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DESIGN FOR HACKERS

standing that the walls of the dome are  feet thick at the base of the dome

and only  feet thick at the edge of the oculus.

FIGURE 1-1

 e Pantheon

features the

world’s tallest

unreinforced

concrete dome.

Light (and

sometimes rain)

 oods into the

interior through

a hole in the

ceiling.

To better manage the weight of the concrete, hard and durable basalt was

added to the mix for the foundations, with the mix gradually getting lighter,

until pumice rock was used toward the oculus.  is way, the base of the dome

has the weight and strength to support the rest of the dome, while the upper

parts of the dome are thin and light, reducing their load upon the base.

To make the dome material even lighter, a series of recessed squares, or co ers,

are formed within the dome.  ese co ers, which exist by engineering necessity,

contribute to the impact of the interior.  ey rhythmically radiate from the

oculus, creating visual interest, while contrasting with the smooth concrete that

immediately surrounds the oculus.

In concert with these technical considerations, the designers of the Pantheon

had to make some aesthetic choices as well. Because the  oor is too large to be

made with one piece of marble, it’s made up of various pieces.  is marble is

laid out in a pattern of basic circular and square forms, which are in geometric

harmony with the rest of the interior.

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