The Specifics of Examination of Basilian Monastic Complexes as an Architectural and Spatial Phenomenon

Abstract

The replication of architectural and spatial design of the Order of Saint Basil the Great monasteries in Western Ukraine cannot be addressed within a single scientific hypothesis focused on the unity of imagery, planning, and function. The architectural and spatial arrangement of the Basilian monasteries in Western Ukraine emerges as a non-homogenous fragmented phenomenon, which should be investigated with regard to chronological distinctions. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for the examination of the OSBM monastic complexes considering a variety of factors that have influenced the appearance, dissemination, growth, and disappearance of the Basilian centres. The general methodological approaches of the study are historical, morphological, culturological, and systemic. In addition, the following general scientific methods of inquiry were used: an examination of literature and documents, corpus, description, statistical method, analysis and synthesis, comparison, abstractisation, concretization, generalisation, and systematisation (classification and typology). Thus, five territorial and chronological scenarios have been highlighted within the Basilian architectural legacy in Western Ukraine. A relatively small number of papers dedicated to the design and planning aspects of the development of the Order of Saint Basil the Great monasteries are retroactive. Upon analysing the Basilian legacy in Western Ukraine, the material has been divided into three historical waves related to the development of monastic complexes. The authors of the paper have outlined the commonality of morphological features, dominant stylistics, and layout plans to examine the Order of Saint Basil the Great monasteries as an architectural and historical phenomenon. One important aspect of the subject is an interpretation of monastic complexes that factors modern conditions like the comfort of living, economic activities, organisation of mass prayers, the development of tourist infrastructure, etc. Therefore, a study of similar theoretical approaches to the functioning and interpretation of monastic complexes helped to outline three types of their interpretation in the modern context