Influences Of Ancient Architecture Essay 2
Influences Of Ancient Architecture Essay 2Influences Of Ancient Architecture Essay 2This
week you will read about architecture. The lesson includes information on Roman
architecture, which was greatly influenced by the Greeks and Etruscans.Locate at least two
architectural works that were influenced by Greco-Roman architecture. These can be from
any time period after the Greco-Roman period but should be from different periods
themselves (e.g., one from Renaissance and one from Baroque). Then address the
following:What is the function of each structure?How does each work exhibit influence of
the Greco-Roman period? Is the influence specifically Greek, Etruscan, or Roman – or a
combination?How would you compare the two selected works? Take the role of the
evaluative critic.Use examples from the text, the lesson, and the library to help support your
answer. Please remember to provide images and citations to help illustrate your
points.Follow-Up Post InstructionsRespond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue by
providing more information and clarification.ORDER NOW FOR CUSTOMIZED,
PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPERSDaniela CarrilloYesterdayMay 16 at 4:59pmManage Discussion
EntryThis week we are reading about architecture. This is vastly different from other forms
of art that we have learned about thus far. Our book describes how architects have a special
and respected relationship in respects to space and function of that space. Some of the most
unique and well known buildings have been created with this foundation in architecture in
mind. As stated in our book, “Architecture generally creates a strengthened hierarchy in the
positioned interrelationships of earth and sky and what is in between” (Jacobus & Martin,
2018). The influences of Greco-Roman architecture are seen throughout the creation of
buildings all over the world. These structures are renowned for their magnificence, huge
columns, and iconic beauty. This style is also known for its symmetry, archways, vaults, and
domes. These structures are constructed using marble, limestone, and concrete.St. Peter’s
Square was built from 1656-1667 in the Vatican City, during the Renaissance time period.
Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, it functions as a gathering place for the public upwards
of 300,000 to see the Pope give his blessings. It is named after Saint Peter, an apostle of
Jesus and exhibits symmetry throughout its construction. This structure exhibits the Greco-
Roman period by its design. For example, there is a trapezoidal entrance as one enters the
elliptical viewing area. Looking straight into the open area, one can see straight to the Papal
Basilica of Saint Peter, known to be the headquarters of the Catholic church. There is an
Egyptian obelisk (a tall, four-sided narrow tapering monument that ends in a pyramid-like
shape on top) located in the center of the viewing area. Matching curved colonnades (long

sequences of columns) flank each side of the obelisk with 284 columns, 88 pilasters, and
140 statues of saints (Civitatis Tours SL., n.d.). In addition, there are two fountains on each
side of the obelisk contribute to St. Peter’s square beauty and relaxing atmosphere after
being constructed from 1667 to 1677 (Città Del Vaticano, n.d.). The construction of St.
Peter’s square embodies both Greek and Roman Architecture during the Renaissance era.
Influences Of Ancient Architecture Essay 2St. Peter’s Square Google Maps View of St. Peter’s
Square AreaThe Low Memorial Library located on the Columbia University campus in New
York City is another example influenced by Greco-Roman architecture. This structure was
the first major building of Columbia University’s new campus built in 1895 – 1897 in the
Late Modern Period. It is located in New York City’s Morningside Heights neighborhood.
“Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, Low (Memorial) Library was conceived as the visual
and academic focal point of the campus plan” (National Park Service, n.d.). There are several
flights of steps with two landings that lead to the entrance of the building. Its entrance faces
the campus courtyard with several columns and a rising, central dome. There are balconies
along the base of the dome, with the north balcony featuring four statues of Euripides,
Demosthenes, Sophocles and Augustus Caesar. The two massive columns of green marble at
the entrance lead to the octagonal reading room. This interior space is surrounded by
sixteen columns of green granite from Vermont (University Archives, 2020). This structure
embodies both Greek and Roman architecture.Low Memorial Library:Low Memorial
Library.jpgPantheon in Rome Italy:Pantheon Rome.jpgTaking the role of the evaluative
critic and the three parts to being that, the insight to St. Peter’s Square is that this structure
is a vast outdoor space where individuals can witness the pope give his blessing. This
background knowledge allows for understanding of the intent behind this structure. In my
opinion, this structure is a work of perfection as the beautiful symmetry of the oval shape
with its colonnades comes together to form an open area for people to gather. This
structure is the ideal definition of inexhaustibility as it has infinite beauty and meaning
behind each form and shape. St. Peter’s Square can be intimidating, beautiful, mysterious
among so many other personal interpretations. The Low Memorial Library has great insight
behind it’s design. Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, this structure was built to be a
library and has since become partly occupied with administrative offices. The massive
columns in the front of the library give an onlooker the impression as if they are about to
enter a great building, with thousands of books on display. This structure embodies
perfection and inexhaustibility shows in what appears to be an endless flight of stairs
approaching the library doors.References:Città Del Vaticano. (n.d.). St. Peter’s Square
Fountains. Retrieved May 16, 2021, from https://vatican.com/St-Peters-Square-
Fountains/Civitatis Tours SL. (n.d.). St. Peter’s Square – Vatican City. Civitatis Rome.
Retrieved May 16, 2021, from https://www.rome.net/st-peters-
square#:%7E:text=The%20most%20impressive%20part%20of,by%20the%20disciples%2
0of%20Bernini.Jacobus, L., & Martin, D. F. (2018). Humanities through the Arts (10th ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education.National Park Service. (n.d.). Low Memorial Library, Columbia
University, New York. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved May
16, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/places/low-memorial-library.htmUniversity Archives.
(2020, April 20). Low and Gould Memorial Libraries: Contemporaries and Counterparts –

News from Columbia’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library. News from Columbia’s Rare Book &
Manuscript Library. https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu/rbml/2020/04/20/low-and-gould-
memorial-libraries/ Influences Of Ancient Architecture Essay 2