The surface area of the ground floor for each property was recorded. Measurements were taken from the digital CAD map produced by the SAP. While the accuracy of these measurements is limited, they do provide as close a reading as is necessary for general and comparative analyses. Separate aims and goals may have required more precise measurements, using more professional equipment, than was required for the scope of this study. The structural and spatial arrangement for each property was also recorded, including the number of rooms and their configuration. The database includes a list of all wall construction types found in each room. The types of flooring surfaces were also noted. However, this documentation was again limited because of a covering of modern gravel over most of the ancient surfaces.
Any evidence for an upper floor was recorded. This evidence could include slight traces of the upper floor level protruding from the wall/s, the presence of beam holes for the ceiling and surface above, any downpipe from an upper floor and, most commonly, the masonry base or wall scarring from a staircase. Data for environmental factors, such as light and airflow, were collected based on the presence and arrangement of windows, the proximity to open facades, compluviate roofing, open courtyards, and room size. The almost complete destruction of the upper storeys means that there is little opportunity to clarify with any precision the function of separate living units on upper floors.
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URL: http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue24/4/3.3.2.html
Last updated: Mon Jun 30 2008