Roman#1

Roman Architecture Overview

  • Presenter: Ar. Marites G. Balmas, UAP, MSCM, REB, REA

Learning Objectives

  • Understand and categorize major texts and masterpieces of Classical Architecture.

  • Distinguish and apply fundamental design principles including design, proportion, optical corrections, and Classical Orders in their structures and settlement planning.

  • Focus on Roman Architecture.

Geographical Context

  • Rome's Influence:

    • Central position in Italy and the Mediterranean facilitated the spread of civilization.

    • Acted as an intermediary in disseminating culture across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.

Methods of Expansion

  • The Romans extended their influence primarily through conquest rather than colonization.

Geological Resources

  • Materials Used in Roman Architecture:

    • Common materials included marble, terra-cotta, stone, brick, travertine, tufa, and peperino.

    • Availability of volcanic materials like lava and pozzolana contributed to the durability of Roman structures.

  • Pozzolana:

    • A siliceous material that reacts chemically with slaked lime, forming slow-hardening cement when mixed with concrete.

Construction Techniques

  • Walls constructed with concrete, usually faced with decorative materials (e.g., brick, stone, alabaster).

  • Roman architecture adapted materials according to regional availability, favoring concrete alongside brick and stone casing.

Climate Considerations

  • Regional Climate:

    • North Italy: temperate

    • Central Italy: sunny and genial

    • South Italy: tropical conditions

Religious Influences

  • Roman Religion:

    • Adoption of Greek gods; significant emphasis on rituals rather than personal belief.

    • Temples seen as homes of gods; worship occurred outside these structures.

    • The state policy favored the emperor over traditional gods.

    • Polytheism and cult practices influenced religious architecture.

Historical Context

  • Political Structure:

    • Established as a constitutional republic.

    • Key figures: Consuls, military dictators.

    • Expansion reached its peak under Emperor Trajan (114 AD).

    • Latin established as the official language.

Roman Kingdom

  • Monarchy:

    • Historical kings include Romulus, Numa Pompilius, and others.

  • All kings post-Romulus were elected by the senate.

The Republic

  • Power dynamics involving consuls, dictators, and a divided senate structure (patricians vs. plebeians).

Architectural Characteristics

  • Emphasis on monumental public buildings and advanced building services (water supply, heating, plumbing).

  • Shift towards shaping interior space; interiors became as impressive as exteriors.

Influential Emperors

  • Julius Caesar: Established northern frontiers.

  • Caius Octavius/Augustus: Centralized government and expansion of the empire.

  • Subsequent emperors (Tiberius, Caligula, Nero, Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian) contributed significantly to architecture and politics.

Architectural Features

  • Adoption of the Columnar and trabeated style influenced by Greek architecture, with new developments like the Arch and Vault.

  • Introduction of Tuscan and Composite orders as a fourth and fifth style in architecture.

Comparative Analysis: Roman vs Greek Architecture

  • Romans utilized the arch for structural support, focusing on utility, and employed columns mainly decoratively.

  • Greek architecture emphasized singular stories and aesthetic considerations.

Specific Architectural Concepts

  • Tuscan Order: Simplified version of Doric, typically unfluted with a plain entablature.

  • Composite Order: Merges elements of Ionic and Corinthian styles.

  • Named construction techniques like Opus Quadratum, Opus Reticulatum, and Opus Incertum reflect Roman innovations in masonry and design.

Vaults and Arches in Roman Architecture

  • Types of vaults include Wagons, Cross Vaults, Semi-domes, and Hemispherical Domes used to create expansive interiors.

  • Pantheon: An example of a hemispherical dome reflecting advancements in Roman engineering.

Buttress Types in Roman Architecture

  • Niche, Spur, and Pinnacle buttresses used for structural support and to manage loads effectively.

Analytical Task

  • Students will analyze the Pantheon or Colosseum, considering various historical, geographical, geological, political, religious, social, and climatic influences on design.

Conclusion

  • Roman architecture is characterized by its innovative techniques, extensive use of concrete, and incorporation of diverse cultural influences from conquered territories.