mikeschaffnerphotography.com
Sunlight Through The Oculus
Simply put, the Pantheon is a marvel. It was dedicated around 126 AD and almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The Roman builders combined beauty with amazing engineering. The coffers (the sunken panels in the dome) reduce the weight and the structure forming the coffers carrys the weight as an arch would. The oculus (opening in the top) not only provides sunlight but it elimnates the point of highest stress and transfers the load to the oculus ring and down through the coffer structure. As an engineer I'm truly impressed by the engineering work that has still stood the test of time and has done so in such a beautiful fashion. It is one of the best-preserved of all ancient Roman buildings, no doubt due in large part to being in continuous use throughout its history. Originally built as a temple it is now a church dedicated to "St. Mary and the Martyrs" since the 7th century.
As always, your comments and faves are appreciated. Constructive criticism and suggestions are especially welcome as I believe they help to make me a better photographer. Thank you for taking the time to look at my photos.
Best viewed on black, so please press "L" to view large in Lightbox mode and "F" to fave.
Sunlight Through The Oculus
Simply put, the Pantheon is a marvel. It was dedicated around 126 AD and almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The Roman builders combined beauty with amazing engineering. The coffers (the sunken panels in the dome) reduce the weight and the structure forming the coffers carrys the weight as an arch would. The oculus (opening in the top) not only provides sunlight but it elimnates the point of highest stress and transfers the load to the oculus ring and down through the coffer structure. As an engineer I'm truly impressed by the engineering work that has still stood the test of time and has done so in such a beautiful fashion. It is one of the best-preserved of all ancient Roman buildings, no doubt due in large part to being in continuous use throughout its history. Originally built as a temple it is now a church dedicated to "St. Mary and the Martyrs" since the 7th century.
As always, your comments and faves are appreciated. Constructive criticism and suggestions are especially welcome as I believe they help to make me a better photographer. Thank you for taking the time to look at my photos.
Best viewed on black, so please press "L" to view large in Lightbox mode and "F" to fave.