What influence did Roman ruins have on Brunelleschi's design for the Florence cathedral? Discuss the significance of the dome with reference to the Architecture Simulation in the MyArtsLab material

What will be an ideal response?

When Brunelleschi was in Rome he measured the proportions of the ancient buildings such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, among others. It was on the basis of these measurements that he designed the support system for the construction of the dome.

Brunelleschi's dome was an incredible architecture feat spanning a space of 138 feet. It is built on an octagonal drum support by eight major ribs and sixteen minor ribs. These ribs evenly distribute the weight of the dome. The major ribs are visible on the exterior of the dome. Brunelleschi innovation of double shell masonry kept the dome light while maintaining its strength. An oculus is featured in the center of the dome. It was later augmented with a lantern.