Abstract This paper begins with the symbolic spacial layout of Gothic architecture and relates it to medieval society in general. Also discussed is the cruciform shape of Gothic cathedrals and the symbolism of the cross. The paper also catalogues the main imagery found in Gothic churches and how it relates to the architecture, including windows and light symbolism. Finally, historical interpretations in churches are discussed such as the "New Jerusalem" and the "Garden of Paradise".
From the Paper "Despite the romantic observations of Schlegel and Laugier, seeing a forest in the cathedral, Frankl again makes the sober comment that "as far as we know, the architect of Durham did not ask himself how he could give a vault the form of a tree-top, so that it should represent paradise: it was only after the Gothic style had logically developed within the terms of the 'law according to which it had been born' . . . that the house of God became vegetal in form." In an essay on the symbolism of Gothic architecture, it is important to point out, lest we get carried away, that technological innovations were the impetus for a good deal of what came to constitute the style as such. "
Abstract This paper examines how in its day, the Parthenon was considered the finest example of a Doric order temple and how it was built in the 5th century BCE to give thanks to Athena, the city's patron goddess, for the salvation of Athens and Greece in the Persian Wars.
From the Paper ""The name Parthenon refers to the worship of Athena Parthenos, the 'Virgin Athena' who issued fully grown from the head of her father Zeus" ("Parthenon, Athens, Greece"). Athena was the maiden goddess and patroness of Athens. She represented the gifts of intellect and understanding. Because of her purity in body, mind, and heart, Athena was considered "the symbol of the universal human aspiration for wisdom" ("Parthenon, Athens, Greece"). The topographical location, geometry, and astronomical orientation of the Parthenon reinforce the symbolism of the Parthenon as a shrine to the quest for wisdom. The temple itself was built to embody Athena's presence, both in its intention and in its physical construction."
Abstract This paper critiques the building from the point of view of architect Michelangelo who is totally unrelated to the building's design. Written in the first person speech given by Michelangelo, he critiques the building according to his own architectural values and beliefs.
From the Paper "Perhaps the thing that perplexes me most about this building is the scale. Walking up to it, it simply seems so small, much smaller than most people would imagine, I believe. It is dwarfed by many of the modern surrounding buildings, which adds to its diminutive status. I believe a building should be grand and impressive, and unfortunately, the Alamo is unassuming and could easily be overlooked. If I had a hand in renovation, I would add a grander fa?ade, perhaps less symmetrical but with more interesting and relevant details, such as more columns, and certainly a balustrade accessible for tourists to ascend to and view the surrounding plaza. I may seem too critical of what is obviously a very important American historical landmark. However, the building is not nearly as impressive as its' history to me, and I think it could be made much more memorable by adding a bit more style, color, and interest. I understand the phrase here in Texas is "Remember the Alamo." I however, will not carry its memory with me for long, as I feel it suffers from architectural apathy, rather than a real joyous interest in creating a unique and valuable monument to God - and to the architect who had a vision for detail and design."
Abstract This paper discusses how, long after the Egyptian pyramids were first built, there still remains a fascination with this unique architectural design. It looks at how the Pharaonic builders completed their task with an ability and sophistication that has never seen been surpassed. Their capability of understanding the force of gravity, of weight and the stone cube was remarkable. The paper concludes that no where else, by any other culture, has the stone mound been transformed so accurately and substantially into geometrical form.
From the Paper "As communities grew larger, it was more possible for leaders to emerge and for power to be solidified within, without fear of external invasion. This internal security accounts for the amazing continuity of the Egyptian civilization2 . Certainly, in no other country after the Paleolithic age, can so many constant elements be found over so long a period as in Egypt. The sense of permanence was made possible by this exceptional locale. Although the exact number of people who lived in the country is not possible to know, estimates vary from between one-and-a-half million to over five million3. Most of this population consisted of peasants and civil servants."
Abstract This paper takes the reader on a journey through the Metropolitan Art Museum as spectators of a Santiago Calatrava exhibition. The paper presents Calatrava as one of the world's greatest architects, highlighting how his architectural works are translations of his actual art. The paper examines and discusses several of Calatrava's artistic and architectural pieces. The paper contends that it is his ability to blend mediums that makes Santiago Calatrava so successful, for he is not just an artist but nor is he just an engineer, he is the next generation of hybrid architects who can transcend their craft to become master artists.
From the Paper "When I went to the Metropolitan Art Museum to the see Santiago Calatrava, I did not know what to expect, he is after all one of the world's greatest architects. Some of his art includes the most prolific designs for bridges and train stations the world has ever seen. I have seen his work first hand in the form of the Birdlike expansion to the Milwaukee Art Museum that he designed years back. When I began researching him for our class, I realized that Santiago Calatrava's architectural works are translations of his actual art. This seems extremely interesting because I cannot imagine how one can translate one artwork across two such different mediums. Therefore when I went to the art exhibit at the MET I was both excited and filled with apprehension. The exhibit itself was handled extremely well, it was placed front and center as a showpiece at the MET. The lighting was extremely good which was important, as many of his pieces are architectural prints or renderings."
Abstract The traditional Japanese home is based on Ma - the balance between space and objects. The space is divided by shoji screens, which slide on wooden tracks and can be detached to let the outside in. This paper discusses the history of shoji screens and how it influenced western design.
From the Paper "Shoji has been used in modern Western homes in various ways. Large pane windows with unpleasant views are roofed with shoji to improve the overall appearance. Walls are covered with shoji to increase the sense of spaciousness as well as to add more light through the screen's natural reflecting qualities. A pair of shoji sliding doors is ideal for bathrooms, and space-saving shoji doors function as a closet. For the bathroom, waterproof material often is built-in with the shoji."
Abstract This paper looks at the building techniques of Frank Lloyd Wright - his use of light, space, materials, location and general philosophy - and compares them to the techniques of other prominent architects.
From the Paper "Architecture has historically played a central role in expressing and providing for human needs. It has been used as a means to glorify religion, display power, commemorate the loss of loved and distinguished individuals, and express radically progressive artistic concepts. More importantly, architecture's most elementary function also happens to be its most important, which is to provide humans with shelter."
Abstract This paper explains what tectonic architecture is, examines the trend towards this form of architecture, discusses its history, describes the different modes of tectonic architecture and looks at the role that timber can have in tectonic architecture. The paper further explains why a return to tectonic architecture is an environmentally sound move and why timber is an appropriate material to use in tectonic construction.
From the Paper "There is a growing movement towards tectonics in architecture, a return to the basic form and styles of the old schools of architecture. This movement has occurred as a result of the current tendency to reduce architecture to scenography. Architecture at the end of the 20th century has mostly been treated as a large commodity, with attention to cultural details minimized. Kenneth Frampton says that "among the seductions of the scenographic is the fact that the results are eminently amortizable, with all the deleterious consequences that this attitude entails for the future of the environment." Architecture of this century has been subject to the concept of spatial invention as an end in itself, with abstract art and visual obscurity the high points. The movement back to using the structural unit as the essence of architectural form is gaining strength."
Abstract This paper explains that the design of the Lincoln Memorial was the highlight of Henry Bacon's architectural career for which he received the 1923 Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects for his achievement on the memorial. The author points out that the building itself is as much of a symbol of the Union as Lincoln himself was; in designing a monument to the man who preserved the Union, Bacon used materials from many areas of the country---North and South, East and West. The paper stresses that Bacon's greatest success was his ability to blend the building's purpose and design with a message, which, in this case, is Abraham Lincoln's belief in peace, freedom, equality and unity, and that is the design motif of the Lincoln Memorial.
From the Paper "Bacon was an admirer of Greek architecture and used his imagination to bring uniqueness to the memorial he fashioned after the famous Parthenon. Situated at the west end of the mall, Bacon used the side of the temple building design as the front, thus placing an effective end to the mall at the memorial. Unlike the long and narrow Parthenon, the Lincoln Memorial presents a more open appearance. On the frieze above the colonnade are inscribed the names of the thirty- six states in the union at the time of Lincoln's death. Above these are the names of the forty- eight in the Union at the time of the memorial's dedication. Since that time a plaque has been added to the memorial that includes a representation for Hawaii and Alaska. Typical of the Greek Doric style, wreaths of carved leaves, scrolls, and lion heads decorated the frieze and the cornice above it."
Abstract This paper describes the Washington Monument located in the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. The paper provides background history about the monument, describes its structure and architectural style and presents information about Robert Mills, the architect of the Monument.
From the Paper "Across the United States are several thousand monuments, statues, and shrines dedicated to the memory of our country's first president. He is honored as a general in the Revolution, a statesman, and as one of our founding fathers. However, the one monument revered among all others is the marble obelisk dedicated to him in the city that bears his name. The Washington Monument stretches into the sky symbolizing the giant stature and eternal influence of the Father of Our Country."
Abstract This paper explains that, in 1624, King Louis XIII built the Chateau de Versailles as a fairly humble brick, stone and slate hunting lodge; however, Louis XIV, starting in about 1661, enlarged the lodge into the fantasy palace and gardens, which today are still considered architectural and cultural masterpieces visited by eight million people every year. The author points out that the King's architects were Louis Le Vau and Jules Hardouin Mansart; Andre le Notre designed the gardens to match the lavish design of the place. The paper relates that the use of a strong central axis at the Tuileries gardens, as projected by Le Notre, was a major influence upon later architecture as evidenced in the grand axis of Paris to the Arc de Triomphe and La Defense.
From the Paper "France became the dominant power in Europe during the reign of Louis XIV. And thus, the country's architecture also became widely influential. Since the monarchy was absolute, architecture was primarily influenced by what was built to the order of the King. French architecture of this period reached a turning point when King Louis XIV rejected curvilinear designs by Giovanni Benini for the east facade of the Louvre. The King preferred the more classicizing design with its colonnade by Louis le Vau and Claude Perrault. Le Vau was also commissioned together with Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Charles Le Brun and Andre le Notre to transform a hunting lodge outside Paris into a vast palace."
Abstract This paper briefly outlines the design of the storage area, dish washing area, shelving area, baking area and ventilation system of a hospital kitchen. The paper then describes the kitchen's packaging and hazard control operations and explains that the critical control points of the hospital include receiving, storage, preparation and serving the food . Next, the paper describes, in greater detail, how these operations are to be performed and then takes a look at a survey that was conducted to determine whether hospital patients were satisfied with the food they were being served. Finally, the paper describes the type of equipment the kitchen will be using, the food delivery process and the clean-up process.
From the Paper "The design is for a hospital kitchen. The kitchen opens at 6 am in the morning. The number of customers serve comprise around 6000 per day. Of these patients more or less 30% enjoy sandwiches and coffee for breakfast. The rest prefer Tea or soup. For lunch, fish and chips is the preferred dish of approximately 60-70% of the patients. Small numbers of the remaining patients enjoy chicken pies, lasagna and pasta bake. Preferred desserts are ice cream, apple pie and chocolate roulade."
Abstract This paper examines the development of western art forms from early architectural designs through sculptures of the Greeks and Romans, the European art of the Renaissance period and into the 20th century as written about in "Art in the Western World," by David M. Robb and J. J. Garrisson.
From the Paper "Hendrick Willem Van Loon, traces the history of Art in The Arts. Van Loon follows the development of Art from the prehistoric period, the Minoan civilization, the Greeks and Romans, Gothic Art, Renaissance Art, Chinese and Japanese art into the Empire style of the early 1800's. He looks at art as a whole, discussing musicians as well as architects, sculptors and painters."
Abstract This paper explores and details two of world's greatest examples of architectural innovation and greatness. Both Notre Dame de Paris and the Taj Mahal are edifices that offer tourists and philosophers great inspiration as dramatic structures which herald the opulence and vision of bygone centuries. This paper contains in-depth historical facts and details the similarities and differences of both structures.
From the Paper "Inside the Taj Mahal, the central structure is not the Christian nave, but the impressive chamber containing the tomb. Two stories of eight rooms lay around the central chamber, thus adding emphasis to the central chamber and highlighting its importance. Outside the tomb is a reflecting pool, distinctive of Muslim Indian architecture, created for aesthetic purposes and for contemplation of the beauty of the tomb and the magnificence of the woman who lies within it."
Tags: france, architecture, history, gothic, style, india
Abstract Compared to other historic capital cities (such as Rome, Paris or Istanbul) - whose existence is more the result of a natural evolution with the increase of population, economic wealth and political power - the unique characteristic of Beijing is that it is a "planned entity," reflecting Chinese philosophy and cosmology which ran through its 3000 years urban history. This paper examines the latest conservation plan of the Beijing municipal government (Plan 1991-2010), especially concerning the renewal and preservation of courtyard houses and hutongs.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Main Features in the Design
Plans of Construction (or Destruction?) Planning Since 1949
The Courtyard Houses and Hutong - the Folk Culture of Beijing
Values for Preservation
Restraints in Preservation
The Invisible City
Ju'er Hutong Project
References
From the Paper "The urban planning in China is rarely transparent to the public. In Beijing's case, with the residential area, public participation is one essential part in better designing for the renewal. To involve all the people who care about the place, who in fact are the place, guarantees a better understanding of what to preserve at all. Local Beijingers, having been living in the cultural political center of the nation, are informally active in public affairs. The old tea houses were always buzzing with discussions on current events, and today the alternative community managers (respected senior citizens) using simple tools (visiting each family, holding small meetings, notice boards spreading news in the Hutongs) can collect ideas easily."
