The Influence of Ancient Roman Architectural Design
The ancient Roman architectural design has played a key role in shaping the modern outlook of structures and building designs across the globe. The design borrowed heavily from that of ancient Greece with an addition modification from the Roman style. The efficiency and durability of the ancient Roman buildings were reinforced by the presence of a strong functional government which had adequate resources to transport material and manpower across the land. Most of the earliest architectural designs in western Europe borrowed their designs from the ancient Roman empire. However, the ancient Roman people in an attempt to flex their muscles and spread civilization adopted new techniques and material in their buildings as evidenced during the Augustan era. The ancient Roman architectural designs largely echoed their might and cultural superiority across Europe. The ancient Roman architectural design is a combination of the renowned architects, the techniques employed and the general artistic building designs which also echoed their cultural and religious affiliations in relation to the rest of the world.
The Use of High-Quality Materials in Ancient Roman Structures
The ancient Roman structures were outstanding because of the heavy investment of the material and technique applied which were of a high quality (Ulrich & Caroline p.113). Marble was a stone of aesthetic value in ancient Rome and hence was widely used and mostly reserved for imperial buildings. The Romans had marble located in Tuscany Italy even though they also outsourced from other parts of the world like in North Africa, Egypt, and Turkey among other places. However, the material from abroad was specially fitted in their buildings and was strategically used because of the expenses that were involved in the transportation process. There is also evidence of the widespread use of lime which was mainly obtained from Tivoli. The ancient Roman architects liked this component because it was easy to use and could support great loads of weight at the same time. Some of the most common use for lime in ancient Rome was to paved doors and window frames as we as its application to doorsteps.
The Importance of Concrete and Bricks in Ancient Roman Architecture
Due to their creativity and agility, the ancient Romans later moved from the lime mortar which they were used for construction and stated producing concrete which they later embraced as a key ingredient in construction (Ulrich & Carolinep.150). Later the ancient Romans started using concrete made from volcanic sand as evidenced in long-lasting buildings like, the sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia which is located at Palestrina. In addition to concrete, bricks also slowly found a place in the architectural design of ancient Rome as they had numerous functions and possibilities in construction alongside concrete.
The Renowned Architects of Ancient Rome
Although the main emphasis in the ancient Roman architecture was placed on who financed the project as opposed to who carried out the construction, the ancient Roman architectures were iconic. An example is Apollodorus who hailed from Damascus and was specialized in the construction of bridges. He equally was responsible for the completion of Trajan's famous bath projects that were constructed between 105-109 C.E. Wilson (p.167) states that, Vitruvius is also one of the renowned ancient architects in ancient Rome as he worked for influential leaders like Julius Caesar and Augustus in addition to spearheading the construction of a basilica located in Fano. Historically, Vitruvius was also responsible for the inclusion of an aspect of ethos in the ancient Roman architectural designs. The main emphasis and measure of the ancient Roman buildings was beauty, durability, and utility among other things which echoed on the Roman superiority in architectural designs.
Examples of Ancient Roman Architectural Designs
Examples of the ancient Roman buildings include aqueducts and bridges that were designed with complete tiers which aided in the channeling of water from far or nearby sources. The most visible examples include the Aqua Appia and the Pont du Gard which is located near Nimes. It is believed that the Pont du Gard was constructed at about 14 C.E. The Tagus bridge at Alcantara that spans over 30 meters long is an examples of some ancient Roman bridges constructed before 110 C.E. Basilica's like the Severan basilica were designed to hold large gatherings even though the churches took over the basilicas for religious functions. The standard construction of a basilica comprised of columns, piers and aisles and a gallery on the first floor that facilitated the occupation by large gatherings. The baths, on the other hand, were constructed using domes, buttresses, and arches. The baths were sometimes fully fitted with heating pipes like the terracotta pipings, hot and cold rooms and libraries among other accessories (Gabucci, Hartmann, and Peccatori p.126). The Caracalla baths located at the heart of Rome are classical examples of the baths. Private homes were equally common among the affluent people in Rome and hence they included, gardens, peristyles, and atriums that were the preferable designs. The theatres and the amphitheaters primarily borrowed from the Greek even though their orchestras were made of stone and were semi-circular in shape. Later different designs that include statues, pediments and projections were added to the previous designs of the theatres. Some other ancient Roman iconic architectural designs include wall designs like the military structures and the triumphal arches among other designs.
The Enduring Significance of Ancient Roman Architectural Designs
It is evident that the ancient Roman architectural designs have stood the test of time and presented the contemporary architects with a high standard of construction. The ancient Roman architectural designs particularly stand out because of they have transformed the rigid law of physics into an art which mimics their architectural designs and techniques. The use of the various materials and the renowned architectures further prove the point that the ancient Romans were not only superior in culture but stood out of from the rest of the world. The material used and the techniques employed by the ancient Roman architect has truly revolutionized the world's thinking and perception in matters pertaining to construction and architectural designs.
Works cited
Gabucci, Ada, T M. Hartmann, and Stefano Peccatori. Ancient Rome: Art, Architecture and History. Los Angeles, Calif: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2002. Print.
Ulrich, Roger B, and Caroline K. Quenemoen. A Companion to Roman Architecture., 2013.
Wilson, Jones M. Principles of Roman Architecture. New Haven, Conn. [u.a.: Yale Univ. Press, 2000. Print.
