From the Paper "The Pantheon in Rome is the most complete surviving building of ancient Rome. Since the Renaissance the great dome and its huge interior space have made an indelible impression on anyone who saw it and the structure became one of the most influential buildings in history. The dome of the Pantheon, or Rotunda as it is also called, covers a span that was never surpassed by more than a few feet until the use of steel and reinforced concrete much such expanses routine. The scope of the architect's achievement was impressive by Roman standards and remained just as impressive for many centuries. There is some debate over the precise function of the great temple. But the building was clearly the culmination of a new interest in architecture as contained space rather than as external structure. This volumetric approach was to determine the course of Roman ..."
Abstract Ergonomics is matching the job to the worker and the product to the user. This research paper provides the reader with an understanding of office ergonomics and how complicated just one cubicle can be. The paper also stresses the importance of ergonomics in the office and all the hazards that it can prevent. Much can be gained from the proper use of office ergonomics, including higher productivity and fewer safety injuries. Many different organizations are referenced in this paper to give the reader the most accurate information regarding office ergonomics.
From the Paper "The cubicle, in all its glory, represents the modern day workspace for many workers and creates many frustrations. Technology has had an overpowering effect on the way we work today. As a result, we are spending more time at our desks and using a computer, leading to an increased number of ergonomic related issues. In this section, the author will discuss the hazards, dangers, and risks associated with poor office ergonomics. These include musculoskeletal disorders, sharp edges, pinch points, eye strain, poor posture, fatigue, noise pollution and emotional stress cause by working in a cubicle."
Abstract This paper compares the temple architecture of Egyptians with that of the Greeks and explores the differences in structure, art and symbolism, and function. It discusses how architecture is more than the design of buildings and how it is the expression of ideas through the creation of structures.
Outline
Abstract and Introduction
Architectural Structure
Temple Function and Purpose
Architectural Art and Symbolism
Bibliography
From the Paper "Egyptian temple architecture is much larger than that of the Greeks. One reason for this is because the geographical location was abundant with resources and building materials such as limestone cliffs. Another reason is that the Egyptians maintained a highly organized society capable of carrying out such large constructions. The earliest Egyptian pyramid was built for the pharaoh Zoser in Giza around 2700-2600 BC. These pyramids measured 756 feet on the side and 481 feet tall. Egyptian pyramids almost always took the shape of a triangle. The Egyptians worshiped the sun as their main god and it was represented by the Egyptian hieroglyph as a triangle. "
This paper explores and details items that may be found in a time capsule that reflect world events and cultural patterns from the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Abstract This paper examines the art and cultural developments during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The writer of this paper describes articles that could be found in a time capsule from the Renaissance era as a rebirth of culture and a renewed interest in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome while explaining that the Baroque era grew from the Renaissance to promote an individualistic connection with God and spirituality as well as more appeal to emotions and drama. The items from art, music, architecture, philosophy and literature found in the time capsules are indicative of the events taking place during these two time periods.
From the Paper "The Renaissance represents the time period between the Middle Ages and the Reformation - roughly the 14th century through the 15th century. Many historians view the Renaissance as a period of intellectual and artistic rebirth in which European culture thrived. The arts would likely be represented in the Renaissance time capsule by oil paintings on canvas or by sculpture. The work of artists such as Da Vinci who use shadow and light to portray three dimensions in their paintings are likely to be found in the time capsule. As such, we could expect to find Da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting. We may also find a sculpture by Michelango such as his famed David sculpture which represents beliefs during the Renaissance about beauty in the nude form being a reflection of God's power."
Abstract This paper includes a look at the construction of the Pantheon in Rome. The author provides a historical background regarding its creation under the ruler, Hadrian, as well as photos of this building. The focus of the paper is on a 'walkthrough' of this architectural site.
From the Paper "Throughout Roman history, many influential temples have been built. Perhaps the most recognizable and influential temple in all of imperial Rome is the Pantheon. Most temples that were built in ancient Rome were dedicated to a single god, or possibly a few gods. Built by the Emperor Hadrian, the ideology behind the Pantheon was to give remembrance and respect to all of the gods in ancient Rome. Since this temple was turned into a church in the early seventh century A.D., it was maintained and preserved very well, and can still be visited today. Within this research paper, I will provide a detailed look at the construction of the Pantheon, as well as Hadrians motivation to erect this building."
Abstract This paper looks at how King Louis XIV of France used the remodeling of his magnificent palace at Versailles, and the visual art in the palace, as a propaganda tool. The author discusses Louis' constant campaign for absolute power as a divine ruler. The paper pays close attention to the architecture at Versailles.
From the Paper:
"King Louis XIV used visual arts within the palace of Versailles to establish the primacy of the French monarch. Louis XIV wanted to legitimatize his form of strict absolutism through art. The pinnacle of this propaganda campaign was the remodeling of the ch?teau of Versailles into a palace. He and his artists made specific choices to flaunt his wealth and give the king credibility. The gardens, grand staircase, hall of mirrors and salons parade with grandeur and thick allegorical comparisons between the Gods and Louis. The propaganda was effective in targeting its three intended audiences to the degree that later monarchs and artists mimicked it. "
Tags: allegory, art, france, history, king, monarchy, palace, louis, mirror, hall, ceiling, france
This essay examines the importance of the Great Wall of China as one of a handful of human creations around the world that encompasses an entire national identity.
1,860 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 59.95
Abstract This paper looks at both the physical and the cultural history of the wall, demonstrating how it has meant different things to different dynasties of Chinese lives, not only reflecting what it is that the Chinese believe themselves to be but also shaping what it is that they have become.
From the paper:
?The Great Wall remains a powerful symbol of China's national tradition and historical continuity. And yet it is important to understand that it is in many ways the product of an historical myth ? like Washington's wooden teeth. It is probably true that all people tell stories about themselves as a way of creating a sense of both national identity and national pride and there is nothing wrong with this ? so long as we recognize the fact that we are dealing with myth and not with history.?
Abstract This paper provides an overall history of the Church Santa Maria della Salute and explores its history and significance. It begins with an explanation why the Church was built following the bubonic plague and describes how it is still a source of inspiration to the citizens of Venice. It discuss unique architectural features of the church and provides a brief biography of the architect Baldassare Longhena.
From the Paper "Anyone who has ever been to Venice - and indeed perhaps even anyone who has merely dreamed of going to Venice - will know the huge baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute. It is architecturally one of the most and probably the most important religious building in the city. It's distinctive shape, visible form all over the city, has greeted both visitors and natives since it was erected in the 17th century as an attempt to appease the heavens. This paper examines both the architectural and artistic significance of this building."
Abstract This paper looks at the importance of mall architecture vis-a-vis the anchor stores, the effect that these anchor stores have on other stores and several of the ways in which the physical design of malls tends to manipulate the behavior of shoppers in those malls.
From the Paper "Most of us have probably never thought a great deal about the ways in which the typical shopping mall, such as the Galleria, is laid out. We all know that there are anchor stores that are at the psychological (although not geometric) "corners" of the mall, and that in between these anchors are smaller, more specialized stores, most of them selling clothes, make-up and jewelry, with the second most important category of merchandise being items that are sold for the purpose of entertainment, including books and CDs and other forms of recorded music. The third most important single category of stores/merchandise at a typical mall (and the Galleria is in no important way substantially atypical in terms of the ways in which architecture is designed to lead to an increased degree of both the desire to consume and the actual process of consumption itself) is that of the restaurant. "
A discussion of the different movements - pre-modernism, modernism and post-modernism - in architectural history and how each one differs from the other.
Abstract A paper which discusses the different movements in architectural history and compares the differences between them. The paper shows how among these movements, modernism is the most popular and how it has influenced art and architecture in the United States and Europe. It shows, on the other hand, that pre-modernism is a less popular era in which architecture was influenced by the industrial age and its need for order and precision, and that Post-modernism was the movement that followed modernism and contains elements of both classicism and modernism.
From the Paper "During the modernism movement, architects started using steel and iron more in their designs and they also started focusing on functional designs. Apart from the use of steel and iron, concrete was also brought back to the architectural world. It is important to know here that concrete is one thing that sets late 19th century buildings from pre-modernism architectural designs. While concrete was first used by the Romans in 5 B.C., it was later taken over by other materials such as marble, stone, brick etc. Modernists are responsible for the revival of concrete in architecture."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of green architecture which simply means building in a way that is in harmony to nature, as opposed to being superimposed on it. This research demonstrates through example how green architecture in Japan is a direct result of traditional elements found in Japanese religion and culture. The paper provides examples of different "green" architects and some of their works.
Table of Contents
Defining Green Architecture
An Overview of Japanese Philosophy
Building Material for Green Architecture
Environmental Psychology
Blending the Old with the New
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Man has been building structures since shortly after they began to emerge from caves and to explore areas outside his immediate vicinity. Many animals build structures, such as birds and beaver. Many of these structures are functional and serve only to offer protection from predators and the elements, and so it was with the first structures built by man. They were made from the limited building materials locally available and the emphasis was on functionality, little, if any thought was given to artistic form."
From the Paper "At the end of his long career as President, diplomat, politician, political writer, inventor and architect Thomas Jefferson created a work that was the crowning achievement of his career. As an intellectual concept realized in his own architectural design, the University of Virginia is one of the greatest achievements in American architecture. Deriving his ideas for the buildings from classical architecture, Jefferson employed the ancient forms in a new manner that was suited to the times, the location, and the purposes for which he designed them. His conceptions did not, in the long run, turn out to be the influential force in architecture that might be expected -- his influence lay more in the area of principles than of style. But the University has preserved his original campus and it stands as a monument to his ideas and his talents. The central building in..."
From the Paper "The architecture of the forbidden City in Beijing reflects the worldview of the Chinese, a philosophy that is expressed in the way the buildings are arranged and designed, a philosophy that also reflects the function for which the buildings are intended. This style of architecture has been emulated both in China and in structures outside of China that have been built in Chinese communities.
Beijing, once called Peking in the West, served as the capital of China for six dynasties over six centuries, and the capital has been modified and maintained continuously over that time. The city is made up of the northern Inner City and the southern Outer City, and the city as a whole is made up of numerous smaller walled-in courtyards. Against this background a core of structures stands out more meaningfully in the orderly..."
Abstract This paper discusses how ancient Egypt was one of these first civilizations and how the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the first real kings in the world and because they were so powerful, they had the ability to build such astonishing structures such as the great pyramids. It discusses how the Egyptian pyramids are the oldest stone buildings in the world, standing for nearly 5,000 years and how their size, strength and age is the reason pyramids fascinate people to this day. It describes how the Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs and were said to be the pharaoh's "Castle of Eternity" in order to preserve their bodies for the next life. It examines the architecture, the design, the materials and the strict criteria to which they had to conform as well as the logisitics of how they were built at the time.
From the Paper "The base of the pyramid had to be a perfect square. This meant that all four sides had to be perfectly even in length. All four angles would have to be perfect right angles. This would prove to be difficult for the large distances that had to be measured. Each side of the Great Pyramid is measured at 755 feet in length. The Egyptians didn?t have measuring tapes like we have today. They made these measurements with cords of palm-fiber or flax-fiber, which tended to stretch when used to measure such distances. After this the base would finally be ready for the start of construction. While the base was being prepared and measured stone was already being quarried and brought down the river to be placed near the proposed sight for the pyramid (Pace, Mildred)."
This paper discusses Byzantine Art, post-Roman Empire art: Political and religious contexts, architecture, statuary, geometric painting, icons and monumental sculpture.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, 1980, $ 47.95
From the Paper "The following research concerns Byzantine Art. Byzantine Art developed after the split in the Christian world which took place after the division of the Roman Empire. Christianity came to the fore in the Roman Empire during the first three centuries of the Christian era. The emperor Constantine was converted in the fourth century A.D., and this was but the official recognition of a development toward Christianity that had long been in preparation. This new religion gave hope to the masses of people for whom living conditions had become impossible. Rome finally fell not so much because of outside invasions as from internal social decay, poverty, corruption, and the loss of control by the civil government. When Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople, the empire was divided into west and east..
Constantinople was the new name for the Greek town of ... "
