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Buildings
There are some highly inspirational buildings around the world
and some 'around the corner'. Some have significant historic
events attached to them, others have just been there for a
bit minding their own business
The oculus of the Pantheon in Rome is one of the most
significant features in a particularly important historic
building. Built in 126AD the dome is still the largest
unreinforced concrete dome in the world and is a remarkable
feat of engineering. To protect the structure from failure as
much weight was removed as could be achieved and much was
redistributed. The structure of the thick and thin portions
allowed honeycomb transfer of stresses and strains and the open
oculus allowed a significant reduction in weight at the apex,
which was crucial. There are not many buildings in the world where
to see the rain coming through the roof is an exciting thing to see,
to really appreciate the incredible ingenuity involved in the design
and the engineering of it. Light and heat exchange are also enabled
through its being open
