Original architectural concept and design proposal for a Neo-Byzantine superstructure, if ever completed would be the largest Church of all Eastern Christendom. Championing the revisiting of past archaeological typologies (in this case late Byzantine 6th century ad) in fusion with futuristic machine-age elements (rather than despite) to create new and innovative design through diachronic harmony is my inspiration. My design, named 'St Theodore's Cathedral' (a pivotal saint in the Eastern Orthodox tradition), is a fusion of Late Byzantine archaeological typology and Futuristic Machine-Age motifs. I'm a great admirer of the Late Byzantine structures of the Eastern Roman Empire, the architecture and archaeological typology has a timeless futuristic (almost Organic Alien) quality with all the organic domes/curves and geometric motifs, whilst retaining a rustic ancient feel (heavy stone masonry, vaulted entablature, gilded metals etc). The aesthetic dichotomy between rustic ancient realism/futuristic innovative technology is apt here in my idea, now with the introduction of internal steel frames and the intricate stone masonry resting upon these beams, far greater and ambitious monumental architecture in both the exterior/interior can be realised surpassing earlier Byzantine examples. Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles who worked on Byzantine 'Hagia Sophia' had to utilise two semi-domes and buttresses to hold a fairly modest central dome, here in comparison the dome is over quadruple the size upon an octagonal central-domed pendentive resting on a sea of ornate semi-domes/lesser domes made able by both traditional buttresses and importantly columns of steel-frames ensconced within marble stone masonry (akin to skyscraper technology), thus giving a sense of harmony and weightlessness both in the interior and exterior. Everything in my architectural design including every single one of the hundreds of Corinthian columns and domes and stone masonry are designed totally from scratch by myself, using high frequency polygons for accuracy and unsurpassed detail. The four main arches holding the majority of the weight are held up by eight towers, themselves consisting of multiple Corinthian columns and Byzantine marbled geometric motifs, counterbalanced by the flying-buttresses externally on all sides at the base. This colossal mountain of stone masonry and craftsmanship would be an imposing feature in any modern metropolis, attempting to portray the monumental nature and purpose of the build, seen here competing in scale with St. Peter's Basilica in the Western tradition or even Ulm Minster. Entire Architectural design and animation all created by Christopher Antoniou ©. “ARCHAEO RECONSTRUCTIONS”: I CREATE QUALITY FULL HD ANIMATIONS AND DESIGNS BOTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND GENERAL, AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FOR ANYONE INCLUDING PRODUCERS AND EDUCATORS. YOU MAY CONTACT ME FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS. EMAIL: christopherantoniouwork@gmail.com

Comments

1. “ARCHAEO RECONSTRUCTIONS”: I CREATE QUALITY FULL HD ANIMATIONS AND DESIGNS BOTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND GENERAL, AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FOR ANYONE INCLUDING PRODUCERS AND EDUCATORS. YOU MAY CONTACT ME FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS. SEE THE "ARCHAEO RECONSTRUCTIONS" YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR SAMPLES.