Analysis of Different Hypotheses about the Geometric Pattern of the Pantheon's Coffered Dome

Abstract

This paper analyzes various hypotheses about the geometric pattern and setting out of the coffers of the Pantheon's dome. The analysis is approached from the designer's viewpoint to reveal possible methods and procedures, as well as the hypothetical assumptions and design intentions. The main hypothesis is that the designer of the coffered vault sought a geometric pattern of the coffering so that it could be perceived by the human observer as having the shape most similar to a regular squared grid with each coffer appearing to be a perfect square. The analysis also extends to the hypothetical tracing corrections to improve the perspective perception of ribs and coffers. © 2013 Kim Williams Books, Turin.