Blog Post 8 - Evolution of the Dome

Domes in the western world are all, in some way, connected to the Pantheon of Rome. A thread that also runs through dome structures is the capacity for these spaces to bring people together. Three examples of how this has taken shape are the Baptistry Campo Dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy, St. Paul's Cathedral of London, England and the United States Capitol building in Washington, D. C.

The Baptistry serves as a space for church rituals especially baptisms. The exterior includes elements from classical Roman architectural as well as early Gothic on the upper levels.

Built in 1153, the architecture of the Baptistry Campo Dei Miracoli, Pisa, Italy connects classic Roman and emerging Gothic elements.


The columns, arched windows, and overall proportions of the Baptistry are echoed in the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. Designed  by Sir Christopher Wren construction on the cathedral started in 1675 (http://www.stpauls.co.uk/Cathedral-History). Though hundreds of years apart from the Baptistry at Pisa the dome at St. Paul's is connected through exterior elements and through the purpose to bring people together through their faith.

St. Paul's Cathedral in London is a 17th century interpretation of classic dome architecture.


From Italy, through England and on to 19th century North America the dome stays true to the Pantheon prototype. Again, we see the colums, the arched windows, and marble facade. Like the two other the U. S. Capitol brings together people in a single place but the nature of the faith that brings them together has changed.

The dome the United States Capitol building illustrates the full evolution of spaces for gathering people.


The lineage of the dome which started with the Pantheon comes full circle through a building that embodies the democratic ideal started in ancient Rome.