Architectural History and Building Colosseum - Coursework Example

Abstract Emperor Vespasian in AD72 commissioned Colosseum, formerly known as Flavian Amphitheatre. Emperor’s son Titus then improved it, in the AD 80. Colosseum is located in just at the east Roman Forum. There is a top history about Corinthian pilasters and small squares in rotating bays. A combination of type was utilized: travertine in pillars and arcades, tufa infill linking the wall’s piers in the two lower levels, concrete in the foundation and a brick made concrete in the upper levels and in many vaults. During the reign of Emperor Domitian modification on the colosseum were made. Initially, the Colosseum was an entertainment, which later ceased to be earlier in the medieval era. It was reused as housing, workshops and Christian shrines. Due to the uniqueness and stability of the building, the Colosseum has influence the modern architecture in almost all aspects. Modern stadiums are using the Colosseum architectural design to ensure that the stadiums are strong enough to accommodate the maximum number of spectators. The structure of the Colosseum was unlike other Greek theatres built into the hillsides, as it was wholly a freestanding structure (Croci 1996). The outer wall is assumed to have used a thousand cubic meters of travertine set without mortar. For this reason, they were held together by three hundred tons of iron clamps. The influence the material and technology in the design of Colosseum Rome's technological superiority was constituted in the Roman civil and military engineering in which the Colosseum monument remains a testament and icon in the modern architecture. Key words: Colosseum, stadium, Greek Theatres, Roman Architecture, modern architecture The structure of the building Colosseum was unlike other Greek theatres built into the hillsides, as it was wholly a freestanding structure. It gets its structure from the two Roman theatres. The outer wall is assumed to have used a thousand cubic meters of travertine set without mortar. For this reason, they were held together by three hundred tons of iron clamps. The outer wall has got a height of forty-eight meters (Croci 1996). The central arena oval shaped is 87m long and 55m wide. The arcades in the second and third floors framed statutes may be to honor the divinities. There were a two hundred and forty corbels positioned at the top attic .they support the Velariuz that kept the spectator – from and rain. They had canvas-covered and net –like structures made of rope and had a whole at center. These structures covered a range of two-thirds and went down to the center to capture the wind and give a breeze to the spectators (Massazza and Pezzuoli 1982). The vast crowd capacity was essential that the venue was quickly filled, and evacuating was easy .here were eighty entry points at the ground level which seventy-six of them were used by ordinary spectators. The main entrance at the north was reserved for the Roman Emperors while the elite used three other. The four doors were decorated using the stucco relief. Many outer doors have disappeared over time following the collapsing of the perimeter wall where the only existing wall is twenty-three. The materials that were which was to building it were the travertine limestone which was acquired in Tivoli that was located twenty miles away from Rome and was used to build main pillars external wall and ground floor. The influence the material and technology in the design of Colosseum Rome boasted great technical feats by using advancements that were long lost until when they were recovered in the 20th century. The many innovations arise from Greek designs. The technologies were viewed as trade secrets by the artisans. Rome’s technological superiority was constituted in the Roman civil and military engineering in which the Colosseum monument remains a testament. Romans use of concrete started in the third century. The Roman comment was regarded weaker compared to its modern counterpart. The supported a great number of industry, and there were many more industries linked to the games. The colosseum hosted the gladiatorial and other events. There were also shows hosted by private people. This was to portray power and prestige, which were so immense in the population. Natural scenes were also portrayed in the colosseum (Jokilehto 1986). The concrete has improved as years have gone by thanks to the unique recipe of using lime cement pozzolana used to make a sticky paste. Arches roughly existed for four hundred years, but the Romans became the first to use them effectively in the construction of monuments, roads, buildings and bridges (Bredeson 2002). Interpretation of architectural forms In architecture, atmosphere is that sensorial quality that a space emits. Moreover, it is a form of physical perception and is always recognized through sensibility. The atmosphere notion is used to argue that space and structure is designed for people to experience and use. The Roman Colosseum spaces of air are created through a bodily interaction with its architecture. It is considered the most remarkable urban landmark that ever existed in the ancient Rome. The Colosseum did incorporate a good number of outstanding architectural designs, shapes and accomplishments. Its circular shape was symbolic of the Greek architectural masterpiece. Its eighty entrances were also symbolic of security in case of any conflict emanating during the meeting times. Its upper wooden beams were meant to reduce the intensity of heat from without. The sitting area was arranged in terms of the societal status, with the rich people seated closer to the action stage (Welch 2008). Stylistic identification and differentiation The design gives interesting information and facts about Colosseum. This plan was made to draw attention to those who saw its greatness. It symbolized the Romans power for its classical design and architecture. It was meant to convey that Rome was a civilized and great nation. The planning was made with specific effects and roles .the significant role of the design is to provide an arena that was permanent in Rome for hosting entertainment forums for the Romans. The massive structure portrayed wealth, culture, power and might of the Roman Empire and the city of Rome in general. The designing of arches was to display natural progression from plainest and arch. A design feature called velarium was included to provide a covered shade to the audience. It was later extended to include a hypogeum that comprised of two-level subterranean tunnel networks and vertically made shafts to allow access of animals and scenery in the arena. This design provides educational details, information for reference and facts for colleges and school assignments. This Roman monument is also a religious symbol (Karmon 2005). Effects of political, social and ideological development The examination of political motivation during the creation of public buildings it quite necessary to understand the importance of building works to bolster the political status. The seats arrangement in the arena was that the wealthy got seats closer to the emperor. The seats were arranged based on the social classes, age, marital status, gender and race. Those who were wealthy had seats closer to the Emperor or at the same level with him. The social classes among the Romans were highly defined. There existed the elite and the poor in the society. The senatorial classes were permitted to come with their chairs, and the class that followed this was the noble class and the other level was ordinary Romans (Pau and Vestroni 2008). The wealthy people always occupied the lower level while the poor had their place at the upper level. Social groups also had their places in the Colosseum .soldiers on leave, boys with tutors, scribes, priest, heralds and foreign dignitaries. There were inscription to show the already reserved seats. The top level was for the women, slaves and the very poor. There were no seats here and if any, they were wooden benches. Esthetic evaluation/critique of the building’s design In 217, fire caused by lightning destroyed the upper levels made of wood in theatres interior. The damages prior to the fire were repaired in 320.Another significant damage caused by an earthquake accused in 1394.Despite the destruction, the colosseum is still attractive to the on-looker. The end to Gladiatorial games led to the decline of Colosseum. The last match took place during Emperor Honorius’reign. A church was built into the amphitheater though the church did not portray a religious meaning. The building was finally converted into cemetery. The stones after the earthquake were reused to build other structures as hospitals, churches, and palaces .The interior amphitheater was stripped and reused to burn to produce quicklime. A natural disaster such as storm, earthquake, lightening, and fires contribute to declining of the theatre. The colosseum was restored after the destruction during the Theodosius 2 and Valentine. Meaning of the building Colosseum building has significantly changed architectural designs in almost all aspects. For instance, Sound amplification and transmission in modern building has become a significant challenge in architectural designs. The material surface they contain it is still a major threat in matching the materials, shape and the quality of sound you want. This building has been an inspiration to poets, musicians, filmmakers, architects, and artist. In essence, the quality of such a building at such an ancient times did demonstrate the amazing work done by the architects of the time. The building has received praise from many people all around the world. It has played a detrimental role in both the current society and the past moments. Both the emperors and the kings had a close relation to the building, which had a great social significance. It was a key building that did pave way for the modern architectural designs and building (Caneva et al. 2003). Reference list Bredeson, Paul V. 2002. “The Architecture of Professional Development: Materials, Messages and Meaning.” International Journal of Educational Research 37: 661–75. doi:10.1016/S0883-0355(03)00064-8. Caneva, G., A. Pacini, L. Celesti Grapow, and S. Ceschin. 2003. “The Colosseum’s Use and State of Abandonment as Analysed through Its Flora.” International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 51: 211–19. doi:10.1016/S0964-8305(02)00173-7. Croci, Giorgio. 1996. “Il Colosseo TT - The Colosseum.” In IV Simposi Sobre Restauració Monumental: Restaurar O Conservar?: Barcelona-Cardona, Del 17 Al 20 de Novembre de 1993, 103–12. Jokilehto, Jukka. 1986. “A History of Architectural Conservation.” Leonardo. doi:10.1177/146195710000300115. Karmon, David. 2005. “Renaissance Strategies to Protect the Colosseum: Selective Preservation and Reuse.” Future Anterior: Journal of Historic Preservation History, Theory and Criticism 2: 1–9. Massazza, Franco, and Mario Pezzuoli. 1982. “Some Teachings of a Roman Concrete.” In Mortars, Cements and Grouts Used in the Conservation of Historic Buildings = Mortiers, Ciments et Coulis Utilisés Dans La Conservation Des Bâtiments Historiques: Symposium, 3-6.11.1981 Rome, 219–45. Pau, A, and F Vestroni. 2008. “Vibration Analysis and Dynamic Characterization of the Colosseum.” Structural Control & Health Monitoring. Welch, Katherine E. 2008. “The Roman Amphitheatre: From Its Origins to the Colosseum.” Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians 67: 445. Read More