Abstract This paper discusses how few ancient civilizations have given so much as have the ancient Egyptians. Like their Greek counterparts, the Egyptians' innovations in the areas of mathematics, architectural design, mythology, literature (albeit in the Egyptian case, hieroglyphics) and government were seized upon as exemplars by later empires in both the Western and Middle Eastern worlds. The paper examines a certain aspect of ancient (and still fairly inscrutable) Egyptian society known as the Sed Festival.
A discussion about the relationship between scientific management and German modernist art and how this relationship impacted German graphic art in a manner that continues today.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, 2006, $ 62.95
Abstract The relationship between scientific management and German modernist art and architecture has often been overlooked - which is unfortunate insofar as the former has greatly impacted the latter and provided it with some of its most conspicuous and enduring features. With this in mind, this paper explores this link by looking at examples of Taylorist sensibility in four noteworthy German designers; this paper also touches briefly upon how the works of these individuals - particularly Margarete Schutte-Lihotzky - reflected the dominant rationalist and modernist traits of the epoch and, in effect, set about creating a legacy for German graphic and architectural design which has persisted the present age.
Abstract In this article the writer examines the architecture of the city of Los Angeles. In order to make this analysis, the writer discusses Reyner Banham's book 'Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies'. The writer looks at how Banham studies different environments, topography and collections of architecture within Los Angeles.
From the Paper "In his book 'Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies', Reyner Banham contributes to the literature on architecture by analyzing specifically the architecture of Los Angeles, a city known for its variety and sprawling dimensions. The author combines insights into the two by showing how the city can be divided into different sections on the basis of differing ecologies, by which he means different environments, different topography, and different clusters of architecture linked to each of the regions he considers. He offers four ecologies in his analysis, showing at the same time aspects of the history of the city and of the state of California, a history that helped shape these differing ecologies."
Abstract This paper discusses the New National Gallery in Berlin, Germany, designed by architect Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1967. The writer cites this as a classical structure that represents the essence of the way in which van der Rohe treated space and the walls he used to enclose that space. The writer points out that such walls consist of glass planes enclosing the upper space, and a large basement where the collection is housed.
From the Paper "The architect Mies van der Rohe was one of the leading architects of the twentieth century, a product of the Bauhaus movement in Germany who created buildings all over the world. One of his major structures from later in life is the New National Gallery at Berlin, Germany, a classical structure that represents the essence of the way van der Rohe treated space and the walls he used to enclose that space. He was born in Germany in 1886 and died in Chicago in 1969."
Abstract We live today in a society that is increasingly violent and in a society wherein random acts of violence are increasingly common. Beyond that, as the events of Hurricane Katrina show humanity is certainly not invulnerable to the assaults of Mother Nature. With the above in mind, this paper provides a vulnerability assessment of a fictitious building in which theft and personal loss scenarios, natural disaster scenarios, and WMD scenarios are considered with an eye towards making the building safer and more secure for its occupants. Along the way, this paper reviews physical security systems and critical infrastructure recovery plans that the company needs going forward.
Abstract Greek architecture is very important to understanding Greek society more generally. With this in mind, the paper examines the interesting economic, political and religious considerations or motivations which went into the construction of works which stand even today as symbols of architectural beauty and excellence. In particular, the paper looks at how the cost of building materials determined the early construction of Greek public structures, most notably temples. The paper discusses how a vigorous and wealthy Greece sought to communicate this wealth through the conspicuous construction of unforgettable marble public buildings.
An analysis of the architecture in fin de siecle Vienna and the influence of Adolf Loos, an architect and dominant and controversial critic during the period of the Vienna Secession.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, 2006, $ 71.95
Abstract From our 21st century perspective, the world of architecture in fin de siecle Vienna is resonant of the atmosphere of a noisy coffee house with a cacophony of different voices and arguments mingling, conflicting and synthesizing the avant garde and the traditional. This paper discusses the influential, modernist architect and critic Adolf Loos, whose polemical ideas and violent rhetoric challenged the prevailing aesthetics of the Vienna Secession.
Abstract This paper reviews the risks and dangers involved in extreme sports. The paper discusses how the authorities that build extreme sports facilities should take these factors into into careful consideration. According to the paper, a lot of accidents and unfortunate incidents could be avoided if the facilities are properly built and cared for.
Outline:
Introduction - Popularity and Risk
Budgeting
Planning
Input from Athletes
Construction
Land
Maintenance
Liability
Conclusion
From the Paper "Because of these kinds of risks, some towns and cities do not want to have anything to do with facilities for extreme sports, but when local authorities refuse to plan or create these kinds of facilities the people that engage in these extreme sports often try to find other places to practice their skills. This can be extremely dangerous, because practice is most often done in the streets or around buildings. When skateboards, rollerbladers, and others practice in the streets of their neighborhood, they run the risk of being hit by a car, and they also risk the lives of others that may swerve to avoid an accident and then hit something or someone else.
When these athletes practice around buildings or in public parks, there is less danger of being struck by a vehicle, but they can injure themselves very easily on railings, steps, and other areas, and they can also run into, knock over, or otherwise damage other people that may be in that area at the time. Many cities now have ordinances against biking, skateboarding, or rollerblading on sidewalks and other areas, such as walking paths in public parks. This is good for others, but unfortunate for those that want and need a place to practice. Because of these kinds of ordinances, it has become clear that these athletes are rapidly running out of areas to practice and perfect what they do, but yet many local authorities in cities and towns all across the United States still have done nothing to give these people facilities where they can do what they do and be as safe as possible, and where they do not present a danger to others that might be passing by. "
Abstract This paper discusses how the introduction of new materials in recent decades has provided urban designers and architects with the opportunity to transform the relationship that has historically existed between people and their environments through innovations in construction and the materials from which these buildings are constructed. This paper provides an overview of some of the historical issues, such as the history of plastics, ceramics, semiconductors and reviews questions about the design issues that emerge from the nature of the materials themselves. This is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Historical Issues and Influences
Emergent Technological and Design Issues
Conclusion
From the Paper "Citing the example of Japan finding itself in need of coal during the 1930s, Bell reports that the Japanese simply acquired more material by invading Manchuria and appropriating their resources. This author also observed early on that the materials revolution would have a profound effect on how architects and designers selected the materials needed for any given applications, and suggested that new technologies would emerge that would allow for completely customizable materials for any given purpose. This, in fact, is what has taken place in recent years. Indeed, innovations in materials science as well as manufacturing applications that have introduced new composites and the potential for increasingly tiny applications of these substances at the molecular level through nanotechnology promise even more science-fiction-into-science fact realities. "
Abstract This paper reviews the history of the role of the construction manager. According to the paper, construction management is defined as the term applied to the technique of managing the various designs and construction processes of a building project on behalf of an owner or client.
From the Paper "One important role is scheduling. A large part of the construction manager's time is spent preparing and working with schedules. Scheduling is a principal function of construction law. Scheduling is simply planning in advance the events to be accomplished over time and putting them into a document (Volume 2). The schedule must be very precise and detailed. While on the sight, the construction manager must stay informed of progress being made and make sure that schedule deadlines are being met (Handbook Online). When problems and delays occur, the construction manager must be able to work things out and adjust the schedule to where the deadline can still be met (Volume 2). Without scheduling, the construction project is not likely to be completed on time. "
Tags: General, Services, Administration, (GSA), architect, budgeting, project, team
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the life of Frank Lloyd Wright, who is presented as one of the most influential architects in history. The writer explores Wright's childhood and its influences, his works and his life as they relate to the contribution he made to the world. The paper shows photos of some of his more famous works.
From the Paper "Wright was born in Wisconsin in a town called Richland Center. His childhood was filled with happiness and warmth surrounded by the love of a mother and other family members who knew he would succeed as soon as he found his passion.
That passion turned out to be architecture. He spent several semesters studying at the school of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin before he decided in 1887 to go to Chicago and pursue his dreams(The Early Years http://www.delmars.com/wright/flw1.htm).
An uncle who was a minister in a church in the area got Wright an apprentice position where is first work was a Silsbee commission. In this project he designed a Hillside Homeschool for his aunt(The Early Years http://www.delmars.com/wright/flw1.htm)."
Abstract This paper examines the relationship of fashion and architectural design from anthropological and philosophical perspectives. Art is considered as a function of the society that produced it. The Victorian Era is cited as an epoch in which architecture and fashion were interconnected. This paper includes an annotated bibliography.
Outline:
Background
Research Design
Outline and Research Structure
Annotated Bibliography
From the Paper "An age-old argument among scholars has been whether art influences society, or whether art is a reflection of the society that produced it. When one examines art as an expression of self, it is difficult to view it as anything other than an expression of society. Popular designers in architecture and fashion design works that achieve public acceptance. Therefore, it stands to reason that trends in architectural design and fashion design are a reflection of the society that surrounds them. This research will explore the link between fashion design and architectural design with an emphasis on the use of fabric and building materials as the medium. "
Tags: fashion, architectural, design, history, Victorian, Era
Abstract This paper explains that the maximized design styles of the 1950s through the later 1960s, the period represented by the thriving economy of the baby boomers, was a pro-active action against the mass destruction and insecurity of WWII. The author points out that furniture styles became more inclusive and more innovative during this time period resulting in the coffee table or lounge table becoming a unique and innovative creation. The paper relates that the styles of this period, now called 1950s retro furniture, are highly valued today. The paper includes detailed descriptions with pictures of many coffee tables.
Table of Contents:
Overview
Introduction
The Tables
1950s Style in Today's Context
Legacy of 1950s and 1960s
Conclusion
From the Paper "This is a Danish Rosewood table circa 1950s. The Suite 101 website provides interesting information in regard to this style of furniture through Barbara Nicholson's writing. There have been many of the Bauhaus style Danish modern furnishings throughout the era from 1940 through 1960 and the diversity is noted in the varying shapes and styles including this Danish style hexagonal table. Another would be in the use of unusual woods including veneers as this hexagonal table would be created from and teak which would be in the table found beside it."
Abstract This paper examines the Cathedral of Florence in Italy; the Thirumalai Nayak Palace in Madurai, India; the Empire State Building in New York City, United States of America, which is one the precursors of the great skyscrapers or high-rises of the world; the Louvre Museum in Paris and the designer hospitals of today, using as an example the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America. The author points out that the analysis of these structures is based on the structure's history, its design and architecture, the cost that the people of the country incurred when they were constructing it and the time that it took to complete. The paper concludes that the design and the principles of a structure are vitally important to the basic effectiveness of the building. The paper includes many illustrations and a graph.
From the Paper "What this entailed was that the entire structure could be built without a need for scaffolding at the bottom. Reinforcements of iron and tension chains of stone were also utilized for the construction of the Dome, and finally, it was completed in 1436. Now Bruneschelli required a lantern to be fixed over the Dome, and his design was for an octagonal lantern with eight radiating buttresses, and eight high arched windows. The work on the lantern was completed after the architect's death, by Verocchio in 1469, and it was designed later to contain holy relics."
Tags: dome, bruneschelli, indo-saracenic, precursors, function
Abstract This short paper explores both the art of India and the mysticism behind this art. The author describes the purposes of Indian art, citing the religious and philosophical meanings intertwined within a work. Several architectural landmarks are presented, including the complex of temples at Khajuraho. Specific styles of painting are also described.
From the Paper " The most prominent feature of Indian art is that it does not attempt a representation of the immediate reality as such, nor does it bring merely aesthetic figurations of it, but that its substance is always blended with the religions and philosophies of India, and therefore pervaded with rich symbolism, with a sum of philosophical concepts and many divine characters. This is why artistic objects in India serve usually more than one purpose - the temples, for example, are not, in terms of style, merely architectural forms, but are closer to sculpture. Also the stupas , were originally small burial or reliquary places , but they are also cosmic diagrams by the special elements of their construction such as the harmika symbolizing the heaven of the thirty three gods , and the yasti , as the axis of the universe , rising through the harmika ,and thus uniting the world with the paradise above."
