Mitchell Gohnert - Shell Structures: Theory and Application

The symbolism of domes is of ancient origin and is associated with deity and the celestial expanse of the heavens. The home of the ancients appeared to be under a heavenly dome, and the circle of the dome, a never ending line, is a symbol of eternity. This symbolism continues to this day, but has evolved over the centuries to include other closely associated meanings. Alexander the Great, and early Persian rulers, adopted domes in their architecture to symbolize their divine authority and power (Smith, The dome: study in the history of ideas. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 1950; Hiscock, The symbol at your door. s.l.:SP Birkhauser Verlag Basel, 2010).

This practice has endured to modern times, and domes are seen in some of the most famed architectures, such as the US Capitol Building, the Vatican, and many other religious and governmental buildings around the world. The intent is to portray strength, influence, legitimacy of power, and piety. For these reasons, religious and centers of government will always include domes in their architecture.

Some of the most iconic structures incorporate domes as their architectural center piece. Interestingly, most of these structures are religious gathering places, shrines, or temples and are found in cathedrals, stupas, mausoleums, and mosques. The symbolism of domes is of ancient origin and is associated with deity and the celestial expanse of the heavens. The home of the ancients appeared to be under a heavenly dome, and the circle of the dome, a never ending line, is a symbol of eternity. This symbolism continues to this day, but has evolved over the centuries to include other closely associated meanings. Alexander the Great, and early Persian rulers, adopted domes in their architecture to symbolize their divine authority and power (Smith ).

This practice has endured to modern times, and domes are seen in some of the most famed architectures, such as the US Capitol Building, the Vatican, and many other religious and governmental buildings around the world. The intent is to portray strength, influence, legitimacy of power, and piety. For these reasons, religious and centers of government will always include domes in their architecture.

The endurance of this symbolism is fitting and appropriate, considering the seemingly mystical strength and the eternal nature of these structures. If we go back in history more than a thousand years, remnants of antiquity usually amount to nothing more than a pile of rubble, with the exception of a few columns standing here and there. However, of the structures that have survived, the vast majority are domes and arches.

The Pantheon in Rome (126 AD) (Fig. ) are prime examples. Both of these structures were built in seismic active regions and have been subjected to several major earthquakes; yet they stand today and are in remarkably good condition.

Fig. 1.1 Antoine Desgodetzs 1682 rendition of the Pantheon (Claude-Antoine Jombert)