HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF ROUND SHAPE IN ARCHITECTURE: FROM STONEHEAD TO APPLE PARK

Abstract

This research analyzes the emergence and development of circular forms in architecture, tracing a trajectory from prehistoric megalithic structures to contemporary architectural paradigms. Within an interdisciplinary framework, the analysis considers the interplay between evolving technological capabilities, shifting socio-cultural needs, and the enduring conceptual resonance of the circle as a fundamental geometric archetype. The initial phase of this investigation focuses on the genesis of circular forms in early human constructions. The circular configuration of sites such as Stonehenge is examined not merely as a structural expedient but also as a potential manifestation of nascent cosmological understandings and ritual practices. The prevalence of circular layouts in select temple architecture, communal dwellings, and rudimentary urban planning schemes is analyzed, with a particular emphasis on the congruence between form and function. The classical era is marked by the significant architectural articulation of the circle and its derivative geometric entities, notably the dome and the arch. The Roman Pantheon serves as a pivotal example, illustrating the complex integration of circular planning with advanced structural engineering and profound symbolic meaning, influencing subsequent architectural discourse for centuries. The medieval period witnesses a subtle continuation of the use of circular forms. From the semicircular arches and apsidal terminations of Romanesque and Gothic ecclesiastical architecture to the annular configurations of certain defensive fortifications and monastic complexes, the circle persists as a foundational geometric element. The Renaissance and Baroque eras signify a resurgence of interest in classical principles, leading to a renewed emphasis on centrally planned and geometrically harmonious structures, often incorporating circular elements. The advent of industrialization and the subsequent modernist movement engendered radical transformations in architectural philosophy. Circular forms found new expressions, often linked to principles of functional efficiency and a deliberate departure from historical precedent. The concluding phase of this research focuses on contemporary architectural manifestations, with Apple’s headquarters serving as a prominent example. This large-scale annular structure is analyzed as a convergence of advanced technological integration, the articulation of corporate identity, and a persistent engagement with the holistic and unifying connotations of the circle. Throughout this historical overview, the study underscores the dynamic interaction between prevailing cultural ideologies, available technological resources, and evolving aesthetic sensibilities in shaping the utilization of circular forms.