Christine Vi Nguyen UGS 302 Intro to Architecture: Reading Buildings David Heymann 3-28-2012 Darrel K.

Royal Stadium (Greek and Roman)-Corrected

Evolution is constantly present in architecture. As our culture and society changes over time, inevitably, architecture follows suit. Not only do the obvious forms and structures change, but so too the deeper meanings and symbolism architecture holds for its time and place in eternity. The University of Texass Darrel K. Royal Stadium clearly manifests this development. The historical shift from Greek towards Roman style is incorporated into the construction of the stadium as is needed in todays culture. Greek architecture is deliberate in its form and purpose like the democracy and individual city-states. Each part of the government plays a certain role that comes together and works. This way of life is what makes Greek culture the cradle of Western civilization. Greek life sets the stage for future innovations and advances. Before the ancient Greek way of life became what we know it as today, it started with the basics. This simple start provided numerous opportunities for improvement and progress. The modest and austere nature of ancient Greece is reflected in its architecture, which is greatly dictated by the land of the gods. Greek gods and goddesses were the reason why the Greeks did things a certain way. For example, the ingenious Greek theaters were made in a semi-circular shape so that the structure, along with the performance, can be open-faced and directed towards the altar of

a particular god. Similar to the architecture and shape of the Greek theater, the first stadium was built with definite purpose. The word stadium originated from the Greek word stade. Stade was a form of measurement (about 600 feet) that was the length of the original Greek footrace and the term eventually was used for the place in which the footraces were held (Stadium Britannica). The Greek stadiums were built in a U shape that remained open like the semi-circular theater. This particular shape allowed the stadium to open up to nature and the outside just enough while clearly defining the purpose of the structure as athletic entertainment. These original stadia were built minimally minimal structures (no roofs), minimal seating (wooden, sometimes stone) and, only if they needed it, the Greeks would casually make additions accordingly. This simplicity doesnt create a distraction from the athletic games or from the nature of the gods around it. Over the course of the history of ancient Greece, the buildings of Greek cities became more refined through various discoveries and applications of precise mathematics. The continual growth and development of Greek culture created a final product: Classical Greek architecture. The Greek forms of architecture have persisted not only because they are beautiful, but also because they provide a strong foundation for further advances. The Romans found the beauty of Greek architecture appealing, and for them, it was an additional benefit to conquering the Greeks and extend their empire. The Romans took Hellenistic culture and architecture and altered it to fit the Romans extrasordinary taste. The Romans took the basic form work of the Greeks and modified it to make the buildings more monumental. This additional effort was needed to show off the power of the Roman Empire. As

a result, Roman architecture advanced from the basic functional Greek structures. The Ushaped Greek stadia gradually transformed to an enclosed elliptical amphitheater. The Colosseum in Rome is a prime example of the Roman-type stadium. The Colosseum was constructed amidst the city close (or even connecting) to the emperors palace for his convenience. Because it is made round and enclosed, the spectators in the Colosseum are naturally focused towards the action in the center of the stadium, rather than the outside. The enclosed seating is organized hierarchically unlike democratic Greek; the most important would have seats closer to ground level, closer to the entertainment. It also provides maximum amount of seating so more Romans can attend and be unified under one roof. Yes, a roof. The Colosseum showcased the Romans ability to innovate and accommodate. From top to bottom, the Romans introduced new ideas that blossomed due to the shift of culture. The Colosseum had a retractable roof that the Greek stadia did not have and an underground that housed trap doors and the ability to change the scenery inside the Colosseum as they needed. The flexibility of a structure is a concept that permits a building to change with the fluctuating needs of the time. This revolution proves to be eternal through the Romans influence on todays stadia. The transition and evolution of culture and architecture from Greek to Roman stadia, is compacted into the Darrel K. Royal Stadium at the University of Texas. The construction of the UT stadium was initially in the Greek form. The antiquity of the ancient Greek architecture appealed to the architects when first building the UT campus because they wanted to make the buildings of the campus seem older than they really are. The unpretentious architecture of a Greek stadium placed in nature not only emphasized the historic feel of the campus, but also accentuated the place of the UT stadium within the eyes of the public. The distractions and

involvement of the audience was limited, but in turn, the architectures deliberate intentions focused on the athletic function. The U shape leaves the one side open so that there is always a sense of connection to the bigger world outside the premises of the Forty Acres, like the ancient Greeks had left it open for something greater than them, the gods. In the first phases of the UT stadium, similar to the beginnings of ancient Greek architecture, a strong base had to be made for future needs and change. Indeed, changes came. Additions were slowly made to the Darrel K. Royal Stadium, transforming what once was a Greek-type stadium into a Roman-type stadium. Closing off the U-shape will now concentrate the focus of the inhabitants into the center. The continuity of the enclose stadium creates a sense of unification within the stadium, throughout the fans. The spirit shown for the school and team are amplified, only increasing the outlook of how great the school is. These changes in the UT stadium reflect those of history. Even the social hierarchy of the seating in the Colosseum is seen in modern stadiums. The higher seats will cost less than the lower seats, therefore sorting and separating classes. Though not as democratic as the Greek, the stadiums now do incorporate all types of people. It brings various levels of classes into one enclosed space with a common goal and focus. While not as major as the invention of a roof system, new innovations and developments through the construction of the UT stadium over time display the change the Romans experienced as they were influenced by the Greeks. Like the Romans, the University of Texass empire has grown and taken over the hearts and minds of many, especially through Texas football. The shift has come about over time due to growth in wealth, essentially. The Romans built and made changes to show off that are bigger and better. Likewise, UT wants to show they are greater than other schools, whether it be

through the sports or the architecture that implies it on a deeper level. When the world upholds the university as a great institution, the University of Texas continues to fulfill what people see them as: one of the top universities in the nation. The continuous change in architecture mirrors the unceasing change of our culture. Presently, the UT stadium demonstrates todays societys ability to change and accommodate our increasing needs. The Romans introduced the flexibility of a stadium, and this idea has carried on not only into the architecture now but also into our everyday way of life. Flexibility grants immediate satisfaction, and once satisfaction is reached, we want more, and what we want constantly changes each time. The modern stadium is not limited to and focused on one function as the Greeks had done. The architecture holds a deeper meaning that goes beyond the athletics, and over time, these meanings will continue to grow with the evolution of technology and innovation.