History of Architecture - Essay Example

?History of Architecture Question Andrea Palladio modified the existing architecture to result in a unique design and an entirely different precise. His design structures had the similarity in the cultural and other similar social accentuation but incorporated a number of other new characteristics that did not only mark the beginning of a new era in architecture but also improved the quality of his designs. This therefore marked the move from the conventional classical precedence to Georgian architect in the British cities (John, 1983). Among the main characteristic modifications included the use of the Roman symmetry. In architecture, symmetry refers to the exact correspondence on either side of a dividing plane, axis or center. With an effective symmetry, one-half of the structure is an exact replica of the other half. Such a section is essential in determining the strength and he ability to the entire structure sine it influences the amount of weight that an engineer attaches on either side. The Facade of Pallao Chiericati is one of Palladio’s most prominent work. The symmetry among other pertinent aspects of the structure is similar to those in the early Roman society. He uses the similar rectangular shapes of the structures prevalent in the early society but he further seeks to achieve beauty and durability by modifying the structures and the design of the structures, a new feature in the Roman architecture that is symbolic of his era. Columns on the other hand refer to the solid upright structures that support the entire weight of the building. This is one of the most important aspect of a construction and requires effective consideration in order to reconcile with the total weight of the structure. In designing his columns, Palladio accentuated his designs with acanthus leaf capitals at the top of the beams. The Roman structures had stronger columns, which just as in any other structure supported the structures. However, he added the design as a means of achieving increased aesthetic features of his design, thereby becoming an important distinction of his works and the new era in architecture that he pioneered. Palladio’s works laid more importance on the symmetry and perspective of the structure. He developed stronger and balanced structures and incorporated more of his creativity on the decoration of the structures thereby making them iconic beauties. He borrowed such aspects of the Roman society thereby earning relevance among them but incorporated his own creativity a feature that marked the transition between the two architectural eras. Among the most common features he used in decorating his works included scallop shells, typical motifs in the Greek and Roman arts. They used pediments to decorate doors and windows (Alain, 2009). Additionally, masks that were important motifs in the early society were used on the interior decoration of buildings. The increased decorations added weight to the building thereby demanding stronger columns and beams to support. Palladio achieved this through the accurate consideration of symmetry and perspective of his work thereby constructing stronger bases capable of withstanding the intense pressure resulting from the heavier walls and roofs. The uniqueness of the design arose from the fact that he used simple and common materials but with them developed stronger and more stable structure, which embodied beauty of the existing cultures (Giovanni, 1980).He designed simple structures, which he developed in bricks and covered in stucco. The stucco walls represented the Roman Villa topology. This way, he upheld the Roman culture in the art of villa constructions. Question 2 The construction technology resulted in stronger structures than those built in modern societies using steel. Basilique Saint-Denis in northern Paris, Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey in England are some of the early cathedrals whose structures employed the early gothic architecture. Comparing the two to Lincoln Cathedral in England and the Bamberg cathedral in Germany, the earlier structures prove more resilient. The modern cathedrals are bigger owing to the multi-story structures. They therefore require a lot of strength to support such weight. However, most of such cathedrals including the modern two above employ the arch shape as a source of additional support to their steel. Stone vaulting was simpler than the steel technology; it only required the use of lighter yet stronger material for the roof but a stronger wall thereby providing a strong entire structure capable of withstanding the test of time. This is unlike the use of steel, which is more costly. Stone vaulting is a unique form of engineering used in the early civilization to construct huge iconic structures without the use of steel. In modern architecture, steel provides support for structures (Nikolaus, 1987). However, in the earlier societies, was not already invented thereby prompting the use of a technology to support such structures. This led to the development of the stone vaulting technology. Stone vaulting used arched form of structures used to provide both a space and support for a ceiling roof. This architectural design enabled the construction of stronger and more stable taller structures by manipulating a number of elements of the structure. The parts of the vault exert intense pressure that requires extensive resistance for the structures to stay upright depending on the nature of the structure. In underground structures, the ground provides the resistance thereby supporting the structures. However, in those constructed above the ground, the technology employed a number of placements to counter the pressure. One of such included the use of thick walls and deeper foundations. In such contexts, the ground provided the basic resistance thereby developing the base upon which to layer the successive weight. Additionally, the structures have progressively diminishing breadths; this therefore reduces the pressure as the structure extends resulting in lesser pressure. Question 3 Theory refers to a coherent statement that explains observed facts or phenomena or which set out the laws or principles of known or observed. Early theories of architectures therefore advised on the mechanisms of practicing in the discipline using the readily available resources. Such theories considered the prevalence in the cultural practices of the people and the available materials thereby advising an optimal architecture that upheld the principles applied in the times. However, such theories resemble the modern day theories owing to the relativity of construction and structures. Theories provide a universal view to a subject. This way they provide explanations to the prevailing trends in the industry. They also led the change and development of the early technologies such as the use of stone vaults to the modern use of steel (John, 1983). The earliest theories of architecture just as the modern theories assert that a building must satisfy three integral aspects including durability, beauty and utility. Durability of structures dictates that a building must remain in good condition and therefore stand up strongly through time serving its owner. A building is arguably timeliness, a number of environmental elements may weaken its structure but an effective structure should resist such. This implies that the original structure must consider the prevalence of such factors thereby provide effective resistance. Such elements include wind, which may possibly result in collapse. A structure must therefore have an effective mechanism of resisting wind. The architectural design of a house should consider the prevalence of wind in a region and design security features that offer effective resistance. Additionally, the same is applicable to other environmental factors such as rain and sun all of which affect the durability of the structure (Wim, 1989). Importantly, the design of a structure must consider the materials used in the construction to ensure the development of a strong and stable structure capable of lasting longer. Such materials as steel, bricks and cement determine the weight of the structure. The building must therefore ensure even distribution of the weight to prevent pressure from piling and possibly causing a collapse of the entire house. Beauty on the other hand refers to the ability of the house to delight not only the owner but also other people who interact with it. This involves a number of design considerations to ensure that the structure earns the emotional appeal. Beauty is relative; however, a structure must have a degree glamor and impression on at least everyone who interacts with it. Achieving beauty is a holistic process that requires the active involvement of the entire design team. Beauty lies in the entire structure and must therefore begin at the design stage. The design of the structure must have a degree of uniqueness. This should have some emotional appeal, the subsequent aspects of the construction process therefore maintains the appeals set at the design stage by ensuring effective implementation of the design (Wim, 1988). Finally, the theories of architecture assert that a structure must provide value for the money invested. A structure must have utility to its owner by ensuring that it serves the purpose for which it is designed. Utility refers to the longevity and the aesthetic satisfaction it offers its owner besides other pertinent issues. A structure should consider such and ensure the relative satisfaction of each. Question 4 a) The building is attractive. It employs a number of architectural elements, which sustains the beauty such include the design of the doors and windows and the shaping of the domes. The design is unique and attractive, the painting further accentuates the structure giving it an emotional appeal (Severy & Francis, 1995). The conspicuous styling of the roofing and the landscaping easily relates the building to a particular cultural group. Buildings communicate by giving an effective representation of the cultures within which they exist. The structure therefore earns this owing to the unique design of its decorative roof. b) Every building has a narrative behind its construction. The building should narrate this naturally without any deliberate stress on its important aspects. To earn this natural communication, the building elements require effective consideration to ensure that they represent the specific features that the architect hopes to narrate. The building elements include the materials, all which must meet the quality criteria of the house. The materials therefore sustain the quality. The component parts and the methods of construction are two essential elements, which further contribute to the packaging of the narrative (Banister, 2001). c) Daniel Libeskind suffered from the Second World War, several of his relatives died while others lost property. In his design, he therefore draws a personal attachment and communicates his emotions and opinions. The imperial war museum for example, is a connection of three linked buildings shaped as remains from a broken globe. He does this deliberately in an attempt of communicating the manner in which the war had divided the world. The same is applicable to the Jewish Museum in Berlin, which he developed in commemoration of the radical Nazism treatment of the Jews. d) Daniel designed the museum to contrast the differences between the Hitler led Nazi regime to the doctrines of the Jews most of which led to the holocaust. He complicates the structure making discrete windows and entry points purposely in reference to the restricted freedom, a part of the Nazi’s discrimination of the Jews. e) As explained earlier, culture refers to people’s way of life. Culture therefore dictates their attire and dietary alongside other essential aspects of life. Culture dictates the structure of housing within a community thereby possibly influencing architectural design. Without knowledge of a culture, structures appear decorative and may not possess the primary beauty (Alain, 2009). However, with time and knowledge of the culture, the aspects of the culture that an architectural design tries to maintain becomes more conspicuous thereby aiding the understanding of both the culture and the architectural design. Through interaction, the Roman culture for example influenced the construction design of early structures in countries as far from Italy as England. Bibliography Alain, E. B. (2009). The Cathedral: The Social and Architectural Dynamics of Construction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Andre, G. (1967). The Beginnings of Christian Art. New York: Thames and Hudson. Banister, F. (2001). A History of Architecture on the Comparative method. New York: Elsevier Science & Technology. Giovanni, F. (1980). Brunelleschi. Berlin: Becocci. Hart, V. (1995). St. Paul's Cathedral: Sir Christopher Wren. London: Phaidon Press. John, S. (1983). Architecture in Britain, 1530-1830. New York: Pelican History of Art. Nikolaus,P. (1987). An Outline of European Architecture. London: Pelican Books. Severy, C. & Francis, D. K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. Hague: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. Wim, S. (1989). Art and Architecture of the Late Middle Ages. New York: Omega Books Wim, S. (1988). The Gothic Cathedral. New York: Omega Books. For the second question the question specifically asks for examples of english and french gothic churches to be compared to examples from the 19th century iron engineering. The answer focuses way too much on the technical side of stone vaulting rather than stating it's advantages, and doesn't mention gothic cathedrals or iron engineering from the industrial revolution. and it uses examples from english and turkish cathedrals which isn't what's asked in the question. I would've preferred if it showed advantages of stone vaulting against disadvantages of iron engineering with specific examples. Please make these changes as sooooon as possible, i need it done by less than 12 hours. Read More