Hagia Sophia : Istanbul, Turkey
Principles + Elements
Principles and elements are used very clearly throughout the Hagia Sophia. In the photo above, you can see the lines from the columns, the form made from the domes, and the orange and blue colors portrayed on the exterior. Rhythm is created from the columns and domes. The higher dome at the top of the Hagia Sophia generates a emphasis on the height of the mosque.
Materials
Hagia Sophia’s main materials used on the exterior was stone, brick, and mortar. On the interior, however, features marble and mosaic decorations. In the photo above, Christ Pantocrator is portrayed in a mosaic form. The materials used to create the mosaic are glass, marble, and gold. The techniques used to create the mosaic is tesserae, encaustic, and lime putty. Tesserae is using small pieces of glass to make the pattern. Encaustic is using hot wax paint. Lime putty is laying the tesserae into the lime putty.
Light + Color
Light and color are displayed on the interior of the Hagia Sophia in multiple ways. Arched windows are throughout the ceiling and around the domes in order to produce natural light. Gold chandeliers with skinny lightbulbs hanging down produces artificial light. Color comes from the red, yellow, and blue mosaic tiles across the ceiling of the domes in the Hagia Sophia.
Connections
The mosque sits within a garden courtyard, which allows visitors to connect with nature. Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Empire way back in 532, making the ancient building an attraction for people to come. The ancient interior and exterior of the mosque, along with the modern exterior gardens, make a connection between the past world and present world.
Finishes
The exterior of the Hagia Sophia is composed of mainly brick with the domes being made of brick and mortar. The roof of the building was originally made of wood, then later changed to lead. The tops of the domes and columns are made of gold. The fence surrounded around the Hagia Sophia is made of iron and separates the gardens from the building.
Furnishings
Within the Hagia Sophia, there is very little furnishings. In the photo above, tourists are observing the interior. The only main furnishes in the building is the large chandeliers that hang down from the ceiling at all different heights. The chandeliers are made of wood and have oddly shaped lights hanging from them.
Experiences
When tourists visit the Hagia Sophia, they can get immersed in ancient culture of the Byzantine Empire. In the photo above, a woman is reading within the built in nook of the building. Although, you don’t know what she is reading, I believe it to be some sort of writing on the building or religion.
Technology
Hagia Sophia being built in the ancient times results in little to no technology throughout the building. In the absence of physical technology, the technology that it took to build this magnitude of a building is immense. The mosaic work on the ceiling, the intricate details of the interior domes, and the native language displayed on the walls.
Theories
Hagia Sophia has many possible theories to analyze it through, human centered design is the main theory that shines through. Over time the space has been used as a church, mosque, and a museum. Currently, the Hagia Sophia can be used as a museum and a place to connect with religion.
Telling Stories
In the picture above, the wishing hole is a hole in the wall of the Hagia Sophia. The wishing hole is nicknamed “The Weeping Column”. Visitors rub and scrape the column with a knife, in hopes of having their wishes granted.
