Can someone clearly outline the distinctive design elements of a Byzantine Church for me?
A good reference for Historical Architecture is the book “Sir Banister Fletcher’s A History of Architecture” published by Scribners. Typically Byzantine Architecture is based on a 9-square plan layout. To Create a typical 9-square plan draw a grid 3 equal squares vertical and 3 equal squares horizontal (thus producing a 9 square grid). The main dome is located at the center square creating a “domed” ceiling of the space below. Four additional domes (usually ornamental) are added over the flanking corner squares, and another dome may be located at the tower or entry. A screen to separate the “chancel” area from the congregation is usually located between the second and third rows of squares. (Based on the entry located at the center square of the first row.
