The Roman advanced unique principles of architecture in many ways, constructing buildings and monuments involving both engineering and architectural skill. The arch was applied to various works of utility, making it a universal feature in civil buildings. Examples of this include the Pantheon, and the Temple of Peace, both of which extended the principles of the arch to their logical limits. Both these edifices indicated the progress of the Romans toward the invention of a design that was distinctively their own.
The first Roman architects were priests because the religious leaders wanted a place to worship. Romans learned most of their architectural techniques from the Greeks and the Etruscans. Arches were used for their great support capabilities and their power to glorify. The idea of extending the arch led to the development of the dome. Cement was added to the arch construction, allowing the Romans to expand buildings. The Coliseum, for example, was built using the arch system and concrete. The other primary use of the arch was to build aqueducts, which carried water from the hills to big tanks in the cities. They held pipes lined with cement on the top of the arches which carried the water.
Arches were also built in homage to the achievements of emperors. Rome contains arches for Constantine, Titus, and many more, and all were decorated with sculptured pictures. Roman architecture was about creating a beautiful structure. It attempted to serve a function and be beautiful. For example, the Notre Dame and the Pantheon were both clearly designed to create beauty. Roman architecture emphasized symmetry and weight, which involved the use of load-bearing masonry. Detail was of immense importance, and perfection came from a meticulous and firm use of symmetrical geometries, as well as the precise implementation of proportion.
Modern buildings, since the 19th century, started to use a functional approach to design. Iron, steel, and glass enabled architects to enclose vast spaces of department stores, or market halls. Modern architecture was being inspired by abstract paintings and sculptures, and architects began to consider space and light in their designs.
Modern architecture emphasized dynamic composition, movement, and thinness by using materials such as iron and glass. Buildings were constructed using frame and cladding techniques, where a steel frame was erected and glass panes were inserted to complete the building. All loads were transferred down using the frame of the buildings. Although load-bearing materials such as brick appear to be used, virtually all of them are made of concrete and steel, with a thin layer of brick applied to the exterior to hide the true nature of the structure underneath.
The Louvre in Paris is an example of a building that has been modernized architecturally. The original style of museum has been updated to include glass and steel. Originally, the entrance to the museum attempted to create a beautiful environment in which the objects of value could be put on view. However, the new entrance attempts to bring the inside to the outside and plays with the idea of not separating the two.
There are many distinguishing features between old and modern architecture. Classical buildings, it seems, are built for longevity, as most have withstood the ages. Ancient builders used stone, mud-brick, and, eventually, wood and concrete in their buildings. Now, architectures are incorporating style and function into modern designs. Although they are not built to withstand the ages, some are works of admiration and intricate details.
[A] The production of steel, iron, concrete and aluminum has greatly extended the scale of designs that can be successfully built. [B] Today, lightweight materials allow designers to cover distances far beyond, without the use of any arches. In this day and age, functionality is important when designing a building as rooms are planned to maximize the use of space. However, in ancient times, space was not a problem. [C] Aesthetics were much more important than function. Modern and classical architecture refer to specific movements in their respective times. Both, however, share an attitude of perfectionism. [D]
31. The word “logical” in the passage is closest in meaning to
32. Why does the author mention “the development of the dome” in the passage?
33. The word “they” in the passage refers to
34. According to paragraph 4, what characterized modern architecture?
35. According to paragraph 5, which of the following describes the purpose of a steel frame?
36. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence? Incorrect answer choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information.
37. Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 7 about modern buildings?
38. The word “functionality” in the passage is closest in meaning to
39. According to the passage, how is consideration of space different between modern and ancient architecture?
40. Looking at four spaces, indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. Previously, arches were one of the only methods of spanning large distances and, for this reason, they were used extensively. Where would the sentence best fit?
