Abstract This paper explains that shanty towns are most common in the third world and developing countries but are not limited to poorer countries. The author points out that shanty towns are characterized as being made up of one shack after another and built with metal sheets and various materials found at the local dump. The paper relates that governments around the world need to step in and help improve the global standard of living.
From the Paper "As the global village reflects on the aftermath of the tsunami tragedy, reduced poverty levels and aid for reducing national debt are the top priorities of the international community. The United Nations' Millennium Goals are reflective of this perception as the world population becomes educated on the reality and extent of poverty rates and low standard of living. To my knowledge, there are no communities in Canada that resemble anything like what we in terms of human conditions in under developed countries."
Abstract This paper discusses local Vancouverite and author, Lisa Robertson and her book titled 'Occasional Work and Seven Walks From the Office of Soft Architecture'. The paper focuses on one particular essay that begins on page 169: "Play House: A Brief Account of the Idea of the Shack". The writer points out that in this essay Robertson examines the connection between space, architecture, and social behaviour.
From the Paper " According to some experts, the development of the practice of arts and crafts is considered to be one of the most significant and extensive design movements of contemporary times. In 19th century Britain, attitudes and ideas about design evolved as the arts and crafts movement first emerged, thus propelling the use of new design approaches in the 20th century. Soft architecture is one such concept that is discussed in Lisa Robertson's book titled "Occasional Work and Seven Walks from the Office for Soft Architecture"."
Abstract In this article the writer looks at William MacDonald's review of the architectural achievements of classical Rome, 'Architecture of the Roman Empire'. The writer discusses that MacDonald contends that architecture works through a kinesthetic process by which its shapes and surfaces impact our consciousness and serve as devices of physical and mental learning. This essay explores this approach with reference to the Markets of Trajan, the generic structure of Roman baths and the Roman amphitheatres. This analysis argues, with reference to both particular structures and generic styles, that the Romans conceived of their architecture as conveying messages in stone and educating citizens and foreigners alike, in the values and culture of Rome.
From the Paper "William MacDonald, in his review of the architectural achievements of classical Rome Architecture of the Roman Empire, contends that architecture works through a "kinesthetic" process by which its shapes and surfaces impact our consciousness and serve as devices of physical and mental learning. This essay will explore this approach with reference to the Markets of Trajan, the generic structure of Roman baths, and the Roman amphitheatres."
Abstract This paper briefly looks at Greek art and architecture to determine the relationship between them and broad cultural and/or philosophical currents animating Greek society and culture. Specifically, this paper examines the relationship of the Greek concept of the "golden mean" to art and architecture in the classical world and suggests that there are interesting manifestations of the Golden Mean in Greek art and architecture.
From the Paper "The culture and beliefs of the ancient Greeks clearly manifested themselves in the artwork they produced. This paper examines the relationship of the "Golden Mean" to the art and architecture of the Greeks. What should become apparent is that the "Golden Mean" - which in the world of art meant an emphasis upon harmony, balance, symmetry and austere beauty - was an animating factor in the vase work and architecture of the Greeks. This paper examines the above-mentioned relationship by looking first at examples of the "Golden Mean" in Greek pottery. From there, the paper examines the presence of the "Golden Mean" in Greek architecture. Specifically, because of its pre-eminent place in the architecture of the ancient world, special attention is devoted to the design of the Parthenon."
Abstract This paper examines the life and work of artist Ozias Leduc, an artist who lived in relative obscurity most of his life and only achieved some renown in the 1940s and after. The paper explains that most of his work was unknown until the middle of the twentieth century, except for some of his architectural work renovating or restoring church buildings. The paper discusses how his works show expressions of religious belief and also an affiliation with the natural environment surrounding Quebec.
From the Paper "Ozias Leduc lived in relative obscurity most of his life and only achieved some renown in the 1940s and after. This painter had an influence on others primarily in terms of direct contact, meaning he taught them or sponsored them in some way and so influenced their work. Most of his work was unknown until the middle of the twentieth century, except for some of his architectural work renovating or restoring church buildings. His works show expressions of religious belief and also an affiliation with the natural environment surrounding Quebec."
Abstract The paper evaluates three distinct architectural structures in Orlando, Florida, each of which captivates the attention of visitors and residents on a daily basis. The paper relates that each of these structures was built to last and each offers a unique vision that is often stunning to the eye. The paper notes that each structure is aesthetically pleasing to the eye for a variety of reasons.
From the Paper "The beauty and detail of many buildings are some of the most stunning aspects of the architecture world, as many constructs around the word provide a fascinating examination of various architecture styles and concepts. Throughout the United States, architecture serves a number of purposes and the diversity of styles in buildings demonstrate the necessity to maintain a level of distinctiveness in the picturesque environment. For example, the city of Orlando, Florida possesses many beautiful buildings, which are unique in many different ways. The following discussion will examine three different buildings in this city, emphasizing their architecture and the detail that was constructed in each building structure from top to bottom. The SunTrust Center, located on South Orange Avenue, is a stunning piece of architecture, which reveals the unique vision of its creator."
Abstract This paper answers a series of questions about architecture and the study of architecture and considers some of the elements of design that can be better understood with the study of other disciplines. In this paper, the job of the designer is seen as the designer bringing some kind of order to the design, and training for this has to extend beyond simple aesthetics and extend to a knowledge of mechanics, philosophy, psychology, and other disciplines that can aid in the process and make the finished design both appealing and useful.
From the Paper "Design is both a task and a goal, for it takes elements that are not ordered and gives them order. This can be in architecture, urban design, or the design of spaces, furniture, products, mechanisms, and so on. In each case, the designer brings some kind of order to the creation, and training for this has to extend beyond simple aesthetics and extend to a knowledge of mechanics, philosophy, psychology, and other disciplines that can aid in the process and make the finished design both appealing and useful, with "useful" broadly defined so that even if it refers to the design of a garden made to be soothing, that fact makes it useful. Design thus entails first understanding the elements to be included in the design and then the effect that the design will have on the human beings who experience it."
Abstract This paper is a review of the life and times of Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector. Among other things, the paper examines the circumstances of her life, the female architects who influenced her, the struggles she faced, the works she produced, and the legacy she left behind. This paper also explores the lack of collective memory that is plaguing women in the architectural field.
From the Paper "This paper is a review of Ohio female architects. In particular, this paper is a review of Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector, one of the state's first female architects and, arguably, one of its best architects ever. This paper will review the life and professional accomplishments of Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector and put her achievements in their proper perspective. As an additional note, this paper will also make brief mention of Alice E. Johnson and other early women architects who pushed the boundaries that society forced upon them. The reason for their inclusion in a paper about Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector is that it is quite likely that without women like Alice E. Johnson and others, Hayden Rector would never have reached the heights she scaled in her life. The paper will also examine the legacy of Florence Kenyon Hayden Rector as it relates to young women in Ohio and in America."
Abstract This paper looks back and review the semiotics of the interior of a major civic space - the Art Gallery of Ontario. This paper briefly analyses the semiotics of this civic space, from foyer to galleries and takes a look at how people are encouraged to interact with the space, works of art and each other.
Abstract This paper looks at architect/pop-culture star Rem Koolhaas who has turned contemporary architecture upside down, forcing many to reexamine the meaning of the craft. It delves into the work and life Rem Koolhaas to see if it can unveil its historical implications.
From the Paper "Architecture is one of the oldest human art forms and an invaluable way to explore the past, experience the present and anticipate the future of a society. The ancient Anazasi probably believed that carving their homes deep in tall Colorado cliffs would forever protect them from enemies. Now they are more than a thousand years extinct. Maybe Gustave Eiffel never anticipated that his tower would become the "icon" of Europe for over a century. And certainly, Emperor Shah Jehan had no idea that the Taj Mahal, completed in 1648 to house his dead wife, would still be "the greatest single building on earth" over three hundred and fifty years later (Cruey). But, architecture lasts. Its historicity is tactile and adaptable. It lives with us. One shouldn't forget, however, that behind the brilliance of buildings is a builder, a man or woman capable of molding history into space."
Abstract This paper briefly reviews the Vancouver bungalow style of the twentieth century by tracing its roots back to the bungalow craze that swept California in the early twentieth century. The paper looks at architectural features of the style, the sort of construction required, and what stamps the Bungalow style as distinct from other types of residences.
From the Paper "There can be little doubt that the Vancouver Bungalow form has been a landmark of the Canadian architectural scene. The following paper will look at this architectural innovation of the middle-third of the twentieth century and examine the materials and construction techniques that went into its creation. The paper will also examine the development of this peculiar house style in 1930s California."
Abstract This paper analyzes the values embodied in the bungalow house, abundantly present in Vancouver, mostly erected between 1945 and 1960. It loos at the precursor of this bungalow was the California bungalow, which achieved massive popularity a few decades earlier - even to the point that there were mail order bungalows available.
From the Paper "The bungalow, popularized in the mid-twentieth century, is still abundant in many areas of Vancouver. Much as the townhouse now offers affordable, space-efficient housing, the bungalow also espoused these values in the form of a detached dwelling. These houses were simple and inexpensive to build, unpretentious, and built for comfort and efficiency - in short, they were just what was needed to accommodate the proliferation of young families and immigrants in the era following the Second World War."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the history of the bungalow style home in the USA and how Indian style homes influenced modern North American architecture. According to this paper, one of the main reasons for the popularity of the bungalow style home, is comfort.
From the Paper "The word 'bungalow' is defined as a one or one and half story dwelling, with a low-pitched roof. The term originated from the Indian word bangla, which means a low house, which has porches around it. At around the turn of the 20th century, Victorian architecture was prevalent in North America, and people were ready for a move to something less stuffy - something that would put more emphasis on comfort. This set the stage for the rise of bungalows to which many architects would contribute. "
Abstract The paper introduces William A. McDonough's architecture in the context of current green and ecological trends. The paper makes mention of theoretical background, commonplace examples, and McDonough's perfectly businesslike and successful approach to an 'idealistic' concern of architects that is less often shared by clients.
From the Paper "Discussion William A. McDonough is known for practical, aesthetic and ecologically sound design. His firm, McDonough and Partners, is known internationally. McDonough has won several significant awards for public and residential structures and is known for adding features beyond the 'no waste' and 'no harm' directives of ecological architecture in buildings that happen to gather solar energy, purify supplies of water, or generate oxygen, while complying perfectly with 'green' sites in which they are erected. McDonough won the 2001 I.D. Forty Design award and in 1999, was nominated 'Designer of the Year' by Interiors magazine."
Abstract This essay is a product description that covers the designer, historical context, social context, and design of a chair, the Cashier's Settle. The paper discusses how the original Cashier's Settle is an example of the Glasgow Style, a movement including a combination of influences including Art Nouveau; the Arts & Crafts movement in England, Scottish heritage and Japanese forms, all prevalent at the turn-of-the century in Scotland.
From the Paper "The original Cashier's Settle is an example of the "Glasgow Style," a movement including a combination of influences including Art Nouveau; the Art's & Crafts movement in England, Scottish heritage and Japanese forms, all prevalent at the turn-of-the century in Scotland. It was designed and built on commission for a successful tea house in Glasgow in approximately in 1904 and represents an influential part of Mackintosh's "total design" of the Willow Tea Rooms including furniture, light fittings, wall dressing, cutlery and even uniforms. The design also represents the emergence of a movement that would combine both interior and architectural elements."
