VPHA46H3 Lecture Notes - Zhao Mengfu, Sacramental Wine, Umayyad Architecture
Document Summary
Entrance porch is made to resemble the fa ade of a typical rectangular roman temple. The circular shape of the building is concealed. Rotunda (circular room) is topped with a huge bowl shaped dome. Oculus, an opening in the center of the dome, creates a sense of open space. Gives people the impression that they can rise and commune with the cosmos. Some see the pantheon as the climax of the spatial experimentation and audacity that are hallmarks of roman imperial architecture. Coffers (recessed ceiling panels) help lighten the weight of the masonry and may once have contained gilded bronze rosettes or stars suggesting the heavens. Maxentius ordered the repair of many buildings in rome and had others built during his short reign. Emperor"s marble head came from an awe-inspiring statue of the seated emperor. Reminder of his imperial power when he himself was unable to be present. Last important imperial government building erected in rome itself.
