Yet the columns are unfluted and the entasis is such that its curve becomes flatter toward the ends of each column shaft, a rather baroque quality. Continuing the classical tradition, the porch with towering, vertical forms features multi-leaved Corinthian capital, the corner columns are slightly thicker than the others, and there are many additional perspective correction in the carved detail of the marble entablature, recalling the visual correction in the Parthenon of Acropolis. Originally raised above ground level, the porch resembling that of commonplace Roman temple is originally preceded by a flight of five steps. The approach to the building is commonplace: a long and narrow closed forum, at the south end of which stood a temple front created as a conservative gesture to satisfy the traditional expectations of what a temple ought to look like.

The building, completed in 128 CE, consists of three divisions of space-the more traditional columnar porch visible to the approaching visitors, the unconventional and innovative gigantic domed rotunda which most likely would be an astonishment to the spectators of its time, and the rectangular form which have been introduced as a transitional space between the porch and the rotunda. Pantheon, with its revolutionary design, serves as a premium exemplar of the Roman architecture of Hadrianic times where the grand traditions of trabeated classical architecture are brought together with the more youthful vaulted style.

This paper discusses the Pantheon by analyzing the architecture from various aspects such as its three distinctive spaces and the experience they brings, the lighting of the interior, innovation such as coffering, the skillful use of concrete, and the RomanвЂ™s attempt to conceal the construction.ДЇurthermore, the potential meanings and implications are evaluated by formal analysis and looking at the cultural context of the empire.

Its alcoves held Raphael and his fiancГ©e, Arcangelo Corelli, and several Italian kings and queens.The pantheon is an artistic and imaginative blend of three major architectural focus: the unification of traditional temple form and the new domed space, the technical development of concrete constructions, and the tendency to obscure construction and structural elements. 4 Over its lengthy history, the Pantheon has been the final resting place for many prominent individuals. These spaces would have been areas to place sculptures and other works of art in antiquity, but have since been converted into chapels and tombs. The walls of the structure accommodate seven alcoves (recesses) that span across the entire perimeter. The ground pavement continues the theme with squares and roundels of colored marble that activate the environment. 3В Unlike the columns on the monumentвЂ™s porch, the Corinthian columns that line the Rotunda's perimeter are fluted, thus providing the area with an elaborate visual appeal. Rich colors swirl around the massive space: Phyrgian purple, Numidian yellow, grey granite, and red porphyry create the walls, pavement, and decorative features of the PantheonвЂ™s interior. The walls of the Rotunda and the floor, showing the interplay between the various colored marbles that decorate the area.ДЄfter passing through the portico and the huge bronze doors, you enter into the Rotunda. The oculus would allow the moonlight to illuminate the Rotunda and onto the bronze accents - the reflected light would have glittered like stars against the sapphire ceiling.Д¬lick to see a virtual reconstruction of the Pantheon created byВ IDIA Lab at Ball State University. 2В During the day, the sunlight would showcase the rotundaвЂ™s decorative grandeur at night, the cupola would become an awe-inspiring metaphor for the night sky.

Historians speculate that the ceiling was originally colored in dark blue with bronze accents on the coffers. Though the cupola is currently covered in grey-toned plaster, the ceiling would have been much different in antiquity. 1В As the coffers progress upwards, they decrease in size, exaggerating the height of the ceiling that visuallly towers into the distance. The interior of the concrete cupola is decorated with 5 rows of 28 coffers that culminate at the oculus. The view provides a sense of the coffering on the ceiling, decreasing in size.

Pantheon architect