The Skylight in the Roman Baths: The Construction

People from every social level used to take Thermal Baths very often during the Roman Empire. Therefore, Roman Baths are a very important building within the Roman life and culture. The building presents many difficulties due to the necessities that these constructions have to face. Roman builders are able to overcome those difficulties by making buildings that meet the demands. The usual roof of a Thermal Bath is the vault because rooms must be clear and wide spaces due to the big quantity of users; the best way for an optimal acclimatisation is a circular space because it makes hot air to move easily. The roofs need to have holes to give light and air to the rooms because:

• Walls are very thick due to the weight and pressure that they have to bear.
• Bath ritual needs concatenated spaces
• Users should not be seen from the outside