CASE STUDY IN ANCIENT ROME

The Pantheon in Rome is an ideal case study for understanding classical space, orders, composition, light, and character. Despite having been compromised by additions and restorations over the years, the great domed temple remains today the most complete and best-preserved monumental interior to survive from Roman times. A computer rendering by John Burgee shows how it might have appeared when first built. Next week architect Steven W. Semes will explain why the Pantheon has lasting influence on architecture over the ages.

GLASS BOOKCASE IN GERMANY

The new Central Library of Law at the University of Hamburg was conceived by the German firm me di um Architekten as a compact book storage depot, connected to an existing building by a glass atrium. The facade, studded with glass panes of different colors, changes in appearance depending on the the time of day or the season: a cube of books by day, a beaming yellow object at night. Next week we'll take a look at how this "green" building operates and relates to its campus neighbors.