Third Encounter Project: Architecture

In order to investigate a form of traditional folk architecture of a particular area of the world, I had to primarily utilize available library resources. The chosen form of folk architecture is medieval Norwegian stave churches, many of which still stand to this day, though typically they have been altered or repaired throughout the centuries. The information about these unique structures is gathered from Hakon Christie’s 1978 article, “World Archaeology: Lom Stave Church,” which appeared in the peer-reviewed journal, Archaeology and Religion. According to Christie, the vast majority of churches built in during the Middle Ages were constructed of wood, and the twenty seven which still stand are all composed of this building material. These churches are characterized by a nave, or areas surrounding the front alter, with a raised center that is supported by free-standing posts. The basilica, or large, rectangular area at the front of the building where those in attendance sit, is constructed with a “notched-log technique” (p.192-194). This means that the entirety of the church is of post and beam construction, which means that the structure is supported by a series of wooden columns and walls in order to create stability, this results in a unique aesthetic characterized by each of the series of the walls, which are incorporated into the design of the slanting roof. In other words, the form of the structure is greatly affected by the techniques used to create stability. Each of the small walls or rows of wooden columns was covered by a diagonal series of beams, which supported part of the roof. Due to the fact that these supporting walls were not as tall as the central part of the building, which was intentional so as to create a steeple-shape for the central part, the exterior of the building looks to have a very high, narrow, steep roof. This resulted in what appears from the outside to be layered roofs, not entirely dissimilar to some architecture seen in other parts of the world. During the past few centuries, many of these structures were altered either due to repairs or as additions to the older structure. For example, many were said to have been altered in the seventeenth century to have a bell tower or had additions put on so that it took on a cruciform shape (p. 192,194-196). The interior of these churches was originally rectangular in shape, with a door at one of the narrow ends, which was opposite the main altar that was located in the nave. The nave was probably the oldest part of the church and the rest of the room was built as a series of additions starting in the middle ages. During the past few decades, these churches have been repaired as well as the site of thorough archaeological excavations. These have revealed that many of these current structures date back to at least the eleventh century, and that they may have been constructed from reused materials from older buildings that stood there (p.197-200). In fact, it is theorized that these structures may have incorporated many design elements of as well as the actual structure of older, pre-Christian temples. This implies that these temples may illustrate the transition from the worship of Norse gods to the embrace of Christianity.

This blog entry is my 3rd Encounter Project: Architecture.

Source:
Christie, Hakon, " World Archaeology: Lom Stave Church," Archaeology and Religion, Vol. 10, No.2. (Oct., 1978), p. 192-203.