Final answer:
Hagia Sophia is architecturally innovative due to its dome supported by pendentives. The architects aimed to create a grand and awe-inspiring interior with the use of marble, mosaics, and precious materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hagia Sophia is renowned for its architectural innovations. One notable feature is the dome, which is an engineering marvel. The dome is supported by arches, called pendentives, which transfer the weight of the dome to the four massive piers. This allowed for a larger and more open interior space.
The architects of Hagia Sophia aimed to create a sense of grandeur and awe in the interior space. The use of marble, mosaics, and precious materials like gold transformed the interior into a lavish and dazzling display of Byzantine art and architecture. The dome also helped to create a sense of height and spaciousness, further enhancing the overall effect.