Religion plays a critical role in people’s lives and can serve as the source of inspiration to create unique masterpieces. Numerous statues, paintings, and buildings emerged due to different religions and people’s attempts to create notable and visible signs of their faith. Thus, Christianity is one of the most popular religions today, with a history going back to the times of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. For this reason, there are numerous unique buildings, churches, and monuments around the globe constructed by Christians. Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous and significant buildings belonging to this cohort. Created in the Byzantine Age, it demonstrated the power of the state, religion, and its dominance. At the same time, it is a result of using innovative approaches in architecture.
Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus are two masters who were invited to create Hagia Sophia. Being outstanding mathematicians, the two creators focused on using innovative methods for constructing the church and fulfill the emperor’s request. The central idea was to introduce a building with the largest interior space possible (Kilde 111). For this reason, the architects designed a giant dome and decided to support it using four triangular pendentives allowing the weight of the unique construction to transit to square supporting structures below (Trachtenberg and Hyman 172). It also helped to avoid using pillars or massive columns inside, reducing space and making the whole ensemble less inspirational (Kilde 111). The employment of this unusual solution help to create a unique and recognizable image of Hagia Sophia with a giant circular dome.
The beauty and significance of Hagia Sophia were also evidenced by contemporary writers and historians. For instance, Procopius states that it is extremely high, decorated with gold, and represents the might of Emperor Justinian (Procopius). However, he does not mention minarets which were added later during the Turkish rule. The church was remade into a mosque which demanded changing the interior and adding elements such as mentioned above. Today, Hagia Sophia still has a recognizable image and a marvelous beauty inspiring all visitors, but it is different from the first project created by two innovative architectures.
The building also has a unique historical importance and meaning. It was constructed following Emperor Justinian’s order to create the greatest and the most notable basilica in the Roman Empire (Evans 55). Moreover, the previous building in Constantinople was destroyed because of the Nike Riots of 532 (Evans 67). Theological problems were among the causes for the rebellion as Christianity of that period had multiple confessions and philosophical views. These differed in perspectives on rituals, basics of faith, and its future. For this reason, the riots and the destruction of the previous church preconditioned the need for creating a new monumental building to show the power of the Emperor, his ability to control the situation and people, and dominance of a certain doctrine in Christianity.
Historically, Hagia Sophia indicated the decline of Rome and the empowerment of Constantinople. Being the capital of the Byzantine Empire, the city demanded its own symbol of faith, representing the Age of Spirituality and the Empire’s leading position in the world. For this reason, creators were provided with all resources needed to construct a giant and unique building with unusual elements and engineering decisions. For Justinian, it was also a vital project to emphasize the potency of the supreme power and the Emperor’s leading role in the state (Evans 81). The creation of this unique Church helped to inspire the nation and unite it around Christianity and the need to resist other states.
From the religious perspective, Hagia Sophia became a vital step towards the empowerment of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and its spread to other lands. For a certain period of time, the church became a symbol of faith and values peculiar to the Byzantine Age of Spirituality. Emperors acquired the unique tool to emphasize their power and the right to rule given to them by God (Evans 65). At the same time, it helped to oppose the Western part of the Empire with the dominance of other ideas, which later transformed into Catholicism. For this reason, the construction of Hagia Sophia became a critical event in the history of religion as it cultivated its development and spread to other nations.
Altogether, Hagia Sophia is a unique monument representing the peculiarities of a particular epoch. It was created by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus using innovative approaches such as giant domes supported by pendentives. Historically, the Church demonstrated the power of the Byzantine Empire and its role as the protector of Christianity.
For the religious life of that period, the emergence of this symbol of faith contributed to the further development of Christianity, its spread, and transformation into a more powerful global religion with multiple supporters in various areas. Hagia Sophia also inspired other architects to create similar temples or follow some ideas first introduced here. Today, it looks different because the church is remade into a mosque; however, it remains a beautiful and attractive monument created by the golden age of the Byzantine Empire.
New York City
Every city has a unique image which is formed by all streets, buildings, monuments, and parks it has. Following this idea, history becomes the main factor adding the beauty of various towns and making them unique. Every area has elements reminding of events that occurred in past centuries or things associated with them. Moreover, comparing the architecture and styles of different epochs, it is possible to see how people altered their visions of beauty and approaches to building cities. For instance, New York is one of the most significant megapolises of the USA with its own unique style. It has highly innovative buildings and skyscrapers, but at the same time, it also has some historic houses that remind people of past epochs and stages in its evolution. For instance, a building in West 80th Street, 142, has numerous features differentiating it from other houses.
At the first gaze, it is possible to notice the difference in style and approaches to constructing houses. First of all, architects of the past used specific techniques and selected materials, decoration, ornament, and forms to emphasize the elegance and beauty of the rowhouses (Landmarks Preservation Commission 14). This historic building also has such features as it was created in that period. It reflects an important stage in the development of the country characterized by the transition toward building dwellings for upper and middle classes (Landmarks Preservation Commission 14). At the same time, creators were inspired by some French ideas and styles which were embodied in new houses.
The historic building in 80th Street has some Renaissance elements, such as brick facing, low stoops, arch windows, stone, and terra-cote ornaments, and window groups (Landmarks Preservation Commission 18). All these elements help to create a unique style that is still recognizable today. Currently, the house looks more modern as it is surrounded by an innovative environment; however, it still has its individuality as it is protected as one of the important historical objects of New York.
Some unique features of the building can also be seen in the Sanborn Fire insurance map of 1912. It reflects the planning, the area, the existence of places for shops and other specific businesses. From the map, it is also seen that most apartments, starting are similar. For instance, the map shows that 142 is almost identical to 144 as they were constructed following the central idea proposed by an architect. As dwellings for middle and upper-class citizens, all rooms in this building provide enough space for working and living of a family. For this reason, the insurance map represents the similarity and, at the same time, the well-thought-out structure and organization.
The given document also shows the materials used for constructing the house and its peculiarities. Thus, 142 West 80th St. is a brick building with a non-combustible cornice surrounded by similar dwellings (New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission 11). The choice of material is explained by the dominant ideas of that period. Bricks were considered a perfect material for houses presupposing that families will work and live there. They also can protect rooms from cold as the material isolates warmth and prevent cool air from entering the house. However, the price for such rooms was also high, which is evidenced by the fact that only middle and high-class citizens could live there.
Bricks also minimized the chance of fire, meaning that people could feel protected. It was an important aspect regarding the fact that wood was also used in constructing. Today, the building also distinguishes itself from others which are made using panels or more innovative materials.
The map also shows that the house was initially built to provide dwellings to residents. As stated previously, the idea of creating places to live for families with stable income became dominant at the end of the 19th century. It contributed to constructing a historical building in 80th Street, which was expected to shelter numerous households. From the Insurance map, one can see that most of the rooms were planned as living ones; however, there was also access to stores placed in the same building, basement, and all needed infrastructure. In such a way, there was a combination of all factors required to guarantee a high quality of life for people. Today, 142 West 80th St. remains an attractive historic building with access to various objects and elements vital for people.
The similarity of styles peculiar to the whole region is explained by the fact that the district was planned by two architects Charles Israels and Clarence True. They wanted to follow a certain idea and create a unique image of the given part of the city. Thus, the first one is responsible for the historic building on West 80th street. It embodies Israels’ vision of style with such ideas as leaded glass windows, bricks, terracotta, and dominance of Revival styles (Landmarks Preservation Commission 18).
This classical apartment combines neo-Gothic and Renaissance visions, which results in the emergence of a unique visual image (Landmarks Preservation Commission 18). That is why even today, the houses look free, eclectic, attractive, and different from stereotypical representations of how dwellings should be constructed peculiar to past times.
Researching the history of this unique building, it is possible to admit several factors. First of all, the Trow’s Directory shows that Harwood R., a lawyer, once was a resident of 142 West 80th St. (“Trow’s New York City Directory”). Representatives of this occupation belonged to the middle or upper class, which proves the idea that such dwellings were constructed for a particular group of citizens. It means he could allow living in such an apartment and earned enough money to support the family. Moreover, as a lawyer, he also used the house as his workplace inviting clients here to discuss their problems and have consultations. Under these conditions, it is possible to conclude that the initial goal of building such houses was achieved, and they were inhabited by representatives of groups with stable incomes.
Thus, the importance of this historic dwelling cannot be denied. For New York, the house on 80th West St. is one of the recognizable symbols attracting both local people and tourists. It is a sign of previous epochs showing the shift in approaches to building houses and the dominance of specific forms. At the same time, today, it adds diversity to modern or highly innovative forms and technologies. The significance of the building also comes from the fact that being protected as a historical monument, it can remain unchanged and remind new generations about the heritage of the past and how people viewed style and new forms. Furthermore, it will make New York a city with a rich history and specific architecture, which resulted from people’s representations of how a dwelling for the middle and high class should be designed and constructed.
Comparing the occupants of the building, a certain similarity should be noted. For instance, currently, there is one active rental with an average price of $1,800 (142 West 80th Street”). The history of past rentals also shows a peak of $3,200 depending on the year (142 West 80th Street”).
It means that 80th street remains a place for middle or high-class residents with stable incomes and can afford such apartments. The scope of their occupations might also be different from artists to managers, which also evidences the difference in job framework and how people earned money. At the same time, it is vital to mention that for the past and the current age, the area remains one of the distinctive features of New York and remains a desirable district. The unique style combined with history attracts visitors, or local resides and inspires individuals.
Altogether, every city has its unique style, formed by streets, buildings, and avenues. For New York, 80th Street, and facilities there can be considered a unique heritage of the past which adds individuality and serves as the recognizable image. It is designed by Charles Israels following the motifs of Renaissance and with the addition of neo-gothic elements. Bricks, ornaments, and unusual forms create an unconventional image of the dwelling. It was constructed as a residence for the middle and high-income class, which preconditioned the nature of occupants. For instance, Harwood R., a lawyer, lived and worked here. Today, the area remains attractive for local people and tourists as the building is different from others in New York and adds some unique features to the city.
- Image 1. Map (“Manhattan V. 7”).
- Image 2. Past (“Manhattan: 80th Street”)
- Image 3. Modern (“142 West 80th.”)
Works Cited
“142 West 80th Street.” Landmarkwest. Web.
Evans, James. Age of Justinian: The Circumstances of Imperial Power. Routledge, 2000.
Kilde, Jeanne Halgren. Sacred Power, Sacred Space: An Introduction to Christian Architecture. Oxford University Press, 2008.
Landmarks Preservation Commission. “Riverside Drive – West 80th – 81st Street Historic District.” S-meida. Web.
“Manhattan: 80th Street (West) – Columbus Avenue.” Digitalcollections. Web.
“Manhattan V. 7, Plate No. 11 [Map bounded by Amsterdam Ave., W. 81st St., Columbus Ave., W. 78th St.].” Digitalcollections. Web.
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. “Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District.” S-meida. Web.
Procopius. “Buildings Book I (Part 1).” Uchicago. Web.
Trachtenberg, Marvin and Isabelle Hyman. Architecture, from Prehistory to Postmodernity. H. N. Abrams, 2002.
“Trow’s New York City Directory.” Hathitrust. Web.