21.3 Lessons of Rome - Part 3 - Construction of Walls and Openings

Introduction

 

The study of Rome through architectural themes was an excellent methodology to look at the richness and diversity of the city. It also served as an opportunity to re-examine and further clarify the basic concepts that make architecture. The themes of windows, walls, rooms, courtyards, piazzas and porticos served as the stimulators for investigation and inquiry.

Construction of Walls and Openings

The ruins of Ostia, Pompeii, Hadrians Villa, the Palatine, the Forum and Trajan’s Market served as the classroom for the studying of construction techniques. The beauty of the ruins is in the expression of their construction.

Left to Right 1-4.  1. Opening using a stone sill and lintel.  2. Flat arch over a door opening.  3. Relieving arch with opening, flat arch and door opening. 4. Masonry lintel.

Left to Right 5-7.  5. Releiving arch above wood lintel, side of opening framed. Edges stepped and cut back for greater bonding between 2 masonry patterns.  6. Wall of niches.  7. Alternating bands of large locks and smaller bricks, filled between with rough stone.

Left to Right 8-10.  8. Alternating patterns with relieving arch above flat arch opening.  9. Brick piers with stone capitals, wood lintel, relieving arch infilled with opus reticulatum.  10. Tongue and grove provides greater bonding between 2 masonry patterns.

Trajans Market

Reprinted from
Bertram Wong

7 September 1982

USC Summer Program in Rome
(all sketches copyright Bertram Wong, no reproduction without permission)


See

Part 1 - Experiencing the City

Part 2 - Windows

Part 3 - Construction of Walls and Openings

Part 4 - Rooms

Part 5 - Courtyards

Part 6 - Piazzas

Part 7 - Porticos

Part 8 - Conclusions

Jiwa Studio
Singapore, February 2012
http://jiwastudioweb.blogspot.com/