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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Planning and Zoning Commission
FROM:
Ted Vanegas, Historic Preservation Planner
DATE:
December 19, 2016
RE:
DRH16-00475 / St. John’s Cathedral
Applicant’s Request: The applicant has provided additional photographs of the property
focusing on the south garden area. The purpose of the photos is to help the Commission better
understand the intent of the new stair design for the cathedral. Further, the applicant wanted to
include a description on the variations of Romanesque style architecture.
Attachments:
Description of variations in Romanesque Architecture
Photographs of cathedral and south garden area
Variations in Romanesque Architecture
The general impression given by both ecclesiastical and secular Romanesque architecture is that of
massive solidity and strength. Romanesque architecture relies upon its walls, or sections of walls
called piers, to bear the load of the structure, rather than using arches, columns, vaults, and other
systems to manage the weight. As a result, the walls are massive, giving the impression of sturdy solidity.
Romanesque design is also characterized by the presence of arches and openings, arcades, columns,
vaults, and roofs. In spite of the general existence of these items, Romanesque architecture varies in how
these characteristics are presented. For example, walls may be made of different materials or arches and
openings may vary in shape. Later examples of Romanesque architecture may also possess features that
earlier forms do not.
Source: Boundless. “Characteristics of Romanesque Architecture.” Boundless Art History Boundless, 28
Nov. 2016. Retrieved 13 Dec. 2016 from https://www.boundless.com/art-history/textbooks/boundless-arthistory-textbook/romanesque-art-19/romanesque-architecture-125/characteristics-of-romanesquearchitecture-534-1919/