Divide the plan in 4 with a cross centered in the centre of the church. The entrance will be placed on a tip of this cross, and traditionally this point is the west. If we consider this the bottom of the church, the altar will be placed at the top, opposite the main entrance. The position of the altar is between the top wall and the exact centre of the church; normally the older the church, the furthest near the wall will the altar be but this rule is not an absolute rule as some ancient round churches have the altar exactly in the middle. Where possible or where early tradition was respected, a person entering the church will be looking east so the altar will also mark the east.
pulpit
Central planned churches are focused on a large architectural dome. A Roman inspired central plan church will be a large space under a dome with an altar on one side. An elongated central plan church will be cross-shaped, with the dome and altar both centered where the two aisles intersect.
The basilica plan features a rectangular layout with a central nave flanked by side aisles, often culminating in an apse at one end, and may include a transept to create a cross shape. Architectural elements commonly include tall columns, a clerestory for light, and a raised platform for the altar. In contrast, the central church plan typically emphasizes symmetry and geometric shapes, such as circles or squares, often with a dome above the central space. This design focuses on directing attention towards the altar, usually located at the center of the structure.
The focal point of central plan churches was the center, where the main altar was located. These churches typically had a symmetrical layout with space radiating out from the center point. This design allowed for a clear focus on the altar and emphasized the importance of the sacraments and rituals conducted there.
a central-plan church
Divide the plan in 4 with a cross centered in the centre of the church. The entrance will be placed on a tip of this cross, and traditionally this point is the west. If we consider this the bottom of the church, the altar will be placed at the top, opposite the main entrance. The position of the altar is between the top wall and the exact centre of the church; normally the older the church, the furthest near the wall will the altar be but this rule is not an absolute rule as some ancient round churches have the altar exactly in the middle. Where possible or where early tradition was respected, a person entering the church will be looking east so the altar will also mark the east.
A church that has a design with a primary central space surrounded by symmetrical areas around each side. Source: Understanding Art: A Concise History
The Latin cross basilica church plan is characterized by its long central nave, which is flanked by side aisles, leading to a prominent apse at one end. This design allows for a clear procession and emphasizes the altar, typically located within the apse. Additional elements may include a transept that intersects the nave, creating a cross shape, and often a narthex at the entrance. Overall, this layout facilitates both congregation and liturgical functions in a spacious and organized manner.
In a historic floor plan of a church, the area between the altar rail and the pews is a boundary where the floor of the chancel is higher than the floor of the nave. The sanctuary can be the front part of the church where the service is conducted or it can mean the nave and chancel together.
the central open space within the church
the central open space within the church
A church plan in the form of a Greek cross, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length. The Greek-cross plan was widely used in Byzantine architecture and in Western churches inspired by Byzantine Architecture