INT 231- Ruth Hernández

  INT 231 History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings Spring 2024 Ruth Hernandez Silva week 5:  Romanesque/Islamic This week, we discovered two fascinating historical design styles: Romanesque and Islamic. Though emerging from different geographic regions and religious backgrounds, both styles significantly impacted the development of architecture, interior design, and decorative art throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Romanesque was the prevailing style of architecture in Europe during the 9th–12th centuries. Roman architecture left deep impressions on its design, with semi-circular arches, heavy walls, barrel vaults, and large-scale stone construction being evident. Interiors were dimly lit, giving Romanesque buildings a serious and solidity mood. Design concern was for houses of worship like churches and monasteries, typically decorated by frescoes, carved capitals, and stone relief designs of Bible stories for an illiterate society. Romanesque: Interior of ...

INT 231 History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings Spring 2024 Ruth Hernandez Silva Week 4:  Early Christian / Byzantine Design This week, we learned about the development of Early Christian and Byzantine interior design. These styles emerged after the fall of the Roman Empire and blended Roman architectural elements with new Christian religious and symbolic ideals. Early Christian architecture was modest in character, often using the Roman basilica floor plan for churches. Byzantine design then introduced more richness characterized by domes, mosaics, gold leaf, and an intense focus on heavenly light and symbolism. Interior of Hagia Sophia , Istanbul – massive dome with golden mosaics San Vitale , Ravenna – rich mosaics and octagonal plan Basilica of Santa Sabina , Rome Interiors were created to dazzle and to symbolize the divine. Rich blues, purples, and golds were characteristic of the deep colors employed, and interiors were adorned with religious iconography, particularly in mo...

 Judson University INT 231 History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings Spring 2025 Ruth Hernandez Silva Week 3- Classical Civilizations of Greece and Rome During this week, we studied two of the most influential civilizations in design history: Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. These cultures laid the foundations for most of what we call today of Western architecture and interior design. We can still see their traces in public buildings, furniture, ornamentation, and even house items. Ancient Greece Greek design was made in proportion, harmony, and balance, driven by mathematical precision and a love of natural beauty. Columns, symmetry, and open airy spaces were the focus in their architecture. The three primary orders of Greek architecture—Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian—are still used today. Greek interiors were elegant but modest, clean and functional furniture. Corinthian column detail  The Parthenon in Athens  Interior elements that were included regularly: Clay tile...

Judson University INT 231 History of Interiors, Art and Furnishings Spring 2024 Ruth Hernández Silva   This week, we began learning about interior design history with Ancient Civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They laid the foundation for many of the principles used today. We learned that during this period, design was in close relation to function, status, religion, and cosmic order. Interior decoration in Mesopotamia comprised mud-brick walls and painted geometric designs. Egyptian interior design included symmetry, symbolic richness, and the use of materials like stone, wood, and gold. Interior design in Greece included harmony, proportion, and the development of decorative columns (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian). Roman interior design stretched Greek design influence, using frescoes, mosaics, and domed rooms like in the Pantheon. These cultures did not only construct for function—they designed with significance. Their interiors mirrored their worldvi...