Ancient World Civilizations – Ancient and Modern Architecture Assignment: The Pantheon Porch in Rome and the Wentworth Hall Entrance Introduction Ancient architecture and building designs continue to inspire and influence modern building designs for various reasons including aesthetic appreciation of ancient art and historical recognition of civilizations, etc. Two buildings that will be compared are: The Pantheon Porch in Rome and The Wentworth Hall Entrance. The Pantheon Porch in Rome was constructed during 27BC – 14 AD (Mark & Hutchinson 1986). It was further commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus.
However, it was left incomplete. It was later completed by Hadrian in 126 AD (Mark & Hutchinson 1986). Second building that we will compare from modern era is the Wentworth Hall Entrance. The Wentworth Hall is the Administration block of Wentworth Institute of Technology. The comparison of these buildings will help us understand how ancient architecture and art, especially of Greek civilization have continued to inspire us on the basis of aesthetics, uniqueness and attractiveness. Analysis of the Pantheon Porch in Rome The Roman Pantheon is a standout amongst the most saved and powerful buildings of ancient Rome.
It contains a huge number of architectural achievements. These incorporate the oculus, and the dome itself (Mark & Hutchinson 1986). This fantastic contribution to Roman culture lead to their urbanization, its impact on societies is pervasive even right up ’til the present time and is a widely acclaimed landmark (Mark & Hutchinson 1986). The Pantheon in Rome was the best and absolute best of the roundabout sanctuaries. It is a Roman sanctuary committed to every one of the gods of pagan Rome. The materials utilized as a part of the making of this artful culmination were lighter and fresher.
There was exceptional point of interest in the principle building, including the dome and oculus (Mark 1990). The utilization of the dome on top was to a great degree advanced in that time period and had never been seen. In the construction of the Pantheon, the dividers were brick confronted concrete; in the lower levels, where quality and steadiness was required (Mark 1990). The concrete contained exchange layers of chunks of travertine and tufa, and as they rose and required helping the travertine was supplanted by a broken brick. Furthermore, the structure of the Pantheon is contained a progression of arches (Mark 1990).
The arches lay on eight wharfs which bolster eight round-headed arches which gone through the drum from its inward to its external arches relate to the eight straights on the floor level that house statues (Mark 1990). The dome is bolstered by a progression of arches that run on a level plane round. Romans had culminated the utilization of arches which supported the heaviness of their intricate buildings. The inside outline of the Roman Pantheon is an amalgamation of custom and advancement. The measurements of the inside stature and the width of the dome are the same.
The architect did this intentionally to demonstrate the agreement of the building (Mark & Hutchinson 1986). The marble finish that we see today on the inside was generally included later. Be that as it may, the Roman Pantheon in its present state permits us a look into the wonderful and staggering universe of Roman architecture. The dome would have been plated to resemble the grand circle of the considerable number of gods that the name Pantheon brings out (Mark & Hutchinson 1986). No oculus had even challenged approach in size to the one in the Pantheon.
It is still lined with the first Roman bronze and is the primary wellspring of light for the entire building. As the earth turns the light streams into circle the inside making the viewer mindful of the heavenliness of the universe. The oculus was never secured and rain falls into the inside and keeps running off the somewhat convex floor to the as yet working Roman drainpipes underneath. The Pantheon has since artifact been utilized to rouse craftsmen amid the Renaissance and additionally turn into the tomb for imperative figures in Italian history (Mark & Hutchinson 1986).
Analysis of Wentworth Hall Entrance The building of Wentworth Entrance Hall can be compared to the Pantheon; Rome is several ways. One of the most apparent similarity between the two is the architectural design. The ntrance Hall has very similar columns, pillars and arches that makes it almost the exact copy of the Pantheon, Rome. Furthermore, the intrinsic details of the columns, doors and ceiling are also inspired by Greek architectural patterns and designs. The triangular sloped roof, however, is not exactly like that of Pantheon.
Instead it is more inspired by contemporary British style of roof designs. Such roof style, in contemporary architecture, is made to let the snow in winters or rainwater to flow down from the roof. It protects the insulation of the building. Another contrast between the two buildings is regarding the combination of material used for the exterior. In Pantheon, the columns, arches and pillars were made of concrete bricks and wood. Engraved concrete slabs were used for patterns. Similar material is used in Wentworth Hall with the exception of wood.
It using tinted glass to close the corridors that were left open in the ancient building probably for ventilation. Another difference between the two buildings is that the Pantheon was built is greater elevation with several hundred steps to reach it. While the Wentworth Hall has a basement and very few, smaller steps as the foundation. However, there exist certain symbolic influences of the Greek architecture as well. For instance, the Pantheon was powerhouse of all gods at its time. Academically, the Wentworth Hall is also the center of power of the university i. e. the Administration block.
Conclusion Critically evaluating the similarities and contrasts between the two buildings, it can be said that there are several ways in which ancient buildings inspire the modern architecture such as the use of material, design patterns, art and historic symbolism. These elements of Pantheon from ancient Rome also inspired the building of Wentworth Hall. However, certain modifications were made considering the contemporary demands and requirements. I believe the major reason that the modern architecture is inspired by ancient is the aesthetic appeal and the historical symbolism of the art.
