CLASSICAL ROME

One thing that is really unique about the architecture of Rome is the use of the arch. Also, using the arch along a corridor creates a barrel vault and in the round creates a dome.

 

Rome used concrete! I think of concrete as primarily a modern building material that is “cheap” and not as regal as marble or stone. However, it makes sense that the discovery of the material for the Romans was monumental and allowed them to create far more than with stone or brick alone.

It's really interesting that the Roman empire used a grid system in creating cities in conquered lands, however Rome itself is considered less "Roman" because its design is much more organic.

When Rome conquered foreign lands, rather than eliminate local culture they recognized that preserving some traditions and customs of the people there would be beneficial. Also, that bringing the advancements achieved by the Roman empire could improve local infrastructure. Therefore, in many Roman colonies you would find bathhouses which would appeal to the local population.

I found it really interesting that there are classifications of the types of paintings one would find in classical Rome.

• Mimicking materials such as marble.

• Mimicking architectural construction, and enhanced with perspective and shading.

• Unbuildable or fantastical architecture, and landscapes. Related to Republican Rome – Augustus and Tiberius.

• Representational or large scenes, or vistas. Related to the reign of Claudius.

Influence on Modern Design

The elements of design that we see in Classical Rome have had major influences on modern culture. Two examples of this are the modern domes, and the use of concrete in large-scale applications. The dome shown below tests the limits of modern materials - which is the exact thing that the designers of the Pantheon were doing. 

Also, while concrete is a utilitarian substance in modern building, it is also used in decorative ways as well, just as it was in the ceiling of the Pantheon.