Abstract To consider modern architecture, this paper considers the various steps that have occurred. It begins with a consideration of the Congres Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne (CIAM) architects and proceeds to Team X. This is followed by a look at New Brutalism and then leads to a look at the current state of architecture. This gives a view of the current state of architecture, as well as providing the context that allows the current state to be understood. From there, the paper looks ahead to the future of architecture and predicts what that future will look like, based on the trends that have been identified. The paper shows that architecture is ever-changing, while providing an overview of the changes that have taken place until now and the changes that can be expected to take place, leading to the future.
From the Paper "Architecture will never achieve some perfect state where everyone accepts that the one best form has now been achieved. The reason for this is that what is considered best changes as people change. This aspect applies to architecture as much as it does to any other art form or any item produced in society. People in one generation may strive for a certain perfect form and they may even achieve it in their lifetime. However, even if they do, this form does not become the one perfect standard, never changing again. Instead, the next generation considers what has been created before and strives to achieve something. If architecture is considered as art, this is the same process that occurs with all other forms of art. For example, literature created centuries ago does not remain as the one perfect form for literature. Shakespeare's work is still considered great, but the writers of today rarely create works similar to Shakespeare?s. Instead, they create works that reflect modern society, while possibly taking aspects of Shakespeare's work and building on them. This creates a continual process of change, where one form grows into others. If architecture is considered as practical rather than artistic, it can be likened more to research-based developments. For example, the automobile was first developed in the early 20th century. Since that time, technical developments have seen it change considerably. These changes are also in response to changing society. For example, currently environmental issues are a social concern. For this reason, automobiles are beginning to develop with alternatives modes of fuel. Overall, this shows that architecture is like everything else in society, in that it will be constantly changing as society changes, while each generation will consider the works that have gone before it, assess them, make changes, and in doing so, continue the development of the field."
Abstract This paper examines the architectural features of the building. It discusses why specific features may have been built in a certain way in order to suit the student population that uses the building. It looks at the history of the building, as well as its current status.
From the Paper "This is perhaps best evidenced on the University of Michigan Campus, in the form of the Michigan Student Union. This building is of particular interest, not simply because it is so well trafficked by students of the university. It is also of interest because it aspires to do so much, namely to provide a common nutritional, recreational, and functional gathering place for all students."
Abstract Examines the influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement and William Morris, Mercer's early life, his architectural projects, and the founding of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in 1912, where he was chief designer.
From the Paper "Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930) is best known today as the founder of the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works (1912), where he was the chief designer for many years, and as the architect and builder of several unusual structures. Mercer was heavily ..."
Abstract The paper looks at the architectural designs of Wells BDDP, BBDO West, and Ogilvy and Mather. It discusses how the architects solved problems, shaped the office to the business, and created an image.
From the Paper "INTRODUCTION
In developing a company in a given industry, most people think of issues of a business plan, a location, personnel, procedures to be followed, accounting systems to be instituted, and today, the computer system that would best serve the ..."
Abstract This paper explores the influence ancient Greece and ancient Egypt have had on different aspects of today's culture and civilization. The paper also compares and contrasts the architecture, government, and social status of each society.
From the Paper "The ancient Greeks had ?city-state democracies where all the citizens assembled and a majority ruled and the government was ?of the, by and for the people (Rosenfeld, Democracy).? A city-state was comprised of the city, as well as the land and small villages around it. Athens and Sparta were the largest of these city-states. Sparta was concerned with its military force. The males were ?trained to be soldiers and lived in military barracks until they were 30 years old (unknown, Greece).? In contrast, Athens was a cultural and art center, producing ?architecture, drama, sculpture, and poetry still admired today (unknown, Greece).? Athenians were looked upon with resentment and jealously by other Greek city-states when they ?developed a system of government known as democracy, which gave every free man a vote and the right to hold office (unknown, Greece)."
Abstract The first part of this paper looks at the various definitions of what constitutes "modern" architecture. The next part looks at how the various styles sought to take advantage of new material and to address changing social needs. In the last part, the paper examines how modern architecture is responding to new concerns, such as a growing environmental awareness and the security concerns raised by the September 11 attacks on New York's World Trade Center.
From the Paper "The term "modern architecture" encompasses many styles and movements. However, experts generally agree that modern architecture was codified in the "International" style that resulted from the amalgamation of the several design ethics that were only made possible by the technological advances after the Industrial Revolution. By the 20th century, it had become apparent that technology was blurring traditional cultural boundaries, as commerce, industry, travel and immigration grew increasingly global."
Abstract This paper discusses how, out of all the Nazi leaders aligned with Adolph Hitler, Albert Speer stands out as one of the greatest mysteries. It attempts to discover how such a refined, well-educated man, from such a good background, ended up as second-in-command to one of the century's most abusive and tyrannical despots. Through a review of his autobiography, "Inside the Third Reich: Memoirs", it shows how, although he was born to a wealthy family, well-educated, son of a respected architect, and trained as an architect, Speer seems a tremendous misfit when compared to the army private who terrorized the entire Western world for more than decade.
From the Paper "Speer acknowledged that he quickly came to accept events that most people would have been appalled by. Early in Speer's new career, Hitler ordered Speer to remodel a building immediately. One official by the name of Papen asked for a few months? time, and Speer reported this back to Hitler. Hitler was enraged, so Speer began one of Papen's assistants had been executed in his office. Speer, supervising the renovations, saw the blood on the floor, but was strangely unmoved by the sight. This suggests to the reader that it wasn?t really much of a stretch for Speer to accept what many people would have found entirely unacceptable. Nevertheless, the irresistible draw the architectural opportunities had for him clearly were immense."
Abstract This paper provides additional information regarding the installation of a backyard in-ground pool. The organizational structure is included and discusses the reporting structure of the team as it relates to the project, a communications plan containing reporting criteria, and a revised work breakdown structure identifying the project milestones.
From the Paper "The team members have been assigned functions and responsibilities for accomplishment of the individual work packages necessary to complete each phase involved in building the in-ground recreational pool. Construction of the pool will be done in phases and Earl will be the Project Manager of the project since he will have both a personal and professional interest in the economic, timely, and technically correct construction of the pool. He has five sub-contactors that he has long working relationships with, which he will call upon to construct the pool. However, Earl will be responsible for monitoring cost, time, and performance during all phases of the project over the five-week period."
Abstract This paper explains that the first known bathtub was found in Greece in the great palace of Knossos and included impressive technologies that provided water for the tub, including a system of interlocking terra-cotta pipes. The author believes that the function of the bathroom needs to be pushed to a new extreme, allowing people, spaces, and domestic functions new potentials for hybrid activities. The paper relates that a complete home plumbing system requires three distinct networks of pipes: water supply lines, which carry water under pressure; a network of drain pipes, which works entirely by gravity; and a network of pipes, which serves to maintain equal air pressure throughout the drainpipe so that the flow proceeds without interference.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History of Bathing
Evolution of Sanitation
History of Water Closets
Environmental Aspects
Public Health Aspects
Basic Components of Modern Bathrooms
Toilet or Flush
Sinks
Tubs and Showers
Storage
Ventilation
Natural Lighting
Special Effects with Plants
Appropriate Plants for the Bath
Hydroponics
Spirituality
Landscape of Bathing and Relaxing
Metroscape
Artificial versus Real
The New Landscape in Metro Area
Water Supply Service
Purification
Boosting by Pump
Boosting by Pressure Cylinder Water Pump
Drainage
Vents and Traps
The Ideal Living, the Bathroom in New Product Design Context
The Future of the Bathroom Is Here
From the Paper "In fact, until the mid-nineteenth century, streets were used as refuse dumping grounds, domestic animals roamed the streets and rodents ran rampant. Cesspools were located near houses and buildings, reeking and spreading germs. The Industrial Revolution and discoveries such as the germ theory brought about major changes in approach, raising the standard of living and ending serious epidemics. By 1900, improved nutrition, better sanitation, and, especially, contributions from bacteriologists increased life expectancy at birth by almost six years to age 47.3."
Abstract This paper examines the exact location and construction of the Sphinx in Egypt to gain a better understanding of the people who lived during this time. It begins by discussing the Sphinx's age and then looks at various construction theories.
From the Paper "Geologists state the erosion evident on the body could not have resulted from wind and sand, but instead was caused by water. Ancient Egypt experienced severe flooding, and ?this period coincides with the melting of the ice from the last Ice Age (13,000-8,000 BC). Wind-blown sand has little more effect than to scour clean ancient monuments, further illustrating the fact that the floodwaters of the Ice Age were responsible for the Sphinx's unique erosion patterns (http://www.sacredsites.com/final40/261.html).? "
Abstract This paper looks at the life and architectural career of Walter Gropius, as well as German architecture and Gropius's contribution to architecture during his lifetime. The paper looks at Gropius's contribution to functionalism and abstraction and Germany's rejection of these schools of art.
From the Paper "Germany's high culture of the late medieval period was followed by a slow decline. In the seventeenth century the Thirty Year's War wrecked her material and political potential for more than a century. In the late eighteenth century, during a period of political importance, classic German literature was produced in the small princely courts. In the early nineteenth century, a thin layer of highly cultivated individuals began to produce Romantic poetry and music, at a time when Germany as a whole was pervaded by a depressing political reaction, which expressed itself in bitter opposition to economic freedom in the development of commerce and industry."
Abstract A modern monolith among many in Chicago, the Merchandise Mart was the world's largest building in the 1930s at four million square feet. This paper examines this sprightly combination of commerce and transportation, which makes the Merchandise Mart a dynamic, energetic example of functional architecture. The paper traces the history of this building from the 1930s until the present day, focusing on its unique Art Deco architectural features.
From the Paper "Just as the terrazzo floors flow through the interior of the Merchandise Mart, adding softness and color to what could be an imposing, cold structure, the Chicago River offers a similar sense of softness to the building's exterior. The Merchandise Mart transforms its immediate surroundings into an aesthetically appealing industrial and commercial hub. One of the most striking visual features of the Chicago Merchandise Mart is its proximity to the Chicago River, which often reflects the edifice in its rugged cool waters. A strategic location for an industrial-commercial building that is not only serviced by railroad but river transport, the Merchandise Mart stands as testimony to Chicago's rich financial and architectural history, blending into the environment and skyline seamlessly."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed description of two Egyptian temples at Karnak, the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Amon Re. The paper describes the two temples as the earliest and most elegant examples of Egyptian architecture representing the Old and New Kingdoms. The height and length of the temples are described, their columns, the history of their construction, the architectural and artistic renderings of the temples, and the great halls of the temples are all described in this paper.
From the Paper "The Temple complex at Karnak serves today as a reminder of the stately Pharaonic governments and the humble yet dedicated civilization that once thrived on the fertile banks of the Nile River some three thousand years ago. And it was at Karnak, the most important political and religious center as part of the ancient city of Thebes, that "the great temples were erected and dedicated to the veneration of the god Amon with the blue waters of the Nile close at hand" (Harris 157)."
Tags: ptolemaic, period, amenophis, iii, pharoahs, egypt, thebes, nile, river
Abstract This paper gives a complete explanation of structural failure caused by fire. The paper provides statistics about fires, describes current fireproofing and fire retardant technology, and flame retardant materials. In addition, the paper focuses on the individual measures and technological advancements made to the individual structural members, which can extend their life when exposed to heat and flame.
From the Paper "The rate at which a structure experiences deformation and loss of structural integrity leading to building collapse does not proceed along a straight line. The Figure 1 below illustrates that during the three stages of a fire, 1) ignition and growth, 2) full development, and 3) decay, the rate at which the building will sustain loss increases as time increases. The longer a building is exposed to the fire, the more rapidly the structure moves from the stable, static system toward the dynamic state in which member failure, and structural collapse if imminent. For this reason, the technology of fire prevention focuses on prolonging the stable period of the individual members by reducing the effects of the fire on each individual member."
Abstract This paper explains that New York City was the first community in the nation to institute a zoning ordinance, the New York 1916 Zoning Resolution, to establish specific height and setback controls on all buildings in an attempt to create a barrier that would stop manufacturing and industry from encroaching on Manhattan's office and department store district. The author points out that New York had the unique problem of skyscrapers blocking sunlight; therefore, the zoning ordinance laid down rules that buildings would forever be shaped similarly to a wedding cake, layered toward the top in like a stair-step method. The paper explains that newer zoning requirements must take into consideration the idea of environmental and resident protection, social and economic well-being, and the use of natural resources, such as ponds and wildlife habitats.
From the Paper "There were attempts by newly disgruntled landowners, those who were zoned out of profits, to try to label the new zoning ordinances as unconstitutional. One specific case set the precedence for the rest of the country. In a small town in Ohio, the local government passed a zoning ordinance and the result devalued some sixty-eight acres of land that was owned by an Ambler Realty Company. Ambler Realty Company subsequently sued the town Euclid because they claimed that their land was literally taken and that the zoning ordinance was in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Ambler Realty Company's argument was the literal interpretation of the Constitution, which says that private property cannot be revoked for public use unless the party revoking the land provides due or just compensation."
