DIENTZENHOFER, Johann

German architect, part of the Dientzenhofer family of architects. Johann was responsible for the cathedralGLOSSARYThe principal church of a province or diocese, where the throne of the bishop is placed. For reasons lost to time and tradition, a cathedral always faces west - toward the setting sun. The altar is placed at the east end. The main body, or nave, of the cathedral is usually divided into one main and two side aisles. These lead up to the north and south transepts, or arms of the cross, the shape in which a cathedral is usually formed. and palace in Fulda, and the imposing palace at Pommersfelden; he was appointed Bamberg court architect after his brother Leonhard's death, and built the church at Banz.

Johann, the only brother to receive a formal architectural education, later traveled to Rome for further study. At Banz, he employed transverse ovals, curved entablatures and vaultGLOSSARYA roof or ceiling whose structure is based on the arch. There are a wide range of forms, including the barrel (or tunnel) vault, formed by a continuous semi-circular arch; the groin vault, formed when two barrel vaults intersect; and the rib vault, consistong of a framework of diagonal ribs supporting interlocking arches. The development of the various forms was of great structural and aesthetic importance in the development of church architecture during the Middle Ages. ribs, and narrow and wide bays arranged in counterpoint to the vaults, to develop a range of spatial possibilities. The distinctive feature of the great palace at Pommersfelden is its dominant, projecting centre, which contains a grand staircase and imperial hall above. This architectonicGLOSSARYRelating to structure, design, or organization. assertion of ritual and prestige would resonate in Middle European palace architecture, as at Neumann's Würzburg Residenz.