Abstract This paper provides a discussion of landscape gardening from an art history perspective.
From the Paper "Landscape gardening is an art form that is often used to compliment the architecture of buildings and to provide outdoor spaces for individual and public benefit and pleasure. Andrew Jackson Downing helped pave the way for landscape gardening in American society when he established a number of nurseries and began designing landscape gardens along the Hudson River above New York City. As one historian notes, no American has built for himself a more permanent monument than Downing the landscape gardener (Elliott)."
Tags: Cornish Colony, A. J. Downing, Charles Platt, nature, wealth, New York, Italian Renaissance, color, education, learning
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of Maya Lin's controversial design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, including support for and against her intention and eventual design. The paper explains how Lin's memorial demonstrates the changing nature of public monuments.
From the Paper "Designed by Maya Lin, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial represents a controversial memorial that demonstrates the changing nature of public monuments, their goals and their audiences. The post-Vietnam War era has witnessed a change in the way audiences read memorials. Both critics and audiences now read memorials of war in a more active and critical manner. The Vietnam War challenged the very nature of American patriotism and the relationship between individual and state."
Tags: Bakhtin, Haas, Washington, D.C., patriotism, meaning, somber, dignity, sadness, military conflict, war, dead, grieving
Abstract The writer examines Heidegger's view of architecture in terms of his talismanic building, dwelling and thinking. The writer discusses Heidegger's poetics as the building blocks for the world and the loss of the world in modern times. In this paper, the writer studies what Heidegger means by "building," "dwelling" and "thinking."
From the Paper "In order to understand Heidegger's view of architecture and its role in society, it is important first of all to understand what Heidegger has to say about technology, as well as his talismanic approach to construction. This construction needs to be recognized not so much as a literal constructing of objects in the physical world, but rather as a way of looking at that world-and as a way of using that world so that human beings become part of the world rather ... "
Abstract This paper explains that the definition of green building principles is not absolute; however, the Integrated Waste Management Board of the state of California has several selection criteria for these materials: Efficiency of resources, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation and affordability. The author points out that another consideration for green building materials is that they are made and distributed by socially and ecologically responsible companies. The paper relates many produces; for example, a good material to use for the installation of exterior walls is structure-insulated panels, which are basically two outer skins of plywood or oriental strand board with an insulating filler, usually foam or straw, thus giving the benefit of reducing wood use, which is one of the lowest materials in terms of embodied energy, and preventing heat loss.
From the Paper "As much as one wants to invest in environmentally friendly materials, they will never get the attention of the public unless they are considerably more durable than the less eco-friendly product. Durable items remain in service for much longer, and thus, less need for replacement or cycling. One such product is Ecoshake, a shingle made of recycled vinyl and wood fiber. It carries a half-century warrantee."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the Jewellery Quarter, the oldest manufacturing community of Birmingham, UK and reviews the possible steps available to preserve the historical value and unique quality of this historical district without causing harm to the area.
Contents
Introduction
Review and Discussion
British Heritage Conservation Principles
Birmingham History and Background
The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter
Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Today
Current Conservation Initiatives
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper "British Heritage Conservation Principles. Heritage conservation in the United Kingdom is certainly not new, and many of the major organisations and systems currently in place have been working to preserve historic sites for many years; for example, the National Trust was established in 1895 with the goal of acquisition and preservation, on the nation's behalf and in perpetuity, of places of scenic beauty (Allmendinger & Thomas, 1998). In the mid-20th century, the Trust starting acquiring country houses and estates as tax regimes changed to the disadvantage of traditionally wealthy landed gentry; while some families remained in residence, the goal was to encourage public access to these historic sites, and today, the Trust is the largest private landowner in the UK (Allmendinger & Thomas, 1998). According to Larkham (1996), the heritage conservation concept was heavily influenced by legal decisions in the early 1960s; in this regard, the impetus for these principles, like much conservationist legislation in the UK, was a Private Member's Bill. Allmendinger and Thomas note that, "These areas were defined as 'areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance': a definition which remains unchanged today. Designation was a simple process largely carried out by the local planning authority (LPA). It is a popular process, with nearly 10,000 areas designated across the UK by 1996" (p. 56). Today, heritage conservation has become increasingly applied to the marketing of products and, particularly relevant for the purposes of this investigation, whether individual sites or monuments, or entire "tourist-historic cities" (Ashworth and Tunbridge, 1990). "
Abstract Arguably Islam was the most influential of the cultural donors to medieval art and architecture, via Armenia as well as the cultures hugging the Mediterranean, but Islam itself had already influenced other cultures (Byzantine) and been influenced by even earlier ones (pre-Islamic Persia and more). This paper shows, therefore, that any tracing of Islamic influence in medieval European art and architecture must include the incorporated remnants of all the earlier inter-cultural donations. It shows that the two most influential contacts though which the cultural iconographies were spread are, arguably, the Crusades and the Moorish subjugation of Spain.
From the Paper "Of particular importance to medieval life was the abbey and the priory. Particularly important were the Benedictine abbeys. While Benedict was a mid-sixth century cleric, and Islam itself, of course, could not have been influential until at least the start of the seventh century, Benedictine abbeys continued to be built for centuries, reflecting in great degree an Eastern influence. While "the typical plan of Benedictine abbeys and priories evolved out of the Roman country villa of late antiquity"......about 820, a plan for an idea monastery was created (Schuetz-Miller, 2000). It was considered to be the first pattern that took into account the relationship of all the parts to each other and to the whole, assuring geometric harmony; harmony had been a hallmark of Eastern life."
Abstract This paper begins with a short description of the scrub jay. It continues to explain that the scrub jay is an endangered species. The paper explains that as the scrub jay is a protected bird, land where these birds reside may not be developed. The author concludes with an explanation of the controversy in Florida surrounding development and the scrub jay.
From the Paper "Scrub jays, aside from being on the Endangered Species list, are attractive.
Mating for life, one of their characteristics seems always to attract humans. These birds build a nest about 8 feet above ground, build a shallow nest basket of twigs and palmetto fibers, and raise one or two broods of hatchlings from clutches of three to four eggs. For a long while, it was thought that displaced bird families would simply move on to another scrub brush stand. However, that is not so. Scrub jays are "highly territorial. Disruption of habitat quickly leads to upset reproduction, rejection and isolation" (ecofloridamagazine Web site, 1999-2000) and disruption of habitat has already diminished the scrub jay population to about 2,000."
Abstract This paper explores the changes, which took place in the English country house during the 18th century. The author argues that these developments occurred as a microcosm to the rest of the nation. The paper contends that it was the confluence of classicist and romantic influences which made the interior architecture of the period so striking.
From the Paper "The 18th century has been regarded as the epitome of the development of elegance of interior architecture throughout the Western world. Many critics believe that this century is unmatched in the history of the West with regard to the development of interior architectural styles. It is certain that during this century, perhaps more so than any other in recent historical memory, the development of interior styles was nearly without rival. Nowhere has this trend been more evidenced than in 18th century England in which the development of interior styles came head to head with various other socio-cultural forces to produce one of the most memorable periods in the history of design."
Abstract This paper discusses Patrick Geddes' contribution to the'garden city' concept of urban planning, a movement that gained strength throughout the twentieth century. The author points out the impact of Geddes upon urban planning thinkers such as Lewis Mumford and Ebenezer Howard. The paper relates that these planners owe a great deal of their own views to Geddes' firm belief in the marriage between the city and the urban landscape and between nature and human creation.
From the Paper "This paper explores the impact of Patrick Geddes upon the development of contemporary urban planning. Chiefly, this paper focuses upon Geddes' contribution to the 'garden city' concept towards urban planning as that movement gained strength throughout the twentieth century. In particular, this paper examines Geddes' undeniable influence upon later thinkers - most famously Lewis Mumford. In the final analysis, perhaps no short paper can make complete sense of Sir Patrick Geddes, but the very exploration of the man is a rewarding and illuminating pursuit in and of itself. "
Abstract This paper explains that the Great Exhibition, an international exposition or world's fair, held in London in 1851, was a major influence on interior design. The author points out that the exhibition was a world exhibition in the modern sense. The paper describes that the exhibit incorporated objects from a variety of cultures, particularly eastern and middle eastern cultures, which was copied in the decorating of private homes.
From the Paper "One eloquent expression of the optimism and confidence that Britain felt during the mid-Victorian period (1848-70) was the World Exposition, sponsored and spearheaded by Prince Albert in 1851. This ambitious project was, in fact, representative of several things, including the expansion of Prince Albert's official role beyond that of the Queen's husband and toward that of a leader in culture and public education. This was a world exhibition in the modern sense; participation from the international community, particularly from countries in which Britain had a colonial presence, was actively solicited, and this produced a truly international project with samples of cultural objects from a wide variety of cultures."
Abstract This paper explains that that Sir Patrick Geddes was one of the founders of town planning as a profession. The author points out that Geddes was the first in Britain to use "landscape architect" as a professional title. The paper relates that he derived his ideas from a study of evolution under T.H. Huxley and, in turn, Geddes'greatest influence was through his student Lewis Mumford.
From the Paper "Patrick Geddes (1854-1932) was a Scottish biologist and town planner. He made use of the theory of evolution, which he studied with T.H. Huxley, using it as a basis for his ethics, history, and town planning. For instance, he created "a botanical garden for the University of Dundee which aimed to show the relationships between groups of plants and also their historical significance" (Turner para. 1). He carried this into his work in different ways, producing the key book Cities in Evolution in 1915. Sir Patrick Geddes was one of the founders of town planning as a profession and was the first in Britain to use "landscape architect" as a professional title (Turner para. 1)."
Abstract This paper discusses the fusion of naturalism and industrialization in urban planning as presented in Lewis Mumford's Organic Theory. The author includes aspects of urban planning such as more municipal land control, less mechanization in urban planning and organic balance in cities of steel, which were the innovation of Lewis Mumford. The paper relates that these three concepts demonstrate how Mumford helped to forge a city, which included nature within the formation of the new modern American city.
From the Paper "This study examines the role of organic urban city development, as pioneered through the genius of Lewis Mumford. By evaluating the issues of industrialization and the growing problems of privatized capitalism of his times, Mumford offered a newer public array of city planning that would infuse naturalism into modern cities. By the acceleration of industrialization slowly eroding the overpopulating cities of America, Mumford forged a new path by offering a balance between capitalistic interests and the organic beauty of Nature that created healthier and more open city environments."
This paper review an article written by historian Benjamin Kaplan "Fictions of Privacy: House Chapels and the Spatial Accommodation of Religious Dissent in Early Modern Europe".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 26.95
Abstract This paper explains that historian Benjamin Kaplan in his article "Fictions of Privacy" explores the Early Modern Period in Europe and details the negotiation between the private and the public as it related to religious practice. The author points out that the article reveals the incongruous setting for religious observance in many Early Modern European homes. The paper concludes that the creation of the private/public demarcation was vital to preventing violence and bloodshed.
From the Paper "Benjamin Kaplan's "Fictions of Privacy: House Chapels and the Spatial accommodation of Religious Dissent in Early Modern Europe", is a very intriguing and worthwhile article. The introduction to the article is excellent, inasmuch as it vividly - and unexpectedly - reveals the incongruous setting for religious observance in many Early Modern European homes - the house attic (2002, 1031). The article then proceeds to launch into a very detailed description of the 'attic chapel' (1031-1033); this description is accompanied on page 1033 with a photo. What is significant about the article's introduction is that, in surprising the reader by first portraying the former residence of the long-departed Jan Hartmann as simply a well-preserved dwelling from the past, the surreptitious nature of the house chapel is under-scored."
Abstract This paper examines the causes of global warming are examined. The author points out that global warming has affected the world in terms of climate changes, forest depletion, resource usage, and forest certification. The paper relates that the architecture industry is experiencing a shift in ideology from the boxed building of the past to a greener approach to design.
From the Paper "It is a scientific fact and common assumption that the Earth is billions and billions of years old. Throughout its lifespan planet, Earth has experienced shifts in temperature from warm to cold, however never before has core temperatures transformed at such dramatic rate. Contemporary issues of global climate changes are, in part, a result of the increased rate of speed that the core temperature is changing compared to temperature shifts in centuries past. Today, energy consumption is on the rise, thus producing greenhouse gases that have also attributed to atmospheric deterioration."
Abstract This paper discusses how America should use the former World Trade Center site to memorialize the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. The author points out that this is a sensitive issue and is bound to generate controversy. The paper relates suggestions for the process by which the memorial design should be selected and notes that the feelings of an entire nation have to be taken into account.
From the Paper "Since the publication of the articles by Herbert Muschamp and Larry Silverstein, discussion has continued about how America should use the former World Trade Center site to memorialize the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. This is a sensitive issue and was bound to generate controversy, for the feelings of an entire nation have to be taken into account. Herbert Muschamp, the architecture critic from the New York Times, expressed his belief that most of the designs "offer an excess of spectacle" and observed that, "everything here is wonderfully polished." He concluded that each finalist could be the winner in a dozen memorial competitions, but stated, "that is not really a compliment, is it?" (Muschamp) His critical views, mixed as they were with positive reactions ..."
