Design Precedent Analysis ARC3005

A precedent can be anything from an idea of a building, to an idea of a painting or even just
a concept. It is something that motivates and influences you into new ideas, something that
can solve a present or reoccurring problem in your design, or even something that helps you
concur your initial idea.
This is the definition of precedent, from the oxford dictionary:
“An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in
subsequent similar circumstances.” (Dictionaries, 2019)
Overall precedent is an element or aspect of already existing design, that aids other
designers in their own designs. E.g. floor plans, section drawings. The task was to carefully
choose two design precedents from around the world, describe and analysis them.
This building is the Pantheon in Rome
(rebuilt in 118-128 A.D.) built by emperor
Hadrian who built the Pantheon to take
the place of the pantheon which was
built by Commander Marcus Agrippa, this
Pantheon was later burnt to the ground
in 80 A.D. (Rome.Info, 2003-2018) The
façade of the building has been studied
and copied on to other similar buildings
throughout history. The Pantheon is
described as one of the most influential buildings in ancient Rome. The building was a
roman temple what was built in dedication of all the Roman Gods of pagan Rome.
Therefore, the building has always been of great importance, the building as constantly
been used since the day it was built, hence why people see this building as the extraordinary
place it is. The design of the building has been duplicated throughout history and the reason
behind that is because the design has never failed, it shows great importance through out
the world, the design of eight vast pillars holding up a pitched roof is distinctive to this
building.
People have used the design of this building because after all this time the Pantheon still
stands and is in excellent condition. The precedent of this building shows how the structure
has stood for many years and this means that people will take elements of this design
because they want their building to be able to stand for just as long. This can be achieved by
using the precedent of the building, taking elements such as materials, section plans,
elevations and details into their design. Therefore, others will learn lessons from the
buildings design and will make less mistakes with their own work.

Bethany Hunt
This building is the Rotunda, designed by
Thomas Jefferson and built between
1822-1826 (nps.gov, Unknown). As you
can see it resembles the Pantheon, with
its enormous pillars which are supporting
a pitched roof, however the design has
changed because instead of eight
distinctive pillars there is only six pillars.
This design has been modified with a
steep stair case in front of the pillars,
however Thomas Jefferson wanted to
represent the "authority of nature and
power of reason" and he was inspired by
the Pantheon in Rome.
This building was burnt to the ground in 1895, this left only the Flemish bond brick walls
intact, however Architect Stanford White redesigned the interior but rebuilt the façade to
its former glory. The Rotunda is also a precedent now because its over come its own
problems which others who are designing similar projects can use as an aid to help with
their own designs.

Bethany Hunt
Referencing:

References
Dictionaries, E. O. L., 2019. Definition of Precedent. [Online]
Available at: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/precedent
[Accessed 23 February 2019].

nps.gov, Unknown. Journey Through the Hallowed Ground. [Online]

Available at: https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/journey/rot.htm
[Accessed 23 February 2019].

Rome.Info, 2003-2018. Roman Pantheon. [Online]

Available at: https://www.rome.info/pantheon/
[Accessed 23 February 2019].

Bethany Hunt