Ancient Rome

Although the Romans borrowed many architectural elements from the Greeks, they are responsible for one of the most valuable materials still widely used today- concrete. With the invention of concrete, the Romans were able to take their already impressive structures to the next level, like they did with the Pantheon. The Pantheon's use of concrete has allowed it to stand the test of time, one of the best preserved buildings from ancient civilization. Also, the Pantheon's domed roof is the largest still standing (out of domes that have not used reinforced concrete).

The Pantheon's domed roof isn't even visible from outside the building when up close. 

But upon entering the Pantheon, people get to see this majestic coffered dome roof, with an oculus that is 27 feet in diameter. 

One of my favorite modern day applications of the dome- The Reichstag Dome located in Berlin, Germany. With it's glass panels, it allows for a 360* view of the city of Berlin.

So, we all know the Romans were capable of really amazing public structures, but how did they live? Well, if you were a wealthy farmer, or a nobleman you most likely lived in a villa, which would be located in the country

or a domus, which would be located in the city.

But for the average Roman laborer, living conditions were less than ideal. Most citizens lived in what was called an insula, which has a structure akin to modern day apartments but with deplorable conditions. Although Romans made plumbing available, it was usually limited to the stores and specialty shops located on the ground floor of the insula, and maybe went up to the second floor if it was being occupied by a more wealthy family. The higher up one traveled in the insula, the worse the conditions. And although there were restrictions on how many stories Roman buildings could be made up of, often times those restrictions were ignored and made for structurally unsound buildings which were susceptible to collapse and an extreme fire hazard.

Cutaway example of an insula. 

Although the United States has done its part to rid itself of slum living conditions, unfortunately many people the world over still live in insula-like conditions across the world. 

 Slum apartment in Mumbai.

Other Blogs- I looked at Chanel's blog for ancient Rome and found it really interesting that she made the connection between Insulas and cruise ships! I wouldn't have even though about that on my own. I just thought about the connection between modern day apartment buildings but that was neat. Also, in Emily P.'s blog, she compared the insulas to the housing in uptown Normal which was another creative modern day application. With many of the storefronts on the first floor and housing above, this is a perfect example. She also found a modern day compluvium which is awesome! That's definitely something I wouldn't have thought to incorporate into design today but might have to give it a try in one of my next projects!