. The higher the status of the individual, the taller and fancier the chair the person sat on was. The rich had chairs painted to look like the carved and inlaid chairs of the queens and pharaohs, but these were cheaply made replicas in comparison. Chairs were usually made of wood and were much like today’s chairs except that often they were much lower to the ground. A very elaborate chair from King Tutankhamun’s tomb has a scene carved into the back, a bucket seat, lion legs ending in lion paws, and a gold inlay of eagle’s wings. Chairs featuring scenes, inlays, heads, animals, carving, and precious materials such as gold and ivory were common among the ruling families. Tables were low and usually had four legs, although some had three or even one leg, and were used for games or dining. Most tables were made of wood but some were made of stone or metal. Mehen or “game of the snake” was played at a one legged table inlaid or carved into the shape of a snake, for example. Other small tables were used for playing games such as senet, or to hold plates of food. Offering tables were often made of stone and sometimes ornately carved. Food for the dead was set upon offering tables-sometimes these were in home shrines, and sometimes they were placed in tombs.
Ancent Egyptian Contemporary Examples
3. CLASSIC CIVILITATION 3.1 Ancient Greece Ancient Greece flourished during the 5th to 4th centuries BC. Classical Greece began with the era of the Persian Wars. Because of conquests by Alexander the Great of Macedonia, Hellenistic civilization flourished from Central Asia to the western end of the Mediterranean Sea. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire, which carried a version of it to many parts of the Mediterranean Basin and Europe. For this reason Classical Greece is generally considered to be the seminal culture which provided the foundation of modern Western culture and is considered the cradle of Western civilization.
Temples
The Greek temple was developed from the Aegean Megaron, this became the main room of the temple known as the palace house of the god. No wooden temples have survived. but we can see from later tembles built of stone, the style, lyout and desin of the earlier temples.
The closely space columns would support a gabled roof (slanted roof) where bands of lintles (horizontal blocks) would form entablature carved with details (the top of the column). The inside closed spaces were usually only one or two rooms, while the outside detach by the use of the peristyle or a perimetral disposition of columns sorrounding the main building and supporting the roof. This would make a rhythmic repetition. Greek architecture also shos a lot of knowledge in theories and proportion. The temple of the Parthenon is usually considered the most perfect og all temples. It’s front elevation fits perfectly in the same rectangle of golden proportion which was used by egyptians.
Characterisctics of Greek Temples - Minimal use. Striclty ceremonial and simbolic - Minimal Design - Simple construction and limited design style
Greek Order
Greek Theatre Apart from temples, most of the Greek architecture doesn’t emphasizeenclosed space. But the Greek theatre had tiered seat arranged around the orchestra (stage).
There are many refinements in the design of Greek temples. In order to create the appearance of perfect lines, they would place conrner columns closer together, add horizontal lines which would be bent upwards, columns could lean slightly inwards and lines would also be curved. These were all done to create a perfect perspective of the building.
Town Square Towns would include an opne space which was both a market square and a general public meeting space. Around this square would be small enclosed spaces used for shops.
Temple Interiores
Greek Houses
Internally, Greek temples contained only one room, but some larger temples have internal rooms of columns which would have supported a mezzaninen floor or balcony. These would have supported an upper row of columns which would have supported he roof. No complete interiors of Greek temples survive, but ruins give us an idea of lyout. Most of the temple ruins which exist today can mislead the modern viewer into thinking that the temples were built in white, but actually, the original temples used strong colours which we know from some remains of stones.
The main materials used were sun baked brick and rough stone which were plastered or stuccoed and whitewashed. Plans would follow the needs of the families, but rarely do you see symmetry in Greek houses. Larger houses occasionally had a second floor and a second coutyard was also rare. In some houses you can find a room with a terracotta bath tube. Anyway, the knownledge of interior design is limited as only ruins remain, but evidence suggests that rooms were plain and walls and floors would be painted and sometimes tiled.
ANCIENT GREEK FURNITURE No furniture survives, but images in Greek paintings such as on vases and ceramics give us ideas into the types of furniture. There is a reoccurring image of a chair which shows great elegance. It has slightly curved back support and elegantly curved legs. The form of the Klismos Chair suggests curved animal parts, giving reference back to the ancient Egyptian.
Klismos Chair
CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLES
3.2 Ancient Rome Ancient Rome was an Italic civilization that began on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to become one of the largest empires in the ancient world[1] with an estimated 50 to 90 million inhabitants (roughly 20% of the world’s population) and covering 6.5 million square kilometers (2.5 million sq mi) at its height between the first and second centuries AD. In its approximately 12 centuries of existence, Roman civilization shifted from a monarchy to a classical republic and then to an increasingly autocratic empire. Through conquest and assimilation, it came to dominate Southern and Western Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, and parts of Northern and Eastern Europe. Rome was preponderant throughout the Mediterranean region and was one of the most powerful entities of the ancient world. It is often grouped into classical antiquity together with ancient Greece, and their similar cultures and societies are known as the Greco-Roman world.
Roman Order
Roman baths. The great Roman baths were public buildings developed for the roman people. The types of buildings called for vast enclosed spaces in varied sizes and shapes, they would make full use og the arch and dome construction. Furnace heat was passed through the walls and floors along with a generous amount of water which would produce steam and air at various temperatures, almost like today’s central heating. The bath required various temperature rooms: - Tepidarium (warm) - Caldarium (hot) - Laconicum (very hot) - Frigidarium (a large pool open to the sky) There were also areas provided for gymnastics, exercise and sports and even a library. Arched openings were the only openings for daylight to enter the halls of the baths.
Architecture The use of arches was known to the egyptian and greeks but were rarely used. It remained for the Romans to explore the design of arches and to explore de range of possibilities. The second problem is that the wedging construction forces pressure sideways through the arch. In a series of arches the force is absorbed by each neighbouting arch and the last arches would press against the hillside.
The baths of Caracalla and Diodecletian make it possible for us to study the elabroate interior spaces. We can see the total symmetry in plans, and we see their effort to create interior spaces with modern functions.
Other known contrusctions created by romans were the domus and vaults. Materials used for to built them were cut stone called Ashlar, which was strong and lasting fired brick. Roman bricks of the time, unlike the modern equivalent were thin flat and square. A new concrete mix or mortar was also developed by Romans. Stone was the main material used for interior and exterior surfaces. Theatres were built with tiers of seating in a semicircle facing an elaborate stage structure, as Greek influence. The only enclosed spaces of the theatres were the complex system of passageways and stairs wich gave access to the seating areas. Archs and barrel vaults were ideal for these types of structures. Terme di Caracalla
Roman baths, Baths, UK. 60 - 70 A.D
Parthenon, Rome
The Roman Baths complex is a site of historical interest in the English city of Bath. The house is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing.
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, in Rome, Italy, on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD). The present building was completed by the emperor Hadrian and probably dedicated about 126 AD. He retained Agrippa’s original inscription, which has confused its date of construction as the original Pantheon burnt down and we are not completely sure when the one standing now was built.
The Roman Baths themselves are below the modern street level. There are four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and the Museum, holding finds from Roman Bath. The buildings above street level date from the 19th century. The water which bubbles up from the ground at Bath falls as rain on the nearby Mendip Hills. It percolates down through limestone aquifers to a depth of between 2,700 and 4,300 metres where geothermal energy raises the water temperature to between 69 and 96 °C. Under pressure, the heated water rises to the surface along fissures and faults in the limestone. This process is similar to an artificial one known as Enhanced Geothermal System which also makes use of the high pressures and temperatures below the Earth’s crust. Hot water at a temperature of 46 °C rises here at the rate of 1,170,000 litres every day, from a geological fault (the Pennyquick fault). In 1983 a new spa water bore-hole was sunk, providing a clean and safe supply of spa water for drinking in the Pump Room.
The building is circular with a portico of large granite Corinthian columns (eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind) under a pediment. A rectangular vestibule links the porch to the rotunda, which is under a coffered concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.[3] The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 metres.
Roman Houses
Roman Furniture
In ancient Rome, the domus was the type of house occupied by the upper classes and some wealthy freedmen during the Republican and Imperial eras. It comes from the Ancient Greek word domi meaning structure since it was the standard type of housing in Ancient Greece. It could be found in almost all the major cities throughout the Roman territories. Along with a domus in the city, many of the richest families of ancient Rome also owned a separate country house known as a villa. While many chose to live primarily, or even exclusively, in their villas, these homes were generally much grander in scale and on larger acres of land due to more space outside the walled and fortified city. The elite classes of Roman society constructed their residences with elaborate marble decorations, inlaid marble paneling, door jambs and columns as well as expensive paintings and frescoes. Many poor and lower middle class Romans lived in crowded, dirty and mostly rundown rental apartments, known as insulae. These multi-level apartment blocks were built as high and tightly together as possible and held far less status and convenience than the private homes of the prosperous.
Chair The sella, or stool or chair, was the most common type of seating in the Roman period, probably because of its easy portability. In addition, the sella in its simplest form was inexpensive to make. Both slaves and emperors used it, although those of the poor were surely plain, while the wealthy had access to precious woods, ornamented with inlay, metal fittings, ivory, and silver and gold leaf. Bronze sellae from Herculaneum were square in form and had straight legs, decorative stretchers, and a dished seat. The sella curulis, or folding stool, was an important indicator of power in the Roman period. There were sellae resembling both stools and chairs that folded in a scissor fashion to facilitate transport. Tables Types of Roman tables include the abacus and the mensa, which are distinguished from one another in Latin texts. The term abacus might be used for utilitarian tables, such as those for making shoes or kneading dough, as well as high-status tables, such as sideboards for the display of silver. A low, three-legged table, thought to represent the mensa delphica, was often depicted next to reclining banqueters in Roman paintings. This table has a round tabletop supported by three legs configured like those of a tripod. Several wooden tables of this type were recovered from Herculaneum. Couches Few actual Roman couches survive, although sometimes the bronze fittings do, which help with the reconstruction of the original forms. While in wealthy households beds were used for sleeping in the bedrooms (lectus cubicularis), and couches for banqueting while reclining were used in the dining rooms (lectus tricliniaris), the less well off might use the same piece of furniture for both functions. The two types might be used interchangeably even in richer households, and it is not always easy to differentiate between sleeping and dining furniture. The most common type of Roman bed took the form of a three-sided, open rectangular box, with the fourth (long) side of the bed open for access. While some beds were framed with boards, others had slanted structures at the ends, called fulcra, to better accommodate pillows. The fulcra of elaborate dining couches often had sumptuous decorative attachments featuring ivory, bronze, copper, gold or silver ornamentation.
The domus included multiple rooms, indoor courtyards, gardens and beautifully painted walls that were elaborately laid out. The vestibulum (entrance hall) led into a large central hall: the atrium, which was the focal point of the domus and contained a statue of an altar to the household gods. Leading off the Atrium were cubicula (bedrooms), a dining room triclinium where guests could recline on couches and eat dinner whilst reclining, a tablinum (living room or study) and tabernae (shops on the outside, facing the street).
Contemporary Examples
4. EARLY CHRISTIAN, BYZANTINE AND ROMANESQUE By 400 B.C the roman world had declined significantly. The western empire collapsed under the pressure of northern European invaders. From several competing religions Christianity became the dominating religion. In design history this is a time od competing trends and it begins with early Christian design. The work tat centred the eastern empire was known as byzantine design. The emergence of the Romanesque style dominated mediaval Europe. These aspects of design history overlap and to a degrree conflict with each other. As a result, the period of the fall f Tome, 410 - 110 B.C.E can seem disordered and confusing. When Christianity was officlially accepted as a religion in 313 C.E it called for new types of buildings. As result of this, the early Christians turned the nearest building types of the Romans to suit their needs. This building was the basilica.
Windows were used to light the building
Floors were often paved with coloured stones in geometric patterns and strong colours
Walls were constructed of stone
Early Christian Churches
Upper walls were supported by closely spaced columns carrying lintels or arches
Roofs were made from wood
Columns were based on the roman orders, sometimes ionic, but mostly Corinthian. Their main material was stone of rich marble colour. The walls above the columns were usually painted. And a half dome over the apse was painted of lined with mosaics in a religious theme. The type of central planning has been used for many Christian churches, but the basilica type continued to be the most popular. An internal richness was achieved within the nterior of early Christian churches, by mosaics and painted decoration of illustrations og religious events of historical significance for the general iiliterate public.
BYZANTINE DESIGN In 330 the Roman capital moved to byzantium. It was renamed Constantinople by the Emporer Constantine, and today is known as istanbul. The influence of this work would slowly spread back to Italy, but at this time the two trends would run parallel with each other. Charasteristics: - The classical detail of Roman architecture faded - There was a more limited and freer use of a basic column - They retained the used of vaulting a dome construction
Agia Sophia, Constantinople
Other cosntructions detached were baths, which continued to be in use, although only fragments remain, most residential building have disappeared. Reconstructions tell us that houses would have been several stories high, each floor would have a large central hall lit from front the back, on smaller rooms on either side.
EARLY MEDIAVAL - THE DARK AGES
Scandinavian Romanesque
The period between 400 - 1200 C.E is known as the dar ages. As there was constant wardare dor control, conduct of everyday life became dependant on defensive techniques. They would have to build sturdy walls around their houses which would make it a castle. Or they would build walls around their towns.
In Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway a number of wooden churches have survived from 1000 - 1200. The most striking of these are the Finnish stave churches.
ROMANESQUE The style known as this time was Romanesque. That term derives from the continued use and aspecto of the roman design. They continued to use the semicircular arch and details of roman interiors. Although roman culture had been almost forgotten by the early middle ages. Wood was the usual material for building and again no longer survives. That was the most common material for flooring also and roofs in stone building. Vaults also continues to be used during this period. The early Romaneque vault was the barrel vault, which were usually placed as a stone roof over large naves of churches, but this was difficult to add windows so it let to a very dark interior. Other solutions to roofing were that the space would be divided an a series of vaults would be added to five each section its own vault.
St Andrews Church, Borgund, Norway
Castles and Fortresses Early castles were simply houses on a raised mound with a wall surrouding. Many early caste were built with wood, but were soon replaced with stone for strength. The castles was usually many stories high so that it was easy to defend.
Odo Von Metz, Palatine Chapel, Germany.
San Miniato al Monte, Florence, Italy.
Hedingham castle, Essex, England
Monasteries and Abbeys During the mediaval times there was a development of religious institutions known as monasticism, this was a development of religious communities who gave up life of the normal world to live in isolation in monasteries. They would devote their lives to good works and religious pursuits. They became self sustaining communities and built monasteries. Houses would be box like and have a gabled roof. With no flass for windows, interiors would be very dark. Houses were often barns as well which would mean people and animals woudl share the same space. Where stone was available houses would be made of stone with thatched roof. Some houses still exists in Europe. Ground floor buildings open to the street were usually shops and coutyard may have been found at the back. The exterior would have been built half stone, half timber. Water came from wells or fountains and flowed along open drain in the street. Towns would have been very dirt and life epectancy was shor averaging only 29.
Furniture Evidence comes from mainly manuscripts and books. Chests were used for storage in homes but in churches they were ornamented and were treated with fold and jewels. For families who moved frenquently a chest would be used for luggage, like or suitcasses. During the mediaval years, hinges and locks were developed. These chests were usually placed against the walls, possibly used for seating. Chairs were the result of chest construction. Just like romans, furniture was used a symbol of status. Common people had to make do wiht bare walls, plain tables and benches. They would all be unpainted and plain tiled floors. Artificial lighting was used in the form of candles and the dwellings of the rich. Candles were made from beeswax. Lamps were simply wicks floating in bowls of vegetable oil. In the houses of common people, lifht was generally daylight or light from an open fire.
Bathing would occur in communal bathing houses. These were not as luxurious as the romans and were associated with nudity and sexual freedom. Private bathing was only available in aristocratic homes.
Contemporary Examples
Monastery of St. Martin Du Canigou, France
5. THE LATER MIDDLE AGES FEUDALISM Traditionally use to describe a political, military, and social system that bound together the warrior aristocracy of Western Europe between 1000 and 1300. It as the personal bond of mutual loyalty and military service between nobles of different rank. Feudalism is essentially a military recruiment system, in which land tenture is exchanged for knight service. As feudalism came in to play all aspects of life improved. Some of these were: - The crafts of buildings - Woodwork - Metalwork - Weaving Knowledge of design and interior spaces in particular were greatly enhanced. From enhanced pictoral references from monks and court illustrations we are left with much more evidence of visual data.
The Pointed Arch Many Gothic openings are based upon the equilateral form. In other words, when the arch is drafted, the radius is exactly the width of the opening and the centre of each arch coincides with the point from which the opposite arch springs. This makes the arch higher in relation to its width than a semi-circular arch which is exactly half as high as it is wide. The Equilateral Arch gives a wide opening of satisfying proportion useful for doorways, decorative arcades and large windows. The structural beauty of the Gothic arch means, however, that no set proportion had to be rigidly maintained. The Equilateral Arch was employed as a useful tool, not as a principle of design. This meant that narrower or wider arches were introduced into a building plan wherever necessity dictated. In the architecture of some Italian cities, notably Venice, semi-circular arches are interspersed with pointed ones. The Equilateral Arch lends itself to filling with tracery of simple equilateral, circular and semi-circular forms. The type of tracery that evolved to fill these spaces is known in England as Geometric Decorated Gothic and can be seen to splendid effect at many English and French Cathedrals, notably Lincoln and Notre Dame in Paris. Windows of complex design and of three or more lights or vertical sections, are often designed by overlapping two or more equilateral arches
The Ribbed Vault The intersection of two to three barrel vaults produces a rib vault or ribbed vault when they are edged with an armature of piped masonry often carved in decorative patterns; compare groin vault, an older form of vault construction. While the mechanics of the weight of a groin vault and its transmission outwards to the supporting pillars remained as it had been, the new use of rib vaults demonstrates the skill of the masons and the grandeur of the new ideas circulating at the introduction of Gothic architecture in the end of the eleventh century. This technique was new in the late eleventh century, for example in the roofs of the choir side aisles at Durham Cathedral. Ancestors of the Gothic rib vault in the Romanesque vaults can be found at Caen and Durham, both sites of early Gothic constructions, and elsewhere.
Gothic Churches and Cathedrals EARLY TO HIGH GOTHIC DESIGN. 1150 - 1250. The cathedrals of England are very similar to those of France. It has been assumed that as France and England are so geographically cose that the same architects may have worked onthe same projects.
St Chapel, Paris
Exeter Cathedral, Devon, England
SECULAR GOTHIC BUILDINGS During the gothic era manu other buildings were developed. Smaller churches were built in great numbers, sometimes using stone but mostly wooden vaulting. Other buildings were town halls, halls and halls fr guilds for various crafts and trades. Customs houses and other official structures were also built during this time.
Hugh Herland, Westminster Hall, London
The buildings of castles continued throughout the middle ages. The castles of the gothic period had more elaborate and more confortable living quarters than the earlier examples many of these interiors are well preserved today. We mostly use scenes from paintings to base medieval living of the rich and powerful. The common people would have continued to live n simplicity and poverty during these years. Charasteristics of the typical house: - One , at most two rooms. - Dirt or plank floor - Bare walls of stone or wood - Minimal furniture of benches - A table and perhaps a chest - Beds were mostly box like constrictions of wood, often too short so that you would have to sleep sitting up. - You would have found a hearth or fireplace for both cooking and heating. - Canldes were used for lighting - Tapestries continue to be used to add warmth, colour and richness to rooms. z The middle ages saw a development of crafts artist images show shops of: - Carpentry, weaving and other crafts, bakeries, butcher and others - Shops were typically open fronted with a table or counter and storage spaces. They would have had no decoration. Towards the end of the middle ages affluent families looked at ways to improve domestic comforts. They would line rooms with wooden panels. Wood was the usual material for floors and ceilings usually in brown colours except for occasional coloured decorative details. A floor would be smooth for practical details, but wall panelling used strips to cover joints, tofether with mouldings and frames around individual panels. Ornamental detail was carved to show status and wealth and taste of the owners. Ornamental detail was usually geometric, using the pointed arch and details based on flowers and leaves. Utilitarian areas were designed for function, such as cellars, kitchens, pantries and stables.
Hampton Court Palace, London
In the later middle ages there was a gradual increase in the size and number of windows. Glass became more widely available and cheaper. Wooden shutters would have been added to keep in the cold at night and the sun out in the day. Multi storey houses continued to be built to conserve land. They continued to build prohecting upper floors during this period. Exposed structurales members and wooden ceiling beams became a charasterisix of medieval interiors.
CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLES
THE RENAISSANCE By 1400 a stable goverment in Florence had established. During this time tthere was great wealth in successful trade and a development in business banking. There was also a communal sense of optimism and power. There was a desire to pregress and expand the physical world. THERISE OF HUMANISM The term humansim describesrenaissance thinking. It developed nto the idea that each human being had the potentials to learn, discover and achieve. The medieval world didn’t encourage individual curiosity and imagination. Durig the renaissance period there was now a balance between religious views and the possibility of human endeavours. During this period, was a scientific curiosity and a curiosity about history. Renaissance means rebirht of long forgotten wisdom of the Greeks and Romans. Renaissance interest in history didn’t aim to move backwards but rather tan expression of wanting to know what the ancient knew. The goal was to move gorward to the basis of past achievements. There is no direct copu of ancient precedents but details may have been limited. Concepts were rediscovered, but the renassance always generated new syntheses from the knowledge that came from antient classicism. HOUSES STYLES The homes of rich no longer needed to be in castles. Instead they would live in twons, and in countryside villas offering considerable comfort and beauty. The typical town houses could be 3 or 4 storeys high. Ground floor, for entrance spaces, services,, stables and storage. Second flor (piano nobile), large and richly decorated salons for formal life. Third floor, private suite, bedroom, studio for study, office or workroom, closet space used for a bathroom (water would be brought form a fountain).
Infiniti Bath. Aleksander Mukomelov
Oppositely, the country houses had two or three levels hifh, having the same idea of rooms on each floors as the town houses.
STYLE OF INTERIORS. The style is strongly influenced by the new decotion to classical precedents, where the symmetry is dominant. There are details of mouldings and trim which can be seen in roman design. In general, walls were smooth and simple ogten in a neutral colour or painted in patterns which were suggestive of wallpers. In elaborate interiors walls were cvered with frescos. Ceiling were often beamed sometimes coffered frequently painted in rich colours. Furniture began to be more widely used. Cushions were used onchairs and benches and this offered another opportunity of to colour them. Beds were massive structures raised on platdorms with carved headboars, footboards and corner post which suppoerted canopies and curtains. Carving, inlays and intarsia were present dependin on the owners taste. Renaissance church interiors used stone for walls and vaulted ceilings. Stained glass gave way for colour. Painting was widely used.
Fontainebleau. France