Timgad VS Pikillacta

For this weeks blog post, we will be exploring two architectural sites that represent hierarchical space formations and social order: the Roman site of Timgad and the Wari military center, Pikillacta.
My own previous knowledge of the Wari is that they were a somewhat violent and militaristic civilization. Their architecture was built for the purpose of having a strong fortress for defense; inspiring intimidation in enemies; and keeping access to their complexes as monitored and closed in as possible. As for Timgad, I do not have any previous knowledge, so let us explore using the power of Google maps.

I will start with Timgad. I see the classic Roman symbol of architecture: the columns. They align in what seems to be a processional way to a Roman archway. The theatre is reminiscent of the dome like structure used in the Colosseum; there definitely seems to be a hierarchy of space through the rows of seats circles around a central ritualistic area. It is quite a vast complex; from an aerial view it seems to expand over quite a large area, and it does remind me of what I have seen of Wari architecture. There are strong, stone walls in a grid-like pattern. In fact, from the aerial view, they seem to be separated into perfect squares. The walls appear to be quite short, but I can't be too sure from the views on Google maps. They certainly do not look tall enough to be solely for defensive purposes.

Now I will be looking at Pikillacta. It is located near a small lake, which seems strategically sensible! Right away I can see huge similarities between the sites. From an aerial view, Pikillacta is created in a square grid as well. I already am familiar with the site, so I know it is made up of fortifying walls that carefully channel you through the complex. These walls are taller and create more of a narrow space compared to Timgad. It definitely has more of a hostile feel to it than Timgad as well, which appears to be more of a community space that involves communal entertainment, markets, and other gathering spaces. These types of spaces are much less apparent in Pikillacta. It is also a little more aggressive by not allowing you to see where you are navigating to with the height of the walls, and even more aggressive is the occasional jutting-out of more rock wall within the already confined rock walls, as if to control and intimidate the navigator even more into staying in line. 

Overall, I would have to compare these two sites by their aerial views more than anything. They both follow a structured grid plan, created by stone walls that control the space of the complex. They both spread over a vast area of space as well, and are probably both intended to intimidate enemies in some way with its vastness and complexity. The main differences are that the Wari definitely meant to create an intimidating, rigid space that not only confines enemies who try to enter, but the Wari people themselves. There is definitely a social hierarchical division going on, where the people in power wish to control every movement of the Wari people throughout the space. As for Timgad, the space definitely appears to be more open with lower, wider spaced walls, allowing you to at least see the landscape around you and a sense of where you are going. It also is more welcoming and communal, with a theatre, a market place, and processional ways that appear to be gathering spots for ritualistic community activities. 

Virtual tour of Rome

For my virtual tour I decided to use the guide book from lonelyplanet.com: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/rome/activities/walking-tours/ancient-rome-half

My guidebook says this tour is perfect for first time visitors, so I am expecting some in depth information about the architecture and monuments.

I am deciding to head straight to the Colosseum as my first destination. My guidebook says that it is the most thrilling of Rome's ancient sites, with a history of merciless violence. The guidebook is really playing up the aspect of violence, bloodthirsty crowds, and slaughter that occurred here in ancient times. I find that a little off putting as violence seems like such a commercialized thing, it seems like they are trying to sell the idea of the Colosseum to me. I am happy to see that they are using terms such as ionic, doric and corinthian to describe the aesthetic styles of the columns.

Next I will travel to the Pantheon. The guidebook says that along with the Colosseum, it is one of Rome's most iconic sites and it is the most influential building in the Western world. It would have been nice to have some specific examples as to how this building has had influence, such as naming some other architecture or areas of the world where this far-reaching style has made its mark. The Pantheon is surrounded by a crown of muddled buildings - it seems to barely squeeze into the city! The guidebook tells me that the Pantheon was made for multiple Gods and then converted to a Christian church.  Something fascinating that I find about the Colosseum is the massive dome structure - my guidebook tells me it is the largest unreinforced dome in the world. I would like to know more about its construction but that's about all the information I get.

Finally I am going to visit the Trevi Fountain. My guidebook doesn't have a lot of information about this site, so I explore it myself. It is really beautiful - my questions are why was it built? Who are the figures, and what do they represent? What is the building behind it? My guidebook tells me it is a depiction of Neptunes chariot being lead by Tritons with one wild and one docile sea horse to represent the moods of the sea, which I find quite interesting. I also learned this site was designed in 1732, which was a lot more recent that I had thought. I also learn the name Trevi means "three roads" which converge at the fountain. I do not learn what the building behind it is, though. Again, pop culture and media is referenced with this site, as it says it received its iconic status when Anita Ekberg "splashed here in La Dolce Vita". I understand that Western culture links a lot of things to media and television, but it is just annoying when you ruin something that was completely non-influenced by Hollywood by sticking a Hollywood reference in there anyway.

Overall, I am satisfied with the information from the guide books. It certainly attests to the level of power and grandiosity in Roman architecture.

Hi there!

Welcome to my architecture and urbanism blog. Here I will be critically analyzing forms of architecture and ways that spaces are organized and navigated. I am interested in the historical implications of hierarchical space division, building design and city planning. The architecture I have always been fascinated by is Rennaissance Victorian styles. I am looking forward to hearing from my colleagues about their opinions on the class lectures, materials and interests in the  architectural world. Below I have included a picture of the Balmoral Castle in Scotland, an example of Victorian architecture, or more specifically, Scottish Baronial architecture.