There is a rule mostly used in composing pictures and videos called the rule of thirds, which makes the work more appealing to the human eye by off-centering the subject of the image. this can also be used by artists. imagine 2 vertical lines going down the image, creating 3 equal sections. when using the rule of thirds, the subject is placed on one of the lines instead of in the center
The basilica was typically placed at the apse. This was the location in which the elders and clergy led their services. The altar was placed at the eastern end of the construction and the apse typically has a semicircular shape.