Apse
A triple-apsed, polygonal termination of a church in Tredos. |
Apses were first used in pre-Christian Roman architecture, often as a niche to contain the statue of a deity. They were also used in the thermae – the large bath complexes of imperial Rome.
From the fourth century onwards in Christian architecture, the basilica (an important church with rectangular plan) would sometimes be terminated at one end (normally the liturgical east end) with an apse – a semi-circular or polygonal recess. Sometimes the apse would be topped by a hemi-spherical or quarter dome that would often be vaulted on the inside. However, the roof might also have been flat or sloping.
The use of the apse would progress in Christian religious architecture as a single or multiple termination for naves, transepts or aisles.
Apses were to become common in Byzantine architecture, as well as in France, Germany and Italy. In a cruciform church or cathedral plan, whether in Western Romanesque or Gothic, apses would later be used to terminate the transepts and nave whether as single or multiple-apsed ends. They could also be used as a chapel or part of the chancel.
In England, apses were sometimes added as semi-circular forms applied to the east end of Romanesque churches. This changed mostly to a polygonal form during the Gothic period.
Apses underwent a revival during the Victorian period with its Greek-, Roman- and Gothic-revival periods.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.