Final answer:
The architectural plan of the Hagia Sophia combines elements of both the basilica-plan and central-plan type churches. It features a rectangular shape with an aisle leading to an apse and incorporates a large, innovative dome. The dome is symbolically important, representing the connection between earth and sky.
Step-by-step explanation:
The architectural plan of the Hagia Sophia combines elements of both the basilica-plan and central-plan type churches. In terms of the basilica-plan, the Hagia Sophia follows the layout of a rectangular building with a door at one end leading down an aisle to the apse. It also incorporates elements of the central-plan type churches, with its emphasis on a central dome.
Some of the main design elements of the Hagia Sophia that relate it to the architectural precedents of basilica-plan churches include its rectangular shape, the presence of an aisle leading to an apse, and the use of columns. The Hagia Sophia features a central nave with side aisles, similar to the layout of a basilica-plan church.
What is innovative about the Hagia Sophia is its large, soaring dome. The dome of the Hagia Sophia is one of its most iconic features and was a groundbreaking architectural achievement. It is supported by a series of pendentives, which allow the weight of the dome to be evenly distributed to the supporting piers, creating a visually stunning and structurally innovative design.
The use of the dome in the Hagia Sophia is also symbolically important. The dome represents the heavens and serves as a symbol of the connection between earth and sky. It creates a sense of awe and grandeur, inspiring worshippers and emphasizing the importance of the divine presence within the church.