Abstract The author of this paper defines humanities as a group of academic disciplines that study the expression of human beings while making sense of the human experience. This paper explores how the different fields of humanities provide a way for individuals to study the expressions of humankind. From art to literature, academics have studied works in these areas to gain a better understanding and appreciation for the diversity of values and cultures represented.
From the Paper "In the humanities field of art, current developments in politics, socioeconomics, and technology are represented. Throughout history, art has been an expression of the humankind experience and the values of society at that time. For example, Diego Rivera was a Mexican muralist painter during the 20th Century. When commissioned by the Rockefellers to paint a mural at the Rockefeller Center in New York in 1933 during the Great Depression, Rivera presented a mural of Lenin leading a demonstration of workers amidst a sea of red banners. The murals clear political statement resulted in the mural being destroyed by the Rockefellers. Earlier, Rivera had painted a mural for Henry Ford in Detroit that depicted factory workers in a plant."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of whether or not modern art and architecture consider spirituality in their themes. The paper contends that the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and artists Mary Cassatt and Judy Chicago contain a fundamentally spiritual dimension that speaks to the persistence of the human spirit and the linkage of that spirit to nature and to society.
From the Paper "Despite the fact that clearly identifiable religious imagery began to disappear in the course of the modern era many if not precisely most of the major artists and architects of the nineteenth and twentieth century have been ..."
Tags: art, architecture, spirituality, Mary Cassatt, Frank Lloyd Wright, Judy Chicago
Abstract This paper presents a design analysis of the jamb statues of the west portal at the Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Royal Portal. Stylistic shifts and differences due to rebuilding are discussed. The paper also highlights the unity of design of the jamb statues.
From the Paper "The West Portal of the Chartres Cathedral at Notre Dame is often referred to as the Royal Portal in reference most likely to the Virginas the Queen of Heaven..."
Abstract This paper discusses a the history of precast concrete It explores its uses, types, capabilities and the impact of new technology on this conventional construction material. The author also mentions the expansion of its uses over time.
From the Paper "Webster's New World Dictionary defines precast concrete as concrete in the form of blocks, pillars, bridge sections etc. that have been cast into form before being put into position. While precast concrete did not become popular as building ..."
Tags: architecture, building, construction materials, technology, design, precast concrete
Abstract This paper presents a discussion of the Colosseum of Rome and why it was built. It includes a description of its size and architectural details. The paper discusses the monument's artistic style, imagery and its purpose that is revealed by its size.
From the Paper "The Colosseum is one of the greatest architectural monuments that is still standing. Over time, it served different purposes, some grand and some mundane. Its low point was probably reached when it was used as quarry of construction materials to build new architecture. Yet the greatness of the Colosseum has withstood the test of time. At its high point, it was the center of Rome, the center of the public's attention and a site where people engaged in the cultural practice of belonging. The imagery and architecture of..."
Abstract This paper looks at two Connecticut Roman Catholic churches (St. Joseph's Church and Holy Rosary Parish), and how their design reflects the faith of the religion. The paper examines how the form of the architecture follows the function of the religion.
From the Paper "It is often thought that perhaps even the earliest forms of art are a direct expression of divine faith. Certainly some of the most beautiful masterpieces in the world were religious devotions rather than simply beautiful images. When we think of art as an expression of faith, we are immediately reminded of the beautiful statues of the Greek and Roman gods, numerous representations of the Madonna and of course Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. A more common expression of faith through art however is..."
Abstract The paper explains that modernism is a term used to describe the styles of architecture, arts and literature of the twentieth century. The paper defines the style of modernism in architecture as a form that takes on a clean line and functional focus. The paper discusses how the contemporary world still feels the effect of the modernist influence. The paper concludes that one must wonder if it is on its way to becoming the new traditionalism.
From the Paper "Modernism is a term used to describe the styles of architecture, arts and literature of the twentieth century. The style of modernism in architecture describes a form that takes on a "clean" line and functional focus. It is a "rational" form of architecture that uses non-traditional forms and materials. According to "Contemporary Architects" on the Edinburgh Architecture website: Modern Architecture became linked to a certain genre of building and thus over time wasn't really 'modern' anymore. Contemporary Architecture currently has less baggage; it is not affected by fall-out from the reign of a certain style."
Abstract This paper briefly reviews the life and times of Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector. The paper describes her significant life achievements, the sexism she faced and the reason why society must remain vigilant against such attitudes today. Additionally, the paper contains thirteen sources, mostly internet-based, providing important information on this woman.
From the Paper "The matter of female architects in Ohio is an interesting one because, historically, women in Ohio - as elsewhere in America - faced great difficulty. Ms. Hayden - she later married James Rector and assumed the nomenclature Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector - was also an outspoken suffragist ("Women in Ohio History - Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector" 2005, paragraph 12). Fortunately, her papers can still be accessed in various University collections throughout America ("Guide to the Manuscript Collections - Hayden, Florence Kenyon" 2005, paragraph 36). Ms. Hayden's work did not begin and end with her design of the elegant Oxley Hall Women's Residence at the University of Ohio. She also designed the home of Ohio millionaire Ellis O. Jones ("Old Towne East - An Historic Neighborhood" 2005, paragraph 1)."
Abstract "This paper discusses and outlines a couple's plan for building their dream home. The couple hires a project management company to create a Home Building Project Implementation Plan (PIP). The plan contains the following subsections: executive summary, scope statement, assumptions, constraints, work breakdown structure, network design, responsibility assignment, budget plan, schedule plan, issue and change management plan, quality specifications, project dependencies, project metrics, human resources requirements, and resource planning Gantt chart."
From the Paper "Mary-Jo and Bobby Doe have decided to build their dream home and have requested the project management services of Home Builders' Inc (HBI). HBI helps owners to organize and plan the designing, financing and constructing through project management tools for home-building construction. The major participants involved in the Home Sweet Home project include Mary-Jo and Bobby Doe, architects, engineers, financial institution and builders who hire subcontractors for structural, mechanical, electrical and other specialty work."
Abstract This paper examines the design of the structure, the materials and construction methods used in the creation of Francesco Borromini's "San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane". It also looks at the decor and furnishings of the "San Carlo" and its over-all style and function.
From the Paper This paper is a brief exploration of Borromini's celebrated San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane. More specifically, this paper will examine the spatial organization and planning of the project, the materials and construction methods used, the decor and the furnishings that make the San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane such a landmark of modern architecture, the over-all "style" of the room and the functions it serves. As will soon become evident, this room serves as an historic and imperishable legacy to its creator.
Abstract This paper compares Gothic architecture and Renaissance architecture, showing the change that came over architecture with the shift from the more massive and decorated style of the Gothic to the cleaner classical lines of the Renaissance, a period which also borrowed from the Moslem style to make new use of the dome, as in religious buildings by Brunelleschi.
From the Paper "Gothic architecture developed from the Romanesque style and emerged in the twelfth century. It prevailed until the Renaissance beginning in the fifteenth century. Gothic architecture was marked by size and elaborate decorations. However, Gothic architecture was first defined in terms of a change in Romanesque church architecture diagonal ribs were added to the groin-vault, as was first seen at the Abbey Church of St. Denis near Paris (Frankl 1). In part because of its origins, Gothic architecture has long been associated with France and is considered a French style, though in fact, others used it as well. Gothic architecture is probably represented for many people by Notre-Dame de Paris, a facade known from countless stories and other representations as well as for itself. "
Abstract This paper looks at the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and discusses the physical attributes as well as the religious and historical significance of the structure. The paper also briefly discusses the artistic and architectural significance of the building and it's role in the broader context of the Grand Mosque.
From the Paper "The Kaaba, or "cube" in Arabic, is an ancient pre-Islamic granite temple in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Located inside the Grand Mosque, it is the holiest site in Islamic religion. Although it is holy, it is not worshiped as an entity itself any more than a church or synagogue, but is considered a focal point for Islamic prayer and worship. When Muslims face Mecca for prayer, it is towards the Kaaba that they are actually facing. According to Islamic tradition, the first Kaaba was built by Adam and is supposedly a replica of the House of God in heaven directly above. It is traditionally believed that the Kaaba was rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael, from whom Mohammad is believed to have descended, however the relationship between the Kaaba and Abraham has been refuted by modern scholars (Hekmat 21). "
Abstract The paper is a brief discussion of Inigo Jones, a seventeenth century architect who rose to prominence in part by introducing Palladian conceits to the British Isles. The paper looks at his early life, his indebtedness to Andrea Palladio and his historical legacy. In particular, the paper notes his influence upon Christopher Wren. In the final analysis, Jones emerges as one of Great Britain's most important architects.
From the Paper "The following paper will examine the life, times and impact of Inigo Jones, an architect whose contributions to the modern era of the field have too often been overlooked. The following paper will examine Jones' status as the leading English architect of the seventeenth century. The paper will also examine Jones' indebtedness to Andrea Palladio - specifically his treatises on architecture - and to classical Roman architecture. As the following pages will make clear, Jones' work is typified by distinctive Italian embellishments and flourishes that would have been otherwise impossible had he not been so deeply influenced by the grandeur and splendor of ancient Roman architecture."
Abstract The paper is on the history and design of St. Etienne Cathedral in Bourges, France, which is a good example of gothic church architecture. The constuction of the cathedral is examined and the paper discusses typical French Gothic style.
From the Paper "St. Etienne Cathedral in Bourges, France is a good example of gothic church architecture. This edifice, along with Cathedral Chartres, is the first cathedral of the high-Gothic era and was the starting point for the typical French Gothic style. Construction on the cathedral began in 1195, and the choir was completed in 1214, the nave between 1225-1250, and the west facade sometime in the 1270's. The north tower fell in 1505 and was rebuilt in 1542 ("Cathedral, Bourges No. 1" paras. 1-2). The plan of the cathedral is simple and was derived from the plan for Notre-Dame de Paris. At least, the exterior is so derived, while the interior is quite different from that more famous cathedral. The basic structure involves double-sided aisles, and it is double ambulatory and has no transept. The volume of the nave is the same as the cathedral at Chartres, with a width of 15 meters and a height of 37.."
Abstract This paper looks closely at the emergence of sustainable architecture and its function in the 21st century. The paper is broken down into three parts: the philosophy, the materials utilized and the importance of the design of sustainable architecture. To aid in this analysis, three central sustainable architects are also included in this research.
From the Paper "Sustainable architecture has become a movement within architecture in this last century. In accordance with recent environmental movements, sustainable architecture attempts to save and share resources, to save and spare economically. King writes that the "shift to a sustainable, ecologically restorative way of life in city and countryside, guaranteeing fair shares of resources and opportunities across space and time, will involve the bitterest struggles over material interests" (9). This mentality is fundamental to the conservation and continuation of our species. It incorporates a new element of creativity into the work of an architect, which can be a rejuvenating element, as the art of architecture is as old as they come. The use of such designs into the 21st century shows a respect for our children and an equal respect for our earth, and, as our materials begin to ..."
