1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE• BUILDING• DESIGN
Centre for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia (MASSA)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
ARCHITECTURE CULTURE AND HISTORY 1 [ARC 1313]
PROJECT: PRECEDENT STUDY
Essay (10%)
NAME: TAN MING LONG (0311069)
CHIANG KAH WAI (0311397)
PHANG JUNE EE (0311954)
TAN WEI HOW (0310707)
LECTURER: MS. ANIDA

2. The Colosseum
The Colosseumis one of the most imposing ancient structures in the
world. It was built to create a massive, breath-taking structure
conveying the wealth, might and power of Rome.
Besides that, different events such as fights between exotic
animals, public execution and gladiators were also being conducted
in the Colosseum. The Colosseum was so popular because of the
purpose that it was built and also it was conveying the glory of
Rome.
There are three main elements in Roman architecture, which is the
arch, the vault and concrete. Each of these three important
elements helped to lighten the load carried by Roman structures
while maintaining both structural strength and stability. These

3. three elements are also the
major factor that the roman
architecture was successful.
The arches allowed the
Romans to create wider,
taller, and lighter structures.
The vaults are extended
arches and the Romans used
them to create large open
rooms and high, covered
passageways. Concrete was
probably the greatest Roman
contribution to architecture.
Sketched by Tan Wei How
It was special because of its characteristics which is strong and
hydraulic.
Emperor Vespanianmade the decision to construct the building
Colosseum. It took about 10 years to finish the contruction.
Emperor Vespasian started the construction and his son took over
and accomplished the construction of building Colosseumin 80 A.D.,

4. after his father’s death in 79 A.D. The opening ceremony is
documented to have lasted 100 days. 5000 and 11000 wild animals
were killed during the opening ceremony. The Colosseumis located
around 14 degrees North and 43 degrees East of the Roman
Forum,the center of Rome, Italy.
The Colosseum is roughly
elliptical in shape. The main
element of the building is the
columns and the arches. The
building stands on a base of
two steps, above it there are
three floors of arcades and a fourth storey without arches but with
small rectangular windows.
There were eighty arches on
everyfloor, divided by pillars with a half column. The four arches on
the axes of the building were the main entrances, and were
probably decorated with a little porch and a statue. The other 76
arches were numbered for an easier access to the seats. Only 31
arches of the outer ring have remained intact. All around the rims

5. of the first three floors there were circular promenades that could
accommodate most of the public in case of rain. The Colosseum is
really an iconic building in Rome and also reflects the architecture
of Rome.
In conclusion, the construction of the building Colosseum has
brought an impact into the architecture industry. The usage of
concrete in the building was so outstanding during that time
because concrete was just introduced to the construction industry
and nobody knew how long it could sustain. But, they used it to
construct the Colosseum. The Colosseum is considered as one of
the most imposing ancient structure and we still can learn from it in
terms
of
architectur
e.
Sketched by Tan Wei How

6. References:
1. Katherine E. & Welch.(2007). The Colosseum: Canonization
of the Amphitheatre Building Type. In The Roman
Amphitheatre: From Its Origins to the Colosseum. (pp. 128162). Cambridge: The Press Syndicate of the University of
Cambridge.
2. Linda Alchin (2008). Building The Colosseum. Retrieved 16th
November 2013, from Tribunes and Triumphs website:
http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/colosseum/building-thecolosseum.htm
3. Italy Guide (2011).The Roman Colosseum. Retrieved 16th
November 2013 from:
http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/colosseum.htm
4. Linda Alchin (2008). Purpose of The Colosseum.Retrieved
17th November 2013, fromTribunes and Triumphs website:
http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/colosseum/purpose-of-thecolosseum.htm
5. a view on city (2013). Colosseum. Retrieved 17th November
2013 from:
http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/colosseo.htm