How did Christopher Wren combine classical design with new engineering in the Sheldonian Theatre?

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Christopher Wren Sir Christopher Wren, detail of an oil painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1711; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

In the Sheldonian Theatre, Christopher Wren successfully merged classical aesthetics with empirical engineering, a hallmark of his approach as a member of the Royal Society.1

Classical Design: Wren drew inspiration from the ancient Theatre of Marcellus in Rome, adopting its traditional classical form to serve the university's ceremonial needs.1
Innovative Engineering: To roof the structure, Wren utilized timber trusses of a novel, modern design.1

By integrating this sophisticated, empirical structural solution with a classical architectural framework, Wren demonstrated his ability to apply scientific inquiry to the art of building.1