Early Christian and Byzantine

Summary 

This week, I read the Early Christian and Byzantine chapter from Mark Hinchman’s History of Interior Architecture book. This period formed after the fall of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity, and most of the designs shown focus on that topic. What stood out to me is how much the art and architecture from this era were driven by religious themes and a desire to create spaces that supported Christian gatherings and worship. Many of the new architectural forms were inspired by earlier Roman and Greek designs, but they were adapted to express Christian beliefs. The central dome is one of the most iconic features of Byzantine architecture, which often sits above a square or round space to create a sense of openness. Interiors were filled with mosaics, gold, marble, arches, columns, and carefully controlled natural light. These characteristics made the spaces feel larger, brighter, and more spiritual than their materials alone could. Mosaics were especially important, turning walls and ceilings into vivid images for storytelling.

Old vs. New 

The Aula Palatina in Trier, Germany, built in the fourth century, is a great example of how architecture can shape experience. When you step inside, you can’t help but notice the huge rectangular hall and the apse at one end, which would have focused on a speaker, statue, or altar. But what really makes the space special is how the curved half-dome and tall windows fill the hall with natural light. The way the sunlight moves across the walls makes the whole place feel welcoming, giving it an atmosphere that’s dramatic but also surprisingly inviting. It’s a space designed not just to impress, but to make you feel something as soon as you walk in. A modern example of this can be seen in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in New York City, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its interior uses a centralized domed space, arches, imagery, and plenty of natural light. The building is contemporary, but it continues the Byzantine tradition of making the dome a major visual focus. Both interiors organize the space and draw the viewer’s attention upward.

Apse of the Basilica of Constantine (Aula Palatina) (1.1)

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (1.2)

The Hagia Sophia was built in Istanbul and is one of the most iconic monuments of Byzantine architecture. Built in the sixth century under Emperor Justinian, it was originally a Christian church and is famous for its massive central dome, stunning mosaics, and the way it fills with natural light. Over the centuries, the Hagia Sophia has had many purposes and is now a museum. Its grand scale and blend of architectural styles make it a powerful symbol of both religious dedication and artistic achievement. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Milwaukee is known for its Byzantine Revival style. Inside, you’ll find beautiful mosaics, a striking central dome, and religious images arranged just like in classic Byzantine churches. Even though building technology and materials have evolved, the practice of decorating walls and domes with symbolic imagery has carried on, linking today’s sacred spaces with their historic roots.

Hagia Sophia (2.1)

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (2.2)

The Throne of Maximian stands out as a masterpiece of Byzantine furniture, representing luxury and craftsmanship. But simple three-legged stools were a part of everyday life for ordinary people. They were typically made from wood and often had a handle. A modern example of this would be just your average folding chair or stool, I chose the IKEA KYRRE birch stool.

Medieval Stool (3.1)                                                   KYRRE Stool (3.2)

One Step Further

Anthemius of Tralles was one of the architects responsible for the design of Hagia Sophia. I found him especially interesting because he was not simply an architect but also a physicist and scholar of geometry. After the previous Hagia Sophia was destroyed, Emperor Justinian commissioned a completely new church. What interests me most about Anthemius is the connection between mathematics and the interior experience. The geometry of Hagia Sophia was not just about making the building stand. It also affected what people experienced when they entered. The dome, pendentives, arches, and windows work together to create a feeling of openness and light. Anthemius’s contribution demonstrates that successful interior architecture involves more than decoration. Structure, geometry, light, materials, and human perception can all work together to create an architectural experience.

Anthemius of Tralles (4.1)              Hagia Sophia (art) (4.2)

Conclusion

After studying Early Christian and Byzantine design, I understand the period as much more than an architectural style based on domes and gold mosaics. The designers aimed to create an experience in which architecture, artwork, light, color, symbolism, and structure worked together. Today’s architects might use arches, domes, mosaics, symmetry, natural light, and luxurious materials, not to copy the past, but to bring a sense of history and beauty to new spaces. Furthermore, this period really helped me appreciate how old ideas can inspire contemporary architecture in ways that still feel relevant and creative.