US #3

    During Unit 3, we further discussed modernism and the changes in architecture and technology. We became better associated with the innovations of the modern time period, as well as, the challenges and reactions to modernism.
    Architectural ideas began to spread throughout the world by way of the World’s Fairs. The first one was introduced in 1851 and really impacted design; many new inventions were first introduced at World’s Fairs. These fairs were sponsored by governments and big businesses and were presented for commemorative, commercial, collaborative and celebratory purposes. People came from all over to visit the World’s Fairs; they were a way for people to see the world and experience the evolution of architecture and technology without actually having to travel across the country. Because of the industrial revolution and being able to mass produce products the World’s Fairs were easy to assemble and set up each time. One example, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, named “The Ivory City” was presented in order to show off and make their city known. It was a way to prove that the were bigger and better than Chicago’s “White City”. During this time architecture became a race to se who could design and create the best and biggest building.
    The The Arts and Crafts Movement brought about the question of hand-crafted versus machine. William Morris, a supporter of hand-crafted believed in “good design for all” was the responsibility of a designer. Morris however, did not reject the idea of using machinery to create products as long as the product showed mastery of the machine. People then desired change and designers then began to reform. During this time designers began searching for MODERN; designs of the past were changed, updated and improved. One designer, Antonio Gaudi created very modernist works, but still incorporated Baroque qualities throughout, this can be seen in his work the Casa Batllo. The Art Movements led to a more expressionist outlook on design; Art Nouveau and Art Deco was prevalent from the 1880s through the 1920s. The Art Nouveau movement emphasized fluid, curving lines similar to that of the baroque style while the Art Deco period focused on platonic forms and circle motifs. In addition, post-impressionism (1890-1938) brought about artists such as, Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, and Piet Mondrian. They all broke the rules of painting and made their work an expression of themselves just as the designer were doing. Also, many designers were incorporating nature into their designs; flower stems and stalks were showing up as decorating elements throughout the walls of buildings. Art Nouveau can be seen particularly in the Paris Metro Stations, and the quote “it is no the flower to take as a decorative element, but it is them stem” reenforces this thought. The Miami Beach Hotels on the other-hand really expressed what Art Deco was all about.
    Next, with the way that technology was influencing architecture and design skyscrapers leaped into popularity. The tall, upward design really made it better because the structures contained all of the space as a more horizontal building, however they did not take up near as much land space. This way of building also had problems in the beginning; the zoning codes presented many challenges for the designers having to abide by the fire codes and light requirements. Many designers such as Charles Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe began experimenting and created their own visions of what modernism was. Corbusier’s Notre Dame du Haut, 1955, was an attempt at post-modernism and incorporated a Baroque-style featuring dramatic lighting, and the molding of concrete. And Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building, 1958, limited the use of metal to make it seem more like a glass box in appearance. It also included a revolving door and had the mechanical systems at the very top. It was the first of its kind. Designers became so wrapped up in the idea of being different and creating unique spaces that architectural buildings started to be seen as an art form instead of a functional living/working space. Phillip Johnson stated, “comfort is not a function of beauty” and “purpose is not necessary to make a building beautiful”. In other words architects all over lost interest in designing for functionality and became somewhat obsessed with designing for beauty and pleasure. Also because of this many buildings like the Guggenheim Museum by Frank Lloyd Wright was not efficient as a museum; for one, the walls were curved and made it nearly impossible to hang flat, rectilinear artwork. Edward Loewenstein was a well-known and local designer to Greensboro. He is noted for being the first to employ African-Americans as well as women. Loewenstein really integrates other designers into his work. Interior decorating took to the scene as upper class housewives occupied their time by decorating their own homes. Elsie de Wolfe was known on the interior decorating stage and was acclaimed for fixing up Victorian style spaces by getting rid of bulky embellishments. Later, in the second generation, males picked up on interior decorating, Billy Baldwin was the most famous of this time. Brutalism was a style introduced as a solution to weather and climate control conditions in large buildings, and offered a finish that was less vulnerable to vandalism. This style was seen in the Yale Art and Architecture Building designed by Paul Rudolph in 1963. In the 1950s and 1960s geodesic domes were popularized since they were infinitely expandable. Another branch of modernism, scandinavian design, was quite the opposite of the period before; it was really all about function. The attention was now turned to things such as affordability, functionality and materiality. Because of its simplicity and low cost scandinavian design was much easier to mass produce. Alvar Aalto was a sort of figure head for this era of modernism. Aalto focused more on creating products that showed craft and taste instead of the client's. The Paimio Chair, the best-known piece designed by Aalto; it uses cheap easily accessible materials (wood) and really pushes the boundaries of shaping the plywood. And to aid in the purposefulness of the design the angle of the back of the Paimio Chair was specially designed to help one breathe easier. Alvar Aalto had much influence on designers Charles and Ray Eames and also Eero Saarinen, all of whom are well-known for Scandinavian modernist furniture.

The White City, Casa Batllo, The Paimio Chair & Notre Dame du Haut

BP # 14

Object -
My most prized possession and favorite object is my MacBook Pro. I really love everything about this laptop. The design is very satisfying and aesthetically pleasing. The anti-glare screen is amazing when working outside on a beautiful day (which I like to do quite often). The graphics are awesome; very vivid and sharp. And since I'm attending school for graphic design, I feel this computer is the best option for me to use and to get the most quality out of my work. I also find it pleasing to know of all of the things that can be done on this computer and it holds pretty much all of the work that I have done thus far. 

Space -
My favorite space has come to be the large tree with the tree swing inside. I find it to be a cool and refreshing space; it's really nice to go to just to get away from the "stresses" of college and catch up on quality alone time on a nice day. It's quiet, so if you wanted to read a book or just enjoy a nice, quiet afternoon by yourself (surrounded by nature) it's the perfect space for it. Also, I enjoy going there to "chill" and talk to friends while escaping the hot weather. I share a lot of great UNCG memories with this space

Building -
One of my favorite building during the course of this class is the Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright. The design is very asymmetrically balanced and eye-appealing. I was inspired by the  fact that Wright did the design his way and wasn't afraid to go against the norms of the time. The structure is quite unique in many aspects and I appreciate that; for example,  the hip roofs have been flattened the fireplace is located in the center making it the main visual aspect of the building. Another feature that I really admire in this building in the simple geometry used and linearity and stacking of it.

Place - 
My favorite place to visit is Savannah, GA. I attended SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) in Savannah before transferring here. I absolutely love this city! The weather is always nice, and sunny; although, the humidity can be a bit unbearable at times. The location of the my school was the perfect distance from the beach and the gusts of wind we got felt wonderful on a hot day. All of the old fashioned candy sold on River Street really makes me feel somewhat of how the candy was when my parents were little and the city buildings and lights are beautiful in the night time. I really enjoy walking up and down the streets of Savannah and just taking a break to sit in one of the park squares and soak up all the beauty and nature the city has to offer. The architecture and history that lies within this city is phenomenal. And all of the memories I share in this city with my friends and uncle are priceless.

SCAD Theater

Forsyth Park

Extra Credit

    Education plays and important role in interior design today; it expands one’s horizons and gives them more ideas and ways of approaching design that one may have not thought of on their own. Also, most companies today, in this era, are more interested in degrees and how one has proved themselves through education. It’s more about what one has to show through paper instead of your “god-given” talent, so to speak. However, there are still some that believe that with an education one’s creativity is limited because everyone experiences the same things and hears the same lectures on design in school. This leaves them feeling as if they are being hindered on what is allowed for them to do based on guidelines that they must follow in each given setting. Shows such as Design Star  gives the audience the vibe that each individual was born with the talent needed to become a great designer and education is treated as a bonus, instead of a basic need or requirement. I feel that it is an a great achievement to reach success in the field without an education, but education is the best way to go as it thoroughly prepares you for the design field.
    Credentials and experience are everything in design. In order for one to began their career as a designer they must first prove that they have what it takes. Judging is  based on the education and experience that one possess or lack thereof. Without experience there’s not a company out there that will hire someone and experience is how one learns and develops their talent.
    Creating a good design is a process that takes time. One has to be inspired with an idea then take the necessary steps to fully produce that idea. There are multiple steps involved; first one sketches out the idea onto paper. Once that is done you create many versions of the same idea each with slight changes to reach the best possible outcome. Design is a cycle and sometimes steps are reached and repeated before the design can achieve its full potential and is considered complete.
    Although, media’s portrayal of certain aspects of design can be deceiving it is essential to design. It serves as a way for designers to get their work and ideas across to the public. Television is great for designers to help get them established in the field and gain clients from all across the world, but it is also, a means of entertainment for the audience so views and information is always being slightly changed and even simplified.   Design Star on HGTV really skews the viewer into believing that anyone can design on a budget. It gives many a false belief that they can redesign their own home with little money or effort and that’s so far from the truth. Even though wonderful designs can be created with little money, it still takes much effort and time that the average person is not  prepared to spend. Not everyone is built to be a designer, one must have the talent as well as passion for what they are doing in order to reach their full potential as a designer in the field.

RR # 13

BP # 13

Scandinavian modern art is important to design today because of its simplicity, functionality, and its low cost made it much easier to mass produce. Scandinavian design incorporates such features as: tradition, hand-crafted, curvature, modesty and purposefulness. The exhibition of decorative arts and design attempts to address both these unifying qualities and the distinct differences. Alvar Aalto really made the Scandinavian modernism scene big and focused more on creating products that showed their craft and taste instead of the client's. Initially Aalto went in search of a solution to providing affordable, comfortable furniture that could be easily mass produced. The Paimio Chair, the best-known piece designed by Aalto, uses cheap easily accessible materials (wood) and really pushes the boundaries of shaping the plywood; the chair contains a thin sheet of plywood that had been tightly bent at both the top and bottom into scroll-like shapes, giving it much more resiliency. Aalto decided to use native birch because it gave a more natural feel and developed a more organic form. The angle of the back of the Paimio Chair was specially designed to help one breathe easier.  Alvar Aalto had much influence on designers Charles and Ray Eames and also Eero Saarinen, all of whom are well-known for Scandinavian modernist furniture. In 1935, the Artek company was established, in Finland, to mass-produce and distribute all the wood furniture designed by Aalto.

The Paimio Chair

RR # 12

BP # 12

An object that represents good design for all is the Brita water pitcher. It gets high marks in firmness, quality and delight. Brita water pitchers filters tap water to remove harmful contaminates; such as, mercury, lead, chlorine and copper. Water is vital for all forms of life and many people and animals die yearly due to drinking unsafe, non purified water. But thanks to Brita water pitchers it has become cheap and easy for people to have safe, clean water to drink daily and not have to worry about getting sick from harmful substances that settle in city and well water. The Brita pitcher is very sustainable since it removes the need to buy bottled water, which decreases the amount of litter and the waste that goes into landfills. Also, the pitcher itself does not need to be replaced; however, the filter does about every 2-4 months which is pretty inexpensive (about $17.00 for a 3-pack). The overall quality of the water is great! Being big on drinking water I've noticed that here at UNCG the water from fountains and such tend to taste like dirt, but filtering it through my Brita pitcher transforms it into clean, fresh tasting water. This end result is also the biggest delight and what's more is the fact that the Brita filter comes in a multitude of shapes, sizes and colors to fit into any space and decor. The Brita family even includes a filtering water bottle, which aids in good design because of its portability. And a faucet filtration system which attaches to the faucet easily without the use of any tools and eliminates the time and labor of having to refill the pitcher each time it becomes empty. And for added convenience some Brita products feature an LED display that tells you when a replacement filter is needed.

Examples of Brita products

US #2

    The unit was entitled Reverberations; throughout history design in architecture has been reflected upon, reused, copied, and enhanced. The unit opened up with expressions of faith in stone and glass. Throughout time many structures have been constructed for the purpose of serving and celebrating one’s faith; for instance, the Parthenon was created to be a universe on Earth. It showed the Greek’s faith by incorporating the “golden section” into the basic layout. Also, the Pantheon built in Rome, Italy to show the Roman cosmos. It features a perfect sphere and contains the whole universe inscribed inside. The sphere contained an opening that allowed light to shine into the building, as well as, enabling one to see out towards the sky; this was the Roman’s way of making it easier for people to become closer to the heavens and the God(s). Both of these structures was constructed using stone sculptures that depicted certain religious events and glass as much as possible to let light shine through. Light was very important to the people because it was cheap & efficient and seen as way of experiencing the divine. Each building was specifically designed to cause one’s eyes to dance/move across the surface without rest; the purpose of this was to keep your mind active and experience the world in a whole new light. The idea of architecture being “frozen music” was also introduced. Basically saying that architecture is like music in space. David Bryne spoke on how architecture helped music evolve, and that music did not influence the evolution of architecture. Meaning music can be added to a specific place and it seem as if that piece was meant to go with it, as if it evolved from that place.
    As the first millennium ends, the modern world map unfolds. The cognitive/mind map comes into play, which is, a mental processing by which and individual can acquire, code, store, recall, and decode information about the relative locations and attributes. The Eastern and Western maps contain different outlooks on the perceived world. Mappa mundi drawn by Ebstorf is an example of a medieval Europe map. Created in the 13th century CE, it features the face of Christ at the top, hands on the sides and feet at the bottom, resembling a compass, symbolizing that God is at the top of the country and his presence is all around. Many churches of this time accentuate a similar idea in their basic blueprint labeled as the “golden section”. The Amiens Cathedral was designed in the measure of man and Heaven, composed of the “golden section” with the main space in the cruciform shape. Heaven was encoded in the central space by making it 50 feet based off the dimensions of Noah’s ark. 
    Upon entering into the Renaissance period, we notice the making of new rules to break with Gothic ideas and re-link to the ancients of the western world. We also observe continuities with the past in the east. The view of the globe begins to shift due to explorations and the western people meet up with the eastern people, which causes their views and ideas to clash. This occurrence lead to the Great Eastern and Western rulebook, v. 1.0. From this came the ten ideas of architecture: 1) Revive the past using classical language ---> e.g. Santa Maria del fori, noted for having a double dome, one that looks correct from the inside and one that looks correct from the outside. Says that the church is more important that the city and that the people are smart and rich due to size and ornamentation. Reflects the past in that the Pantheon’s dome was used as a model. 2) Strive for harmony and order in all things. 3) Layer groves and stacks when possible ---> e.g. Palazzo Medici, emphasized the family’s wealth with its three layers of different textures and designs, shows separation. 4) Emphasize surface through materiality ---> Samaria Novella, only the front of the building is decorated to show the significance of the entrance and where the money was spent. 5) Follow the rules ---> e.g. Palazzo Farnese, used diagonals in the layout to figure out where the windows would be located; things were also written down to help perfect the structure. 6) Place man at the center. 7) Strive for position through patronage ---> e.g. Pazzi Chapel. 8) Move forward the secular [not just religious] agenda. 9) Get some perspective [in representation] ---> perspective drawing was invented. 10) Expand your physical world ---> Explore!
    As the western rules were made and written down, designers began work to bend and break them. Andrea Palladio is introduced to the scene. Palladio wrote everything down and as a result of the printing press it was all printed into books. He soon becomes the most influential architect from this time period for his books, specifically his rulebook of architecture, modeled after Vitruvius, which is composed of measurements of the ancient buildings taken by Palladio himself. Palladio's most famous building the Villa Rotunda was borrowed directly from the Pantheon, but he designed a porch on all four sides. Proved to be a problem ---> the sunlight did heat all four sides the same therefore sustainability was not used very well. In the Palazzo del te by Gulio Romano, many of Palladio's ideas can be seen, including the Palladian windows. It also features exaggeration in the keystone design which is the beginning of breaking the rules. Furthermore, rules continued to be broken in the Chateau Fountainbleu fluidity was incorporated into the stairs. And in the Laurentian Library Vestibule when the steps were divided into three pathways and the columns were pushed backed into the walls, giving it a feel of movement. The Baroque period was about theatricality and dramatic lighting, round and livid forms, engagement with all the senses, and standing as a player in the scene. The Giardino di Boboli hit all the main points; it encompasses art, planting material, and water; as well as, embracing the belief of eating and drinking as much as you want, just having a good time. Eastern designers, on maintained a continuous approach in their work.
    Colonial expansion brought forth new ideas and people around the world. With the Panthéon created by Ange-Jacques Gabriel the French shaped and changed architecture in four ways: 1) Sequential understanding of history. 2) Engineering mentality = scientific approach. 3) Notion of rational and logical system of thinking (different way of thinking other than the church). 4) Notion of changing practices, due to the Industrial Revolution. People began to become more focused on thinking and writing things down and less about actually building a structure. As a result, we enter into the Enlightenment period. The works of Christopher Wren really emerged at this time; such as, the Greenwich Observatory and St. Paul’s Cathedral. In addition, Christ Church, Spitalfields by Nicholas Hawksmoor began to break rules with its proportions. Architects and designers argue between the designs and rules; everyone decides to do their own thing and incorporate whatever styles they desired.
   Architecture and design start to experience significant change in the political, social, and cultural sense on account of the Industrial Revolution and inventions throughout the world. Bricks are presented as a building material in Carter’s Grove Plantation in 1751. Also, the design cycle begins: cycle, rotation, revival, renaissance, reform; each time the end of one design is reached another one is begun. Because of this Greek ideas were brought back and seen throughout the South in porticos and columns, one example is Drayton Hall in Charleston, South Carolina. th The Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park, the first in a series of World’s Fair exhibitions, was put together as a celebration of modern industrial technology and design. It was here that many inventions were first introduced publicly. These events were a big hit during this time as they brought about new products and ideas that influence everyday life, people bring back new ways of seeing, new transportation modes, impacts on cities and new foods. Wrigley’s gum, Cracker Jacks, the Ferris Wheel and Aunt Jemima syrup, all still popular today, were announced at World’s Fairs.

RR # 11

BP # 11

During the 20th century the idea of modernism and striving to become "modern" began rising and expanding a great deal. The reason for this it that they felt their "old" or "traditional" ideas were becoming outdated in the world. With the growth of the economy and the industrial revolution coming into play the countries needed to "upgrade" their architectural designs. The Industrial Revolution brought along iron, a new material, and civil engineers began to compete with architects; by incorporating engineering concepts with the work of architects and masons modernizing the world was made easily possible. People and countries plunged into competition with each other and started reforming things from the past trying to outdo one another which expanded the aim of modernism rather quickly. Simply put, the world began to modernize to keep up with the growing social population and their want of something new & better than the past & one another.

One designer that really fed off of the whole modernism theme was Frank Lloyd Wright. "...unlike other architects who changed style slowly or at the behest of a client, Wright's break with tradition was driven by personal stylistic development in search of a greater abstraction" (Ching, 694). Modernism was all about throwing out the rules of the past and just "doing your own thing" and that's just what Wright did; when constructing a house or building he added in his own tastes and preferences in the ornamentation and space of each work he created. An example of his work where this can be seen is the Robie House, (1909) located in Chicago, Illinois. The Robie House is considered to be a forerunner of modernism in architecture. This structure is a prairie style house and quite unique in that the hip roofs have been flattened so that they seem to disappear; also, the fireplace (hearth of the home) is located in the center, making it the spatial and main visual aspect of the building. In the past, symmetry was idolized, but in modernism asymmetrical (but balanced) and eye-appealing designs were the new thing and the Robie House is the perfect archetype to demonstrate this. Furthermore, the Robie House stands apart from the rest because it is elongated laterally as well as, horizontally stacked, which emphasizes the linearity of the streets. Not to mention this house comes equipped with a balcony, which stretched along the whole southern exposure.

Robie House

RR # 10

BP # 10

The Industrial Revolution marks a major turning point in history. During the Industrial Revolution there were many major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and technology that had an immense impact on the culture and economy of this time. One specific example that completely changed the world was the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. Before the telephone most people contacted each other through letters, which took days to weeks to reach the other person. In times of a serious emergency a letter most often did not reach the party until too late. But thanks to Bell's telephone people no longer had to spend time writing and then wait days to weeks for a response, you could just dial them up and receive a reply instantly. This really came in handy during times of distress or war when it was necessary to communicate with one's allies immediately. In short, the invented of the telephone "changed the game" entirely. And even today it's importance has not diminished and the phone is continuously being enhanced.

RR # 9

BP # 9

One example of colonial expansion to the United States is St. Paul's Cathedral; this particular structure was built in London, England between 1675 and 1710. St. Paul's Cathedral bares a striking resemblance to the White House, which was built in Washington, D.C. in 1793. As you can see in the picture below many architectural design elements was taken from England and used in the American building; both structures are have very rectilinear and symmetrical bottoms with the same dome like tower on top. Not to mention the somewhat bulging porch lined across with stacks + columns are similar in both buildings.

St. Paul's Cathedral                   U.S. Capitol Building

 One example of colonial expansion from the United States would be cars. The first car (The Ford Model T) was invented by Henry Ford in 1908. The car became extremely popular really quickly because it decreased the amount of time it took to get from place to place. Since then cars have been produced and used all over the world. And many versions and brands have been designed in an effort to produce the best all around vehicle for certain purposes; such as, speed, looks & luxary, save on gas, etc. 

Ford Model T                              Audi R8 V12 TD

RR # 8

BP # 8

For the three time periods I chose Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic. The words near the inside of the nautilus shell are the words that I used to choose which 3 images to use for each time period (basically they are some connector words). 

RR # 7

BP # 7

According to Debotton there is a such thing as an architecture of happiness. I believe that architecture of happiness varies depending on the person and their personality. To me, an architecture of happiness would be defined as a place to relax and escape the "stresses" of life; a place that I feel comfortable in and reflects the beauty of nature. In class, we discussed the Eastern and Western rule book. For them comfort and relaxation was expressed through harmony and order in all things. By having a place that was unified and in order they could relax because they had an escape from the chaos of the outside world (inner peace). They emphasized spiritual connections through ornamentation which also provided them with the sense of comfort and protection; by including their family's history and ideals they gained a sense of comfort that can be understood by all (family is like a security blanket). Their view on expansion was appreciating and celebrating the little things and seeing the value in them which is what a happy space is all about; the small things in life that give us joy. Looking at a small area may not seem like much but once you open up your mind to see the little things it possesses, then you can appreciate every little detail and that makes you happy with that particular space or place. 

One place that I love to visit in my down time is the circular stacks area behind the dining halls. I always go sit outside when the sun is shining brightly and the air is gently flowing. The temperature is just right; it's not too hot nor cold. I go to enjoy a study session or just eat and talk with my friends and it brings a sense of joy and comfort. It's so relaxing to observe other people laughing, dancing, or just walking by with their dogs. You can really see the joy in everyone enjoying time with friends and it's such a wonderful sight. Also, you're able to experience the beauty of nature in all the different trees, and squirrels running around playing and even the sound of the fountain flowing.  

*Continue to layer groves and stacks - stairs and sitting/performing area is all stacked.
*Strive for harmony + order in all things - the whole structure is unified in stacks and material; very balanced.
*Place community needs before your own - I feel this place was designed for the pleasure of the students; for them to hang out and perform events.
*Emphasize surface through materiality - The center circles are the main attraction of this structure therefore, they are in the middle, and circular whereas, it's rectangular on both sides. And also, the center contains a fountain and the tops are covered with the brick (sides covered by grass).


My favorite space on campus is the large tree with the tree swing inside. Although, I never swing on the tire it's a really nice space to go to just to get away from the "stresses" of college and catch up on quality alone time on a nice day. It's quiet, so if you wanted to read a book or just enjoy a nice, quiet afternoon by yourself (surrounded by nature) it's the perfect space for it.

 

*Continue to layer groves and stacks - On the inside the tree branches create a stacked/layer look.
*Emphasize surface through materiality - The bottom is all dirt and you can sit higher up on the branches; I think this shows difference in the space through materiality. In addition, it's surrounded by leaves. 
*Place man at the center - This is shown through the branches in the center that has a tire swing connected. 
*Strive for position through patronage - This tree shows that because not only is it tall it's also, wide and bush-like which makes it more more noticeable than your average tree.  

RR # 6

BP # 6

For the most part the two cathedrals (Amiens and Cologne) were similarly designed, but they differed in detail based on their specific location. During this time period the so-called "Dark Ages" many structural changes were brought forth, mainly due to the fact that many people wanted to get out of the "dark" and bring forth the "light". This was achieved by creating a specific blueprint for how the Gothic Church was to be laid out, which included large windows that stretched from the bottom to the top to allow the highest ratio of sunlight in as possible. The blueprint was designed in measurement of man and Heaven and inspired by Noah's Ark which was 50 x 30 ft. encoded in the central space. Further emphasizing the higher power the central space was created in the shape of a crucifix and many scenes of the holy divinity and sacred happenings are implanted into the walls of the cathedrals.
Although, each church built at this time used this same basic layout (taken from the Holy book) to represent the divine in order to open up a way straight to Heaven, each country or region had its own interpretation of ornamentation in an attempt to make their cathedral stand out. For example, Amiens Cathedral, located in France, is known for having buildings with two towers. On the other hand, Cologne Cathedral was located in Germany, which was noted for including only one tower in its structures. Furthermore, in Amiens Cathedral the clerestory windows consisted of more panels which were more narrow in size than the windows in the Cologne Cathedral. Also, the rods at the top of Cologne are not able to be seen whereas, in Amiens they are clearly visible. This is thought to be an advancement in the architecture, due to trial and error, since Cologne is the newer of the two. Continuing with the differences, Amiens appears to have more detail in the interior (seen in the golden section) and Cologne is more detailed on the exterior (seen in the outside figures as well as, the flying buttresses). The cathedrals were built utilizing the technology and resources they had available (which differed based on location and region) because of this many architects faced issues of towers being too big or small and not having enough support. This problem caused towers and buttresses to bend and buckle.

RR # 3

Created and posted when due, but just realized this weekend that I had accidentally deleted it earlier in.  

Reading: Ching- p. 150-228

US #1

Week 1 -
We looked at examples from Stonehenge and Giza. We talked about Stonehenge; mainly about the circle and how the circle represented equality because it's equidistant from the center, no matter where you stand. Also, how you can be on the inside of the outside of a circle and moving one piece can make it structurally weak.  We also discussed Egypt, the first recorded civilization, and how it represented hierarchy. The east = rising of the sun and the west = the setting of the sun. Then you have the sun god at the top and slaves at the bottom. Egyptians believed in an afterlife and therefore, when they died they were buried with all of their belongings. *Heliopolis = the city of the sun. In  Egypt size mattered; they aimed for bigger because in their eyes bigger was better and they wanted to be better than others.

Stonehenge

Week 2 - 
We discussed circles which represented the sun, moon, stars and scared spots. Groups which were represented by groves of trees, reaching vertical and groups of people. Also, stacks symbolized by mountains, stairs and gathering people. And people emulated the human body. We looked at examples from Hatshepsut, Giza and the Sphinx, as well as others. We discussed the prototypes, archetypes, and hybrids of each category. Later, we talked about the elements and principles together and how repetition leads to contrast + emphasis, unity + harmony and balance + proportion. Circles - create a sense of equality; no matter where you are standing and represent balance. Groups - create a pathway; you can sense where to go by the line up. The repetition of groups of objects create unity and a sense of solidity. Stacks - create a sense of visual hierarchy, the higher up you are upon the stack, the more powerful you seem. *Treasury of Atreus - all elements come together.

Treasury of Atreus

Week 3 -
This week we discussed groves + stacks together in temples and palaces. 
Key components in each building:
Order = arrangement, type, style
Proportion = the relationship, ratio, relative importance, and balance.
We also expanded on the idea of prototypes, archetypes, and hybrids in the world of columns. 
Different types of building columns:
[Tuscan] = prototype
Doric = archetype
Ionic = archetype
Corinthian  = archetype
Composite = hybrid
The main building was the Acropolis [the megaron contains a porch, court and a hearth]. In the Acropolis the Parthenon = the hearth. The Propylaia = the porch. It contains columns that basically tell you where to go; the entrance way. The Erectheion is the porch of the Madiens, it marks the sacred spot where Zeus' trident hit the ground. Its contains ionic columns and the whole structure itself has no clarity in the design, but tells a story. All of the design aspects used in the Acropolis can be seen in other structures, as it is the main model for buildings following.

The Acropolis

Week 4 -    
"The end is to build well. Well building hath 3 conditions: firmness, commodity, and delight." - Sir Henry Wotton. The things we talked about this week can be summarized by that one quote. We reviewed Rome and its various buildings and how it was an archetype for "well building".  people.                                                                                                                      

Buildings and Structures: what they meant for the city.

*Road/street = all roads lead to Rome.                                                    

*Baths = architecture and ritual   

*Temple = adaptation and frontal orientation 

*Arch =  memorialization  

*Market = edge 

*Forum = major open space

*Amphitheater = atop the landscape rather than on it

*Colosseum = bread & circuses 

*Dome = bringing the world under one roof 

Planning was done with roads and streets. The city grid was a universal treatment and varied at the local level. Water was the most marvelous feature of all; it worked its way throughout the city and was displayed all over (cost much money to do this). One notable example, in Rome, Italy everyone used the same bath area, but at different times of the day. It was a vast open space that stood 221 feet tall. The color was highly polychromatic and the interior was much more polished. 

*Arch of Constantine - the arches told stories and marked victory for the Romans. 

*Colosseum - incorporated the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns for honoring its ancestors. The circle is the vertical to the center and implies that what takes place in that center is highly important. The Pantheon contains seven alters that make up the seven order of Roman Gods. Each alter was hollow to allow for a greater area span that using solid tiles. Also, contains an acculeous (open circle at the top) that allows light to travel through the building. 

Roman Bath

RR # 5

The spread of Buddhism and Buddhist temple decorations reflect how decorations are inside churches and temples today.
Reading: Ching - p. 231-292

BP # 5

 

Beauty sets as the day disappears,

The colors in the sky reflect into the water below.

Unity is created, and the waves leave behind ripples of texture;

Composing a flow of layers as far as the eye can see.

The pier pierces through,

Its darkness creates a sharp contrast,

And splits the harmony of the colors above and below.

RR # 4

The Founding of [Rome] Roman Architecture –

Map of Roman Empire

·         1000 B.C.E Balkan settlers moved into the Italian peninsula.
300 years later Etruscans moved into Tuscany.

·         Rome’s rule stretched from Gibraltar to Gaul.

·         46 B.C.E Julius Caesar became dictator.

o   Assassinated and nephew Octavian took rule.

·         Octavian defeated and claimed Egypt.

Began to fall apart during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. 

Empire came together once more during the rule of Constantine in 324 C.E. 

·         An architecture of space (internal and outdoor) to a large extent.

·         The essence of Roman architecture was to intentionally shape public spaces.

o   The Pantheon – had a span of 142.5 feet.

o   Best symbolizes the Roman enclosure of space and the powerful effect.

o   Temple to all the gods.

o   Included a dome to symbolize the universe.

·         The basilica was designed to include a space large enough to hold legal matters and fit a vast amount of people.

o   Internal encircling colonnade with an apse, where the judges would sit.

o   At the geometric center of the apse was an alter for the emperor.

·         Basilica Ulpia measured 385 by 182 feet (not including the apses).

·         The Basilica of Maxentius , begun in 307 C.E., was finished by Constantine in c. 325

o   Public bath constructed of concrete.

o   Circulation space measured 265 by 83 feet.

o   Included 3 huge groin vaults and 3 chambers on each side.

·         The founding of Rome (and Roman architecture) is important to the world today because it created a precedent for the way architecture is designed today.

o   It was a model for well building and included:

§   Useful arrangement.

§  Stability and solidity.

§  And it created a positive effect on the people.

·         Each building was designed with a specific purpose and told a story.

·         It set  the bar in building for the mass on a large scale. 

Plan of the Basilica

The Pantheon

  

BP # 4

Of the four buildings visited during Friday's class the library was the single space
where commodity, firmness, and delight were at their highest achievement. The ionic columns used in the library gave it solidity and the towers also made it look firm and highlighted the entrance way. The library was the original cylinder space and each other building was created based on it's image. The quality of lighting in the ECU was very poor and the circles located throughout did not have any specific function and the arrangement was not useful. The floor patterns helped guide you through the building, but air returns were not incorporated into the space at all. This diminished the quality of the interrelationship of spaces. The MHRA building had the highest in delight; the glass windows gave off a sense of horizontal stacking and hierarchy. All the materials used were pretty solid and well planned out. But the hollow columns provided no real purpose and did not provide the sense of solidity that was seen in the library columns. In the MHRA, ECU, and the music buildings none of the axis seemed to serve any significance overall. Whereas, in the library the axis marked the four major buildings of the campus and guided you to and through them (providing a pathway). The materials used in the library emphasized the power and solidity of the building and makes it seem more structurally sound. In addition, since it is the oldest building of the four it has a high rating performance and stability department. Although the MHRA and the music building have a newer "fresher" appearance that makes them more delightful than the library, overall the library out ranks them based on the other building conditions.

BP # 3

Space - Occupies a large area, mostly flat land. Trees create a pathway for a sense of direction throughout the campus and also for protection. Emphasizes the wealth of the campus.

Power - Some building contain columns to emphasize the power and solidity of the building and support the large structure; makes it seem more structurally sound. Other buildings have stacks to represent the hierarchy involved and express power through the repetition. Boundaries are created by trees for protection by giving the impression of being tall and strong; strength in numbers.

Experience - Buildings are earth tones and the campus is decorated with trees, giving it a natural feel and appearance. Since the land is pretty flat travel is simple and the trees serve as a reliable guide. Taller buildings suggest more effort and climbing to get around. The set up of the campus makes it easy to decipher the way you progress throughout.

Principles - The way the campus is designed it seems that any important business or political dealings are decided equally and based on the agreement of the majority of individuals. Religion is free-flowing and based upon choice.

Precedent - Based on the layout of the campus the precedent appears to be equal and laws, rules, etc. are decided upon an even vote where majority is favored. Also, the different size and scale of the buildings imply that though most decisions are majority ruled some resolutions are reached by going to a higher authority who has more power than the mass.

Order - The authoritative direction throughout the campus is majority ruled as determined by the mostly leveled plains. But, due to the difference in height and size of the buildings it can be determined that there are some exceptions to the majority rule and that there are higher authority figures that regulate all final discussions and decisions.

Scale - Buildings are built to express its importance throughout the community; Larger buildings are used more often by the population. In the center details become more elaborate and columns are used to emphasize the size and structure.

Technology - Throughout the campus technology is in abundance and can been seen throughout each building. Computers, cars, etc. are used to increase the knowledge of the population and provide an easier way to get around and obtain knowledge and power.

Surface - The campus is flat for the most part which creates a sense of equality around. Makes it easy for travel and going through the campus area. Taller buildings create a hierarchy throughout the campus and creates a more uneven (mountainous) balance throughout.