Prehistoric Periods- Rome

 Today, people with higher income generally own their own homes and families who do not make as much money tend to rent out apartments for shelter.  In Rome in the past, the higher class people would live in a  domus which was a private townhouse. If not a domus, for shelter a villa was desired which was a country house. If you were not fortunate enough to have either of these, you were more than likely to reside in a insula which was a block of buildings surrounded by streets and can be compared to apartments that serve as residential quarters today.


domus





insulacurrent apartments

 

Characteristics of an insula include 5-6 stories with balconies above the first floor. We can see this in almost every apartment complex that exists today. What differed from today's apartments and the insula were the poor light, no plumbing, dangerous conditions, and the fact that higher the level, worse the conditions. At an insula, there were shops on the ground floor, We can see this similarity in some of the apartments on campus here at ISU. The Flats apartments hold numerous businesses on their ground level.  A domus on the other hand, held private rooms much like a house. Although, there was a blank wall on the exterior or shops. 

Classical Civilization- Greece

Exploring the classical civilization, I have always been interested in Greek architecture. I have taken a lot of art history classes and this has always been an element that stuck out to me. I was familiar with the columns of the classical times, the doric, ionic, and corinthian. The buildings were all represented as grand, rich-looking, ornate masses. The homes however were much different.

classical Greek architecture

Greek home

Homes were built using mudbrick, wooden frameworks, and terracotta roof tiles. These pieces of architecture were not quite such a display as the public buildings, but still had their own unique characteristics. An opening in the roof in the center of the building allowed for rain water to be collected in a built in cistern. The rainwater could then be utilized for daily living. Floors were either plastered and painted or fixed with pebbles, glass or stone. Walls were either unplastered or plastered with painting. Windows were set high on the wall and ceilings included coffers.

Additionally, motifs on the interior included floral or marine objects. Patterns also showed up like the egg and dart or Greek key. These are often depicted in interiors today in the United States.

interior with Greek key today/past interior showing patterns





Ancient Civilization (Egypt)

The people in Egypt used their natural environment as a prime factor in their building, designs, and motifs. The Nile River let transportation of building materials like timber come available as well as trade and communication. Mud, plaster, wood, and stone were also materials used from the land. Palms, papyrus flowers and lotus blossoms were all used in interior motifs reflecting the natural landscape.  The warm climate here also allowed for outdoor spaces and distinct window placement. Hypostyle roofs were used as well which is a roof supported by columns. The plant life designs were added to these columns. 

Ancient Egypt

An ancient Egyptian home today

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