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The architectural style of the Roman empire is quite distinguishable and frequently seen throughout American architecture.  With raised podiums, large frontal staircase and free-standing columns in the front of the structure (Sayre, pp 96) the influence can be found in buildings such as the US Supreme Court, the Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial.

Pictured above (week 2 lesson) is the Pantheon in Rome from 118-125 CE. Below is an image of the US Supreme court building (Hall, 2016) designed by architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1935 (“US Supreme Court”, n.d.).

Viewing the images above one can easily see the similarities and identify that Roman architecture had a strong influence in its creation. Though I feel that the passion behind the building of the Pantheon was greater than that of the US Supreme court. The Pantheon’s construction was done with a more artistic mindset. This is evidenced by the oculus, which was built into the ceiling to allow the natural light to move about the inside of the building and possibly symbolize the watchful eye of Jupiter, and the open floor plan of the inside to mirror the vastness of the cosmos (Sayre, PP 96). Personally, I feel that the U.S. Supreme Court building was constructed more to portray the power and strength of the country, than to be a structure of art.

Best regards,

Nikki

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