History of Architecture
Introduction
History of Architecture -
This is a series of courses that began in year 1 with History of Architecture prior to 1500. Second year includes History of Architecture after 1500 and will continue with History of American Architecture in year 3. Understanding the history of a topic helps define the future. So many elements and principles of architecture were founded in the classic an ancient time period of design. As I begin to understand the industry that is Architecture, understanding the past is a key element, if not THE key element of the foundation of knowledge. Below are several of my projects over the course of these two semesters. I understand there is more to come so I will add to my foundation over the course of my education.
This is a series of courses that began in year 1 with History of Architecture prior to 1500. Second year includes History of Architecture after 1500 and will continue with History of American Architecture in year 3. Understanding the history of a topic helps define the future. So many elements and principles of architecture were founded in the classic an ancient time period of design. As I begin to understand the industry that is Architecture, understanding the past is a key element, if not THE key element of the foundation of knowledge. Below are several of my projects over the course of these two semesters. I understand there is more to come so I will add to my foundation over the course of my education.
Archive/ Gallery
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Reflection
Reflection/ Overview:
True reflections for History of Architecture need to begin earlier than the Renaissance. ARC 2031 began in the bronze age with Stonehenge and the Ziggurat. Using these structures as a literal foundation for knowledge is key to the program as each of these were used throughout time as examples of structure, design and elements of style. Style clearly changed as time continued on with a strong Asian influence. We began to see temples and more complex structures throughout Asian and India. As Buddhism spread so did the influences of the corresponding structures.
Next we moved into the Americas and Africa where the land was an important part of the structure. Dirt and the surrounding land was used in many structures. Wigwams, earth mounds, pit houses; these are all among the structures that used the resources to their advantage.
As civilizations became more complex so did the structures. The Roman and Greek empires moved structures quickly forward with government buildings and housing that represented wealth and power in addition to the utility. The idea of wealth being represented in buildings and homes has become a driving force in architecture. Size, design, elements and features have become symbols of power, wealth and success. This was prevalent in the days of ancient architecture such as pyramids and the coliseum and are still represented today with celebrity homes, vast landscaped lands and skyscrapers that touch the sky.
As we continued into the second semester of our introduction to architectural history we moved into the 16th century all the way to the end of the 20th century. This time period includes major progress in materials, technology and design. The age of Renaissance and Baroque architecture gave way to beautifully design and constructed buildings such as the Florence Cathedral, St. Peters Basilica and The Louvre. Architecture became an art form and not just a vision of royalty or imperial but the creative nature of the designer themself. Early Modern was the next movement as a result of this. Taj Mahal and the Palace of Westminster both originated in this time period. Buildings continued to be built for a lifetime, much like the Empires of Rome and Mesopotamia rather than for a temporary use such as Pit Houses or earth mounds. This practice continued until recently when we began to have Exhibitions and temporary installments were built. However, communities often cherished these exhibits enough to make them permanent, such as the Eiffel Tower. Materials made a major impact in the 18th - 20th century with the introduction concrete as a form, iron, steel and glass as a curtain wall. This technology still guides us as a global community today.
I felt a much greater connection to historical architecture this past semester as the buildings and structures were more relevant to my own creative nature. A more modern advanced technology style structure intrigues me the most. I am looking forward to the next course as we dive deeper into the history of architecture in the Americas.
True reflections for History of Architecture need to begin earlier than the Renaissance. ARC 2031 began in the bronze age with Stonehenge and the Ziggurat. Using these structures as a literal foundation for knowledge is key to the program as each of these were used throughout time as examples of structure, design and elements of style. Style clearly changed as time continued on with a strong Asian influence. We began to see temples and more complex structures throughout Asian and India. As Buddhism spread so did the influences of the corresponding structures.
Next we moved into the Americas and Africa where the land was an important part of the structure. Dirt and the surrounding land was used in many structures. Wigwams, earth mounds, pit houses; these are all among the structures that used the resources to their advantage.
As civilizations became more complex so did the structures. The Roman and Greek empires moved structures quickly forward with government buildings and housing that represented wealth and power in addition to the utility. The idea of wealth being represented in buildings and homes has become a driving force in architecture. Size, design, elements and features have become symbols of power, wealth and success. This was prevalent in the days of ancient architecture such as pyramids and the coliseum and are still represented today with celebrity homes, vast landscaped lands and skyscrapers that touch the sky.
As we continued into the second semester of our introduction to architectural history we moved into the 16th century all the way to the end of the 20th century. This time period includes major progress in materials, technology and design. The age of Renaissance and Baroque architecture gave way to beautifully design and constructed buildings such as the Florence Cathedral, St. Peters Basilica and The Louvre. Architecture became an art form and not just a vision of royalty or imperial but the creative nature of the designer themself. Early Modern was the next movement as a result of this. Taj Mahal and the Palace of Westminster both originated in this time period. Buildings continued to be built for a lifetime, much like the Empires of Rome and Mesopotamia rather than for a temporary use such as Pit Houses or earth mounds. This practice continued until recently when we began to have Exhibitions and temporary installments were built. However, communities often cherished these exhibits enough to make them permanent, such as the Eiffel Tower. Materials made a major impact in the 18th - 20th century with the introduction concrete as a form, iron, steel and glass as a curtain wall. This technology still guides us as a global community today.
I felt a much greater connection to historical architecture this past semester as the buildings and structures were more relevant to my own creative nature. A more modern advanced technology style structure intrigues me the most. I am looking forward to the next course as we dive deeper into the history of architecture in the Americas.