Help your fellow builder by leaving your feedback based on these three criteria:
- Originality: How original is this - never seen before?
- Building Techniques: How much skill do you think the creator of this MOC has, in terms of building technique?
- Details: Express how much you like the details of the build.
Your feedback is only shown to the creator as well as yourself. It is not available for other users to see. The creator won't see your user name.
• DESCRIPTION:
This set is a faithful architectural recreation of one of the most iconic and imitated structures of Antiquity, as it appeared in 124 AD
By incorporating LEGO Technic elements to build the Pantheon’s dome, the set can capture the engineering marvel of the original, which is sure to appeal to both LEGO enthusiasts and architecture aficionados
The longitudinal section adds a unique dimension to the set, offering a rare glimpse into the Pantheon’s interior design. This feature allows admirers to appreciate the building’s inner beauty and architectural intricacies, something typically inaccessible in standard architectural models, making it a distinctive and innovative addition to the LEGO Architecture sets
The challenging build process further enhances the model's value, providing an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both experienced builders and those looking to improve their skills
Additionally, the Pantheon’s global cultural significance and architectural grandeur, make this set likely to resonate with a wide audience that appreciates architecture and engineering. It has the potential to become both a sought-after collector's item and a valuable educational tool for those interested in historic architecture
For this particular rendition of the Pantheon in Rome, I undertook extensive research through manuals and reprints of historical treatises. In particular the famous treatise of 1570 by Andrea Palladio, "the four books of architecture" in which it is possible to see a restitution of the Pantheon still in its authentic Roman state, and which inspired me for this reconstruction
As an architect, restorer, and history enthusiast, my goal was to "faithfully" recreate how this structure might have appeared in Roman times, when it served as a temple dedicated to the twelve Olympian deities
• BUILDING PROCESS, TECHNIQUES AND ANECDOTES:
This project was a real challenge for me, especially when it came to selecting the right scale. If I had chosen a scale that was too small, it would have looked "strange," as I wanted the model to be playable in minifigure scale. On the other hand, a scale that was too large could have resulted in an overly ambitious project, likely exceeding 5000 parts.
To overcome these points, I started by constructing the building's layout directly on stud.io.
I made several attempts, trying 11 different versions of the semicircle sides, before adding the pronaos. Achieving the right proportions was crucial, and more importantly, I needed at least three anchor points for the walls at the base. This took about twenty attempts to get right. In fact, the main obstacle was defining the semicircle segments that would provide a “smooth,” non-geometric curve while ensuring the walls had strong, orthogonal connections to the base.
Once the plan shape was established, I focused on creating a solid base. Technic baseplates 16x16 reinforced with pins, plates below, and tiles above, and also some sections of the walls, in order to ensure the correct stability.
Given the susceptibility of the semicircular internal and external walls to lose structural integrity, I devised a system of orthogonal reinforcements. These reinforcements, using bricks and tiles, securely attached the “curved” elements to the base.
For the double curvature of the internal and external walls, I used hinge plates and hinge bricks extensively. This technique allowed each part of the structure to be carefully connected, ensuring flexibility while maintaining stability.
The dome, featuring both internal and external double vaults, is interconnected with pins and firmly attached to the walls using Technic bricks with axles, employing a SNOT technique. The dome is further anchored to the base with numerous hinge plates and additional reinforcements, as mentioned earlier. Furthermore, the dome, together with other technical solutions, keeps the curvature of the walls stable.
The result is a compact, sturdy construction that balances structural integrity with a high level of detail, all while maintaining a size suitable for minifigure-scale play and display
• THIS SET BOASTS 07 STRENGTHS:
01 This set offers a truly immersive building experience. Not only is the dome enjoyable to construct, but the rest of the structure is also highly engaging, resulting in a very rewarding final product
02 The ratio chosen for this set's reconstruction allowed me to adapt it to a scale that is approximately correct for minifigures. This makes the set suitable for play or display in any LEGO city diorama, not just historical ones
03 The set, made up of nearly half Technic elements, could serve as the foundation for a series of special "Technic Architecture" sets aimed at adult builders. However, this is just an idea
04 The elongated and narrow shape of the model provides excellent display value, making it perfect for a showcase or shelf. The colors chosen also give it strong visual impact
05 The Pantheon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, belonging to all of humanity, so no intellectual property rights or licensing are required
06 Thanks to recent scientific and archaeological discoveries, we now know that ancient statues were polychrome, not white. This insight inspired me to create an exclusive collection of intricately detailed minifigures representing six deities from Greco-Roman mythology, adding unique value to this set
07 For those interested, since half of the Pantheon has been reproduced, purchasing another identical set (with some customizations in certain steps, perhaps with a specially made instruction manual) will allow you to complete the model, creating an impressive full-scale replica of the building
• THE MINIFIGURES STATUES AND CHARACTERS:
For this project, I followed the Dii Consentes, also known as The Harmonious Gods, an ancient list of twelve major deities. I selected three gods, three goddesses, and an emperor, all of whom are depicted as painted statues
01 Augustus Emperor
in the large niches at the side of the central entrance portal, historians report that there were two large statues of Agrippa and Augustus
02 Jupiter-Zeus
It was placed in the center in front of the main entrance in the main niche
03 Venus-Aphrodite
The Pantheon was dedicated to Venus and Mars as the main deities of the temple
04 Neptune-Poseidon
God of the seas, definitely one of my favorite Greco-Roman deities
05 Diana-Artemis
Goddess of wild nature and animals as well as hunting
06 Minerva-Athena
With Jupiter and Juno she was part of the Capitoline triad and protector goddess of Rome
07 Mars-Ares
As previously mentioned, together with Venus, Mars was one of the two main deities to which the Pantheon was originally dedicated
• HERE SOME NUMBERS:
4983 interlocking pieces
07 minifigures
Dimensions:
length: studs: 92 cm: 74 inches: 29
width: studs: 38 cm: 30 inches: 12
height: studs: 47 cm: 37 inches: 15
• CURIOSITIES AND FACTS ABOUT THE MONUMENT:
The Pantheon is considered by historians, architects, and engineers to be one of the most influential and widely imitated architectural masterpieces of Antiquity. Its legacy can be seen in iconic structures such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and the Pantheon in Paris
Despite some minor alterations over the centuries, the Pantheon is considered one of the most intact and best-preserved ancient buildings from Antiquity
With a diameter of 43.4 meters, the dome of the Pantheon remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world
• A SPECIAL THANK YOU:
Thank you for reading this far. I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your diligence. If you found the project appealing, I hope you will consider supporting it!
Giorgio
By
CUBETTARO
Help your fellow builder by leaving your feedback based on these three criteria:
- Originality: How original is this - never seen before?
- Building Techniques: How much skill do you think the creator of this MOC has, in terms of building technique?
- Details: Express how much you like the details of the build.
Your feedback is only shown to the creator as well as yourself. It is not available for other users to see. The creator won't see your user name.