The language of proportions in the parametric frame: Exquisite Serbian medieval churches of Raška style group

Abstract

Architectural overview of some historical building is certainly not complete without its proportional analyzes. This study is conducted by the proportion-as-ratio principles for analyzing sacred structures, hence highlighting geometry, both in the sense of geometric interplay of basic shapes (equilateral triangle and circle) and mathematical ratio expressed by formula such as 1:1, 1:2, 1:2 , 1:1.61 (the golden mean),1: 3 , 1: 5 , 1: 6 , 1: 7 , etc. Among thethree common types of proportional systems, applied in Serbian medieval architecture (square, triangular and golden section), triangular proportional system is specifically related to the so-called Raška style group. The guiding idea of the paper is to test three similar floor plan design patterns of the three exquisite medieval structures on unique proportioning system and 3D modeling of the interior space by parametric interpretation of each structural element of the whole (arch, vault, dome and apse). Parallel overview of the main churches of Studenica, Ţiča and Gradac contains 2D drawings (floor plans and vertical sections), along with proportional analyzes of their structural elements. Each of the three floor plan design patterns complies with I. Štambuk's proportional canon, additionally enriched with intriguing triangular scheme. 3D models are created as "empty space molds" of the church interior, by modeling each element of the structure in Autodesk Revit software.