Architectural History and Design Concepts Quiz

1. What is an A-B-B-A rhythm in architecture?

Alternating piers (A) and columns (B) used as support system at St. Michael's in Hildesheim

A method of arranging furniture in a room to optimize space.

A technique used in painting murals to create depth and perspective.

A type of musical rhythm commonly found in Baroque compositions.

In architecture, an A-B-B-A rhythm refers to the placement of alternating piers (A) and columns (B) as a support system. This pattern can be seen in buildings like St. Michael's in Hildesheim, where the alternating structure creates visual interest and structural reinforcement.

Explanation

In architecture, an A-B-B-A rhythm refers to the placement of alternating piers (A) and columns (B) as a support system. This pattern can be seen in buildings like St. Michael's in Hildesheim, where the alternating structure creates visual interest and structural reinforcement.

2. What is an abbey?

A type of fruit tree.

A type of musical instrument.

A monastery governed by an abbot

A style of painting popular in the 18th century.

An abbey is a type of religious building, specifically a monastery governed by an abbot. It is not related to music, fruit trees, or art styles.

Explanation

An abbey is a type of religious building, specifically a monastery governed by an abbot. It is not related to music, fruit trees, or art styles.

3. What type of support system is used at St. Michael's in Hildesheim?

Continuous piers

Steel beams only

Wooden trusses

Alternating piers (A) and columns (B) used as support system at St. Michael's in Hildesheim

St. Michael's in Hildesheim utilizes alternating piers (A) and columns (B) as its support system, which is a unique architectural feature that provides structural stability and visual appeal.

Explanation

St. Michael's in Hildesheim utilizes alternating piers (A) and columns (B) as its support system, which is a unique architectural feature that provides structural stability and visual appeal.

4. Define Ambulatory:

A type of exercise equipment used for walking or running indoors.

A medical emergency vehicle used for transporting patients.

A type of dance that involves intricate footwork and precise movements.

The curving passageway behind the choir of a church, often used to connect the radiating chapels

Ambulatory, in the context of architecture, specifically refers to a passageway in a church.

Explanation

Ambulatory, in the context of architecture, specifically refers to a passageway in a church.

5. What is a barrel vault?

A type of curved ceiling commonly found in modern architecture.

A type of wooden storage container used for aging wine.

A semicircular vault over a rectangular space

A type of vault used for storing gunpowder.

A barrel vault is specifically a semicircular vault over a rectangular space, distinguished by its architectural design and purpose.

Explanation

A barrel vault is specifically a semicircular vault over a rectangular space, distinguished by its architectural design and purpose.

6. What is a belfry?

The tower or steeple in which bells are hung

A type of pastry typically filled with fruit or custard.

A small, rodent-like mammal found in deserts.

A French term for a beautiful garden.

A belfry specifically refers to a structure that houses bells, typically within a tower or steeple. It is commonly associated with churches or other buildings where bells are rung for various purposes.

Explanation

A belfry specifically refers to a structure that houses bells, typically within a tower or steeple. It is commonly associated with churches or other buildings where bells are rung for various purposes.

7. What project was Bishop Bernwald known for commissioning?

Built the altar at St. Peter's Cathedral

Commissioned bronze doors for St. Michael's

Donated stained glass windows to St. Mary's church

Sponsored the construction of a new bell tower at St. John's Abbey

Bishop Bernwald was known for commissioning the bronze doors for St. Michael's, which became a significant artistic and architectural feature of the church.

Explanation

Bishop Bernwald was known for commissioning the bronze doors for St. Michael's, which became a significant artistic and architectural feature of the church.

8. What is a campanile?

A small fishing village in Sicily.

In Italy, the name given to a freestanding belltower

A traditional Italian dance.

A type of pasta dish.

A campanile specifically refers to a freestanding belltower in Italy, typically associated with churches.

Explanation

A campanile specifically refers to a freestanding belltower in Italy, typically associated with churches.

9. What is Carolingian?

A type of musical instrument invented in the Middle Ages.

A form of government practiced in ancient Greece.

A style of cooking popular in ancient Rome.

The term applied to buildings constructed under the influence of the emperor Charlemagne, who reigned from 792 to 814

Carolingian refers to the architectural style prevalent during the reign of Charlemagne. It is not related to musical instruments, cooking styles, or forms of government.

Explanation

Carolingian refers to the architectural style prevalent during the reign of Charlemagne. It is not related to musical instruments, cooking styles, or forms of government.

10. What is the function of the ambulatory in church architecture?

To provide outdoor space for monks to pray

To allow circulation of pilgrims around the choir

To serve as the main worship area

To store relics and manuscripts

The ambulatory’s function is to allow pilgrims to circulate around the choir and access radiating chapels without disrupting liturgical services. It demonstrates architectural innovation aimed at managing sacred space efficiently. Symbolically, the circular motion reflects continuity and devotion. Its development in Romanesque churches set the stage for Gothic spatial fluidity, emphasizing movement, light, and spiritual accessibility.

Explanation

The ambulatory’s function is to allow pilgrims to circulate around the choir and access radiating chapels without disrupting liturgical services. It demonstrates architectural innovation aimed at managing sacred space efficiently. Symbolically, the circular motion reflects continuity and devotion. Its development in Romanesque churches set the stage for Gothic spatial fluidity, emphasizing movement, light, and spiritual accessibility.