This document discusses two architectural structures that were influenced by Greco-Roman architecture: St. Peter's Square in Vatican City and Low Memorial Library at Columbia University. St. Peter's Square, built in the Renaissance, functions as a public gathering space and exhibits Greco-Roman influences through its symmetrical design and columns. Low Memorial Library, built in the late 19th century, was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome and serves as the focal point of the Columbia campus with its central dome and columns at the entrance. The document evaluates both structures, praising St. Peter's Square for its perfect symmetrical design and Low Library for its architectural perfection and sense of grandeur.

1. Week 3 Discussion: Influences of Ancient Architecture
Initial Post InstructionsThis week you will read about architecture. The lesson includes
information on Roman architecture, which was greatly influenced by the Greeks and
Etruscans.Locate at least two architectural works that were influenced by Greco-Roman
architecture. These can be from any time period after the Greco-Roman period but should
be from different periods themselves (e.g., one from Renaissance and one from Baroque).
Then address the following:What is the function of each structure?How does each work
exhibit influence of the Greco-Roman period? Is the influence specifically Greek, Etruscan,
or Roman – or a combination?How would you compare the two selected works? Take the
role of the evaluative critic.Use examples from the text, the lesson, and the library to help
support your answer. Please remember to provide images and citations to help illustrate
your points.Follow-Up Post InstructionsRespond to at least one peer. Further the dialogue
by providing more information and clarification.Daniela Carrillo YesterdayMay 16 at
4:59pmManage Discussion EntryThis week we are reading about architecture. This is
vastly different from other forms of art that we have learned about thus far. Our book
describes how architects have a special and respected relationship in respects to space and
function of that space. Some of the most unique and well known buildings have been
created with this foundation in architecture in mind. As stated in our book, “Architecture
generally creates a strengthened hierarchy in the positioned interrelationships of earth and
sky and what is in between” (Jacobus & Martin, 2018). The influences of Greco-Roman
architecture are seen throughout the creation of buildings all over the world. These
structures are renowned for their magnificence, huge columns, and iconic beauty. This style
is also known for its symmetry, archways, vaults, and domes. These structures are
constructed using marble, limestone, and concrete. St. Peter’s Square was built from 1656-
1667 in the Vatican City, during the Renaissance time period. Designed by Gian Lorenzo
Bernini, it functions as a gathering place for the public upwards of 300,000 to see the Pope
give his blessings. It is named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus and exhibits symmetry
throughout its construction. This structure exhibits the Greco-Roman period by its
design. For example, there is a trapezoidal entrance as one enters the elliptical viewing
area. Looking straight into the open area, one can see straight to the Papal Basilica of Saint
Peter, known to be the headquarters of the Catholic church. There is an Egyptian obelisk (a
tall, four-sided narrow tapering monument that ends in a pyramid-like shape on top)
located in the center of the viewing area. Matching curved colonnades (long sequences of
columns) flank each side of the obelisk with 284 columns, 88 pilasters, and 140 statues of

2. saints (Civitatis Tours SL., n.d.). In addition, there are two fountains on each side of the
obelisk contribute to St. Peter’s square beauty and relaxing atmosphere after being
constructed from 1667 to 1677 (Città Del Vaticano, n.d.). The construction of St. Peter’s
square embodies both Greek and Roman Architecture during the Renaissance era. The
Low Memorial Library located on the Columbia University campus in New York City is
another example influenced by Greco-Roman architecture. This structure was the first
major building of Columbia University’s new campus built in 1895 – 1897 in the Late
Modern Period. It is located in New York City’s Morningside Heights
neighborhood. “Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, Low (Memorial) Library was
conceived as the visual and academic focal point of the campus plan” (National Park Service,
n.d.). There are several flights of steps with two landings that lead to the entrance of the
building. Its entrance faces the campus courtyard with several columns and a rising, central
dome. There are balconies along the base of the dome, with the north balcony featuring
four statues of Euripides, Demosthenes, Sophocles and Augustus Caesar. The two massive
columns of green marble at the entrance lead to the octagonal reading room. This interior
space is surrounded by sixteen columns of green granite from Vermont (University
Archives, 2020). This structure embodies both Greek and Roman architecture.Low
Memorial Library: Pantheon in Rome Italy: Taking the role of the evaluative critic and the
three parts to being that, the insight to St. Peter’s Square is that this structure is a vast
outdoor space where individuals can witness the pope give his blessing. This background
knowledge allows for understanding of the intent behind this structure. In my opinion, this
structure is a work of perfection as the beautiful symmetry of the oval shape with its
colonnades comes together to form an open area for people to gather. This structure is the
ideal definition of inexhaustibility as it has infinite beauty and meaning behind each form
and shape. St. Peter’s Square can be intimidating, beautiful, mysterious among so many
other personal interpretations. The Low Memorial Library has great insight behind it’s
design. Modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, this structure was built to be a library and has
since become partly occupied with administrative offices. The massive columns in the front
of the library give an onlooker the impression as if they are about to enter a great building,
with thousands of books on display. This structure embodies perfection and
inexhaustibility shows in what appears to be an endless flight of stairs approaching the
library doors. References: Città Del Vaticano. (n.d.). St. Peter’s Square Fountains. Retrieved
May 16, 2021, from https://vatican.com/St-Peters-Square-Fountains/Civitatis Tours SL.
(n.d.). St. Peter’s Square – Vatican City. Civitatis Rome. Retrieved May 16, 2021, from
https://www.rome.net/st-peters-
square#:%7E:text=The%20most%20impressive%20part%20of,by%20the%20disciples%2
0of%20Bernini.Jacobus, L., & Martin, D. F. (2018). Humanities through the Arts (10th ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education.National Park Service. (n.d.). Low Memorial Library, Columbia
University, New York. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved May
16, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/places/low-memorial-library.htmUniversity Archives.
(2020, April 20). Low and Gould Memorial Libraries: Contemporaries and Counterparts –
News from Columbia’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library. News from Columbia’s Rare Book &

3. Manuscript Library. https://blogs.cul.columbia.edu/rbml/2020/04/20/low-and-gould-
memorial-libraries/Reply Reply to Comment