Throughout history, domes have been used in architecture throughout the entire world. There is evidence of domes used in architecture dating back to c.1250 BC and earlier. Domes are continuing to be used as elements in architecture and are being constructed to this date. Throughout the past and present domes have been used for everything ranging from tombs to cathedrals. However there is one recurring theme in past dome structures, most of the past dome structures have been constructed for a religious purpose, whether it be burial or worship.
The people of ancient times never had the types of technology that we have now, in the modern world, nonetheless the ancient people were able to construct their own dome structures. One of the most famous ancient dome structures is the Treasury of Atreus, which was constructed in c.1250 BC. The Treasury of Atreus was constructed as a tomb for Agamemnon. Although this tomb was a dome, and nowadays we commonly think of structures above ground, the main cavity of the Treasury of Atreus was constructed underground. The Treasury of Atreus is different from the domes we commonly think of nowadays, not only because of the fact that the building was underground but also because of the fact that the general shape of the Treasury of Atreus has more of a pyramid-like essence to it. Taking a bit of a fast forward in time, one of the next famous domes constructed, the Pantheon is currently the oldest standing dome structure in Rome. The Pantheon, constructed in 125 AD, was constructed as a place for the worship of roman gods, which is another example of dome buildings being constructed for religious reasons.
The Middle Ages were a time of little or no learning or growth, however architecture still survived. During this period the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture were the two most prevalent. Romanesque architecture commonly used barrel vaults, small windows very high up, and was mainly designed for strength and protection. Although Romanesque buildings were designed for strength and protection, the dome shape was still a common occurrence, however not as common as domes used in the Gothic style of architecture. The Gothic style commonly used pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses and was mainly seen in churches and cathedrals. In nearly every gothic structure, there is a dome element, whether it is on the inside or out. A good example of dome architecture in the Middle Ages is the Hagia Sophia, constructed in 691. The Hagia Sophia is a major monument to this day in Jerusalem.
During the Early Modern Period, including the renaissance, you can easily see that the dome shape was a popular element in architecture. One very well known structure of this time period is St. Peter’s Basilica, which is located within the Vatican City in Rome. The dome in the middle of St. Peters Basilica was inspired by the circular Roman temple, the Pantheon. Another well-known structure of this time period was the Taj Mahal, constructed was completed during 1653, in India. The Taj Mahal is now considered one of the seven great world wonders, and is composed of mostly dome shapes.
Now we venture to what is considered the Modern Era. With Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America in the previous era, it was not long until construction began in America. The first most notable dome structure in America was of course the capitol building in Washington DC, constructed in the 1850’s. The capitol building’s most notable quality is in fact its central dome. At this point, the use of domes decreased by far as society was moving into the postmodern era. Most Buildings at this time were built with business in mind, factories and cities started becoming more prevalent, and elaborate worship sites became less and less prevalent.
As the Post Modern Era came into being, sights were focused more on futuristic themes, and advances. Cities are filled with skyscrapers and industrial buildings; however, this future mindset brings forth a new type of use for domes. The domes in this time period are far more modern looking than any seen before and have a definite future-like essence. The Reliant Astrodome is nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and is located in Houston, Texas. The Astrodome was completed in 1975, and is still used as a stadium. The dome has recently been home to many survivors of hurricane Katrina. In London, England, the Millennium Dome has recently been redeveloped and renamed the O2 in 2007. The O2 houses an entire district including multiple arenas and restaurants. The last famous dome to date, which is currently under construction, is the Global Pagoda, which is being built on an island near Bombay, India. The Global Pagoda is being built as an element of an amusement park. This dome structure is being built with modern day, and ancient Indian technology that will enable the Global Pagoda to last more than 2000 years.
Although domes have been used throughout history, there have been patterns in the use of domes in architecture. From the beginning of history to the Modern Era, domes have been used predominately in religious buildings such as churches, cathedrals, and tombs. As The Modern and Post-Modern Eras have come about, the number of domed buildings has by far decreased. The domed buildings that have been built since the Early Modern Period seem to pertain more to entertainment than religious purposes. This also suggests that religion as a whole has become less important in the large scheme of things. In the Middle Ages, in Europe, the holy roman church had greater power than the king or any other leader, this continued for quite a while through the Roman, and Byzantine empires. The religion that governed was not always Catholicism; other religions such as Orthodoxy, Gnosticism, Nestorianism, and Arianism were wide spread during the Medieval times. No matter what the leading religion was at the time, one realization emerges; when there was more strength in the church, there seemed to be more domed, religious buildings. Now, in the Post Modern Era, most countries are governed not by religion but by other means, the dome style churches and cathedrals seem not to be as popular. However, I believe, religious connection or not, that domes have and will be an important part of architecture for millennia to come.
