Traditional Architecture, Design and Documentation



Monday, June 20, 2011

Romanesque Revival Architecture Inspires St. Paul Design

Construction on St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville, Ohio is nearly complete.


St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio, designed by David Meleca


David Meleca's design inspiration for the 38,000 square foot church came from Romanesque Revival architecture, also known as the Richardsonian Romanesque style, named after architect Henry Hobson Richardson.  

Norman architecture, a Romanesque style, primarily English -  is another example of work which influenced Meleca's design.   This YouTube video of the Norman Chapel at the Tower of London shows similar rounded arches over windows and doorways.


One book Meleca sourced was "Henry Hobson Richardson, A Genius for Architecture".   Richardson's R. and F. Cheney Building, in Hartford, Connecticut influenced the exterior styling of St. Paul's.  You can see similarity in the arches over the windows. 

R & F Cheney Building, Hartford Connecticut, designed by H.H. Richardson
 


St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio, designed by David Meleca


St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio, designed by David Meleca


Romanesque Revival is inspired from the Romanesque style.  Unlike the Romanesque style though, Romanesque Revival buildings feature more simplified arches and windows. 



The interior features similar arches and columns throughout.  Meleca wanted to create an inviting liturgical space, similar to the feel of St. Therese's Retreat Center in Columbus, Ohio.



St. Therese's Retreat Center, Columbus, Ohio

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio designed by David Meleca


Color and detail recommendations for the mural behind St. Paul's altar, designed by EverGreene Architectural Arts out of New York City, was inspired from St. Pankraz Innen Church in Germany.




St. Pankraz Innen, Germany



Mural behind Altar - St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio



Mural - St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio


Mural - St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio
 




4 comments:

  1. St. Pankratius (less formal "St. Pankraz") is the parish church in the town of Isselburg-Anholt, Germany. "Innen" simply means "inside". :)

    Beautiful architecture, all of it - thank you for the photographs!

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  2. just looks fake. Sad.

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  3. My friend mentioned to me your blog, so I thought I’d read it for myself. Very interesting insights, will be back for more! Andy

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  4. Very interesting, I can definitely see the similarities between the two.

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