Romanesque
Architecture
Interior Design
Table of contents
01 02
Introduction Characteristics
03 04
Interior Design Exemplary Design
Elements
Introduction
01
Introduction
Romanesque architecture emerged in Europe during the 10th
and 11th centuries, characterized by its massive stone structures,
rounded arches, and intricate carvings. This architectural style
conveyed a sense of power, stability, and spirituality, reflecting
the dominant forces of the time: the Church and the feudal
system.
Overall Architectural Style
Strength and Stability
● Romanesque buildings were constructed
with thick walls, small windows, and
heavy buttresses, conveying a sense of
solidity and permanence. This reflected
the need for protection and defense
during a turbulent period.
Overall Architectural Style
Awe and Inspiration
● The sheer size and grandeur of
Romanesque churches and cathedrals
were intended to inspire awe and
reverence in worshippers. The towering
heights and vast interiors created a
sense of the divine and the power of the
Church.
Interior Design
Sacred and Mystical
● Romanesque interiors were designed
to create a sacred and mystical
atmosphere. Dim lighting, flickering
candles, and the use of incense
evoked a sense of mystery and other
worldliness.
Interior Design
Symbolic and Didactic
● Carvings, sculptures, and stained
glass windows depicted biblical
scenes and religious figures, serving
as visual aids to teach the illiterate
masses about Christian doctrine.
Interior Design
Emotional Impact
● The combination of architectural
elements, such as the use of rounded
arches and vaulted ceilings, created a
sense of enclosure and intimacy. This
fostered a contemplative and meditative
atmosphere, encouraging spiritual
reflection and emotional connection with
the divine.
Interior Design
Hierarchy and Order
The arrangement of spaces within Romanesque
churches reflected the hierarchical structure
of the Church.
The altar, the most sacred space, was
placed at the eastern end, while the nave, where
the congregation gathered, was separated by a
rood screen or chancel arch. This division
emphasized the separation between the clergy
and the laity.
02
Characteristics
Colors
1. Earthy Tones
● Browns, ochres, and green that reflect
natural materials
● Meaning: connection to the earth and
humanity
● Evokes statibilityand grounding,
reinforcing the idea of community and
tradition
2. Deep Reds and Blues
● Often found in frescos and stained glass
● Meaning: spiritual significance; red often
symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, while blue
represents heaven and divine,
3. Gold and Silver Accents
● Used as decorative elements and
religious artifacts to signify holiness and
the splendor of divine.
● Meaning: wealth, divine light and glory
Materials
1. Stone and Brick
● Primarily limestone and sandstone, used for walls,
columns and arches.
● Meaning: resilience and authenticity
● Raw texture reflects the ruggedness of faith and the
trails of life.
● Brick: often used in regions where stone was scarce,
providing a different aesthetic.
2. Wood
● Used for beams, roofs and furniture;
commonly oak and other durable
woods
3. Plaster
● Applied to walls for a smoother finish
and often painted or frescoed
4. Textile
● Tapestries, rugs, and hangings made
from wool or linen, adding warmth
and color
Interior design aspects
1. Rounded Arches
• A defining feature of Romanesque interior design is the presence of
rounded arches in doorways, windows, and passageways.
• These arches provide a sense of strength and permanence.
• These arches, typically made of stone or brick, impart a sense of strength
and permanence to the architectural space.
• Use of the Roman round arch, adoption of the major forms of antique
Roman vaulting (contained, strong, weighty and sober style)
Interior design aspects
2. Lighting
• Due to the thick walls required to support the heavy stone construction,
Romanesque buildings typically feature small, narrow windows. These
windows often had rounded tops and limited openings, resulting in
dimly lit interiors.
• Small Windows: Romanesque buildings typically have small windows,
which results in dimly lit interiors. The limited natural light creates a
subdued and mysterious atmosphere.
• Stained Glass: In some later examples, stained glass windows began to
appear, allowing for colored light to filter into the space. This was
particularly common in churches and added a mystical quality to the
interior.
Interior design aspects
3. Ventilation
• Due to the thick stone walls and small windows, ventilation in Romanes
que interior-s can be quite limited.
• To improve ventilation, some structures incorporated small openings in
the walls or clerestory windows above the nave, allowing for better air
circulation while maintaining the integrity of the thick walls.
03
Interior
Designs
Elements
Furniture Design
● Simple and functional
● Rectangular or square shapes
● Common pieces: benches, tables,
and chests
● Designed for durability rather
than ornate decoration
Tapestries & Fabrics
● Geometric designs
● Repetitive motifs
● Provide warmth
and color to the plain
interior
Decorative Shapes
● Carved Capitals
● Frescoes and Mosaics: Wall and
Ceiling Decorations
● Trompe-l'œilTechniques: illusion
of three-dimensional
Altar Elements
●Altars and religious
artifacts
● Elaborate carvings and
forms
04
Exemplary
Designs
Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy
France, 1050-1120
Decorative Capitol Natural
(Frescoes) Lighting
Arcade
Hallways
Central, One Stone
Facing Treatment Vault Apse
Furniture Setup (Natural Color & Roof Dome
(Emphasis) Texture)
Tower of London
England, 11th century
Apse Grills on Windows (Pattern Small Window
Stone Treatment Dome & Sun Light Interest) Openings
(Natural Color & Texture)
Buttresses Stone Tiles & Wooden
Candle Light Flooring (Neutral Natural
Chandelier Colors & Textures)
Castillo de Loarre
Spain, 11th century
Barrel Vaults Apse
Wooden Beam
& Arches Dome
Ceilings
Sculpted Column Fire Place Stone Tiles & Stone Tiles & Wooden
(Frescoes) Capitals Wooden Flooring Flooring (Neutral Natural
(Neutral Natural Colors & Textures)
Colors & Textures)
Palazzo Della Ragione
Italy, 12th Century Wooden Vault
Stone Treatment Barrel Vaults Ceilings
Barrel Vaults (Natural Color & & Arches
Arcade Balcony Texture)
Sculpted Column Wall Motifs
(Frescoes) Capitals Arcades Small
Windows & Art
Current
Influences?
• Use Of Natural Materials
• Sense Of Permanence And Solidity
• Emphasis On Structural Expression
• Incorporation Of Decorative
Elements On Design Aspect
• Liturgical Influences (Religious
Buildings & Their Interiors)
Thank You!
Amani Feysel ETS0107/13
Eden Tesfaye ETS0398/13
Sara Mengistu ETS1147/13
Soleyana Solomon ETS1184/13
Tsion Teferi ETS1255/13
