THE PANTHEON.
History and Interior Design Significance.
In earlier times, many great architectural monuments, buildings, and constructions have been found, of which one of the most number of records, and the best preserved is The Pantheon — the eighth wonder of the ancient world, located in Rome, Italy. As the name suggests, “Pan” — everything and “theon” — divine, this was a temple dedicated to Roman gods. The name however was derived from Greek.
It was originally built between 25 and 27 B.C by Agrippa, ( Greek style temple and rectangular in plan), However, was rebuilt again in 80 A.D, due to a fire invasion, but it caught fire again and was rebuilt under the orders of Emperor Domitian (ruled 81–96 C.E.). Later, it was then rebuilt under the supervision of Emperor Hadrian, an eclectic genius who preserved exotic taste.
Today, we realize that Agrippa’s original plan was not a small rectangular temple. Rather it contained distinct features of the current building, such as a portico (with tall columns), and a rotunda (circular hall), along with a pediment, all in similar dimensions to the current formation of the building.
The Pantheon combines a Roman cylindrical structure with a splendid Greek-inspired exterior colonnade. Pantheon also stands out because it represents the true Cultural Revolution, it was the first place/temple open for the public to worship.
Analyzing the design elements and principles in Pantheon, we come across how the greatness of this temple mainly comes (emphasis) from its potent dome (a 3d form), made up of bricks, also they built the dome using single casting of concrete done in subsequent layers. They used lighter stones to make the concrete lighter until it reached the highest point. Gradually we find a mixture of lighter stones with some heavy ones as we progress upwards. The top layer of the dome however was made with a lighter-weight stone — pumice. The dome structure comprehends the effective use of radial balance.
{Texture | Shape | Form | Emphasis | Balance (radial) covered above}
At the entrance of the pantheon, we spot certain types of columns. A column is a linear element (vertical lines), and an upright beam. It has a lot of compression/weight on it, the distance also when placing columns should be kept in mind, as the distance serves as a basis for the foundation. Here we have three types of columns used in this architecture, which are composed of three main sections;
Column Sections:
- The base — rests on a round or square base.
- The shaft — determines the length of columns, which can vary, it can be fluted, have featured carved designs, or can be smooth.
- The Capital — the top of the column, can be decorative or simple, and the capital is from where we can differentiate between the three types of columns; Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
Column Types:
- Doric — are the simplest.
- Ionic — have grooved patterns carved into them from top to bottom, they give a more slender look and have an appearance of straightness, which derives from their curvature (when looked at from a distance it appears as straight).
- Corinthian — this one is the most decorative of all three, it also uses the same properties as ionic, giving the appearance of straightness from afar. Corinthian have decorations such as flowers and leaves.
We can visualize how effectively the use of interior study principles and elements has been applied to this breathtaking temple. The columns serve as a means of balance (symmetrical) and have repetition, which in turn also creates rhythm through its placement in the portico area, as well as noting down the importance of measurements, scale, and proportion. It also creates contrast when it comes to the base, shaft, and capital within the columns, having textured elements as such decorations of leaves and flowers, having patterns.
Moreover, we find different shapes such as round or squares. Needless to mention the columns by itself is a clear example of the effective use of vertical lines. The Corinthian columns were transported from Egypt.
{Lines | Contrast | Texture | Balance | Symmetry | Repetition | Rhythm | Proportion | Scale | Shape covered above}
Observing the remarkable size of this temple, we have about 142 feet (43 metres) in diameter, and it rises to a height of 71 feet (22 metres) above its base. It has a lot of movements for people to roam around as well as to worship peacefully.
{Size | Movement & Space covered above}
When it comes to the oculus or an eye (in Latin), its purpose is to let the light into the pantheon, it’s about 30 feet across, symbolically representing an eye of the space facing towards the sky. It’s pleasing to look at, boosts mood, creates positivity, and also gives feels of paradise. Hence we have huge amounts of natural light in here, and there is no other source of light for the pantheon other than oculus.
Additionally, the oculus gives direct natural sunlight depending on time, the color differs along with its value. In the exterior of the Pantheon, we have a huge sky — blue color representing open space, intuition, imagination, freedom, inspiration, sincerity, wisdom, faith, etc. Viewing the interior we can witness Phrygian Purple — royalty, nobility, luxury, power, etc. Numidian Yellow — full of hope, positivity, happiness etc. Grey Granite — neutrality, balance, etc., and Red Porphyry — health, life, courage, religious fervor, etc.
{Color & Value covered above, Harmony & Unity covered below}
All of these above-mentioned principles and elements make up the Pantheon as a whole (unity) and create harmony in the architecture in a very good manner.
Throughout the centuries, the great Pantheon in Rome was closed and used as a church. It undoubtedly has suffered several natural disasters, as such floods and earthquakes, but due to its hard-core structure has survived all till today, and is in total intact. It’s a tremendous place for tourists and a remarkable structure in the history of architecture.
