Carolingian Architecture: Definition, History, Key Types, and Modern Trends

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Carolingian architecture is a style that was developed in Europe during the time of Charlemagne. The time was roughly between 750 and 900 AD. The name came from the Carolingian dynasty. It was the Royal family that ruled Western Europe during this time. However, this type of architecture was important because it revived Roman building methods. These methods were long forgotten.

Still, there are various building owners who love such styles. They combine the modern and Carolingian architecture styles. Now, due to new technology, the designing phase is completed quickly. They get professional architectural rendering services and visualize the interior and exterior look of the buildings. However, the 3D look helps to decide what they are expecting from their future buildings.

GET TO KNOW ABOUT THE CAROLINGIAN ARCHITECTURE STYLE AND ABOUT ITS HISTORY, TYPES, AND MODERN TRENDS!

Short history

In the late 700s, Charlemagne became the king of the Franks. He wanted to bring back the old Roman style. The main purpose was to emphasize culture, education, and architecture.

The Carolingian Style Architecture showcases the power of their empire. They gathered all the skilled architects and artists from across Europe.

Why It Mattered

Before Carolingian architecture, various buildings in Europe were quite simple. The Carolingian style changed this by:

Reintroducing stone construction on a large scale
Bringing back classical Roman design elements
Creating standardized building plans, especially for churches

However, this time is the base of the Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Different types of architectural styles

1. Palace Complexes

The most famous example of Carolingian Architecture styles is the Palace of Aachen. It was the main living space of Charlemagne. They were not single buildings but the entire compound. It consisted of:

Royal living quarters
Administrative buildings
Chapels or churches
Assembly halls
Courtyards
gardens

These palace complexes took the ideas from the Roman villas and Byzantine palaces. The builders combined them to make a new style.

2. Churches

Churches are always considered the best part of the buildings in the Carolingian time. They had different features, such as:

Basilica Plan

Various stretches followed the Roman basilica layout. It consisted of a long rectangular hall. Plus, it had rounded and where the altar was placed.

Westwork

This was considered one of the most unique elements of the Carolingian. This consisted of a large and multi-story entrance.

It often included:

Towers flanking the entrance
A chapel on the upper floor for the emperor or important nobles
Impressive facades that showed power and authority

3. Monasteries

Monasteries were a major part of learning and craft during that time. The most famous monastery is the St. Gall monastery plan. This was the most ideal monastery that included:

A church at the center
A cloister forming a square courtyard
Dormitories for monks
Scriptoriums for copying manuscripts
Workshops, kitchens, hospitals, and schools
Gardens and farming areas

A reliable Architectural Visualization Company helps building owners to virtually walk through their spaces before the construction begins.

Architectural Features and Characteristics

Building Materials

Carolingian builders primarily used:

Stone for important structures
Wood for roofs and some smaller buildings
Brick in areas where it was available
Marble and precious stones for decoration in wealthy churches

Design Elements

It was borrowed from Roman architecture, with rounded arches being the standard.
Stone ceilings were shaped like arches. They were stronger than flat wooden roofs.
Including carved capitals, wall paintings, and mosaics.
Buildings were carefully balanced.

Modern Trends and Influence

Historical Preservation

Carolingian structures are UNESCO World Heritage sites today. These ancient buildings require:

Restorations that are as accurate as possible for the time period
Research into construction methods used in ancient excavations
Documenting the structure digitally through 3D scans

Impact on Current Day Buildings

Buildings constructed today in the Carolingian style are nonexistent. However, the style’s characteristics are seen in:

Current designers of churches may adapt the west work and symmetry features for the entrances of their buildings.
The layout of organized monasteries, where buildings surround a central courtyard, is sometimes used in the design of universities and schools.
Revived Carolingian styles in contemporary European buildings are apparent in the use of specific design features to represent local history.

Research Output

Carolingian architecture is predominant in:

Teaching of architecture
Programs on the medieval era
Tourism and attractions focused on early medieval Europe

Recent Restorations

Restorations that have been done on Carolingian buildings that have been destroyed or damaged include:

Evidence from history and architecture
Old styles of construction
New construction materials that maintain the original look of the structure

Conclusion

Carolingian architecture shows that it was the most important part of European building history. It took the best ideas from the Romans. They added their unique elements to it and created the famous style. If you are also inspired by this type of style, then design your buildings and look at them virtually to make the right decisions.