The Collective Realm: public spaces, public buildings and the spaces of economy

Question 1

Key characteristics of the collective realm

Answer 1

• Interior public space
• Enabled by arch, dome, barrel vault and groin vault
• Rise of a secular society
  
  • Conceptions of civitas and decorum

Question 2

Baths of Caracalla

Rome

211‐217

Answer 2

• Romans were a pleasure loving people
• What does it mean to be a citizen in society?
• Baths not only functional, but social
• Sports, leasure, gossip
• Surrounded by shops and theatres
• Floor supported on brick piers
  
  • Water heated by slaves
• Highly decorative - mosaics depicting adroit, musled men

Question 3

Basilica of Trajan

Rome, Apollodorus of Damascus

98‐112

Answer 3

• Rectangle twice as long as its width
• Adaptation of Greek temple
• Centrality of law, commerce and justice in Roman society
• Formulation of four of five aisles through columns
• Altars at either end
• Apse is a raised element
• Timber, gabled rooves
• Use of clerestory windows
• ***Forms the basis of Early Christian architecture format, basilica typology

Question 4

Palazzo Pubblico

Siena, Italy

1298‐1348

Answer 4

• Commissioned by governing body of the city
• Frescoes contain civic, as well as religious, values
• Brick, with stone for the upper crenelations
• Looks onto Piazza del Campo

Question 5

Doges’ Palace, Venice

1309‐1424

Answer 5

• Looks out onto Piazza San Marco
• Venetian Gothic style
• Expression of wealth and power
• Also connection with public
  
  • Not private or fortified, astoundingly open
• Ground floor consists of collonade, beneath an open loggia
• Highly ornamental + decorative
  
  • Lower collonade capitals contain biblical scenes