A comparative analysis of the interrelation between the evolution in the structure of Armenian churches of the 4th-14th centuries and the three-layer “midis” masonry

Karen Azatyan; Ruben Azatyan; Anzhelika Manukian; Mane Melikyan

doi:10.35784/bud-arch.3820

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Published: Sep 29, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.3820

DOI

https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.3820

Authors

Karen Azatyan

kazatyan@nuaca.am

Department of Architectural Design and Design of Architectural Environment; Faculty of Architecture; National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA);

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6764-5917

Ruben Azatyan

elizabethazatyan@gmail.com

“Azatyan” Architectural Studio;

Anzhelika Manukian

manukian.2053730@studenti.uniroma1.it

Faculty of Architecture (Conservation); La Sapienza of Rome;

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7948-4310

Mane Melikyan

melikyan.mane@gmail.com

Independent researcher;

Abstract

The article touches upon the interrelations between the structural elements and the building structure in architecture. The aim of the work is to generalize the peculiarities of “midis” masonry formation and to reveal its influence in the evolution process of the structure of Armenian medieval churches by a comparative analysis of different characteristics. In the work: the development of three-layer “midis” masonry was systematized, the phenomenon of shell structure and spatial integrity in the churches of the 4th-14th centuries was highlighted, the tendencies of evolution of the masonry monolithic nature and church structure integrity were revealed by a comparative analysis of volumetric and planning characteristics of different churches. The results allowed to formulate a certain sequence of interactions in different characteristics, which confirmed the relationship between the evolution of the masonry and the structure of the churches: the evolution of “midis” masonry led to the structural monolithic nature of the walls and the forms derived from it, which in turn led to the integrity of the stone building structure. The results can be useful in further research covering structural-compositional interrelations, including both heritage and modern architecture studies.

Keywords:

Three-layer “midis” masonry, wall structure, medieval Armenian church structure, monolithic architecture, stone building structure, spatial integrity in architecture

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Azatyan, K. (2023) “A comparative analysis of the interrelation between the evolution in the structure of Armenian churches of the 4th-14th centuries and the three-layer ‘midis’ masonry”, Budownictwo i Architektura, 22(3), pp. 073–104. doi: 10.35784/bud-arch.3820.

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