Describes example of Islamic architecture & decoration. Brief history of the building, stylistic sources, movtives of the builder & function of the monument.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 9 sources, 2001, $ 95.95
From the Paper "Islamic architecture is frequently noted for the splendor of the mosaics and tiles that ornament mosques, mausoleums and palaces. It is fitting, therefore, that the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the earliest surviving example of Muslim building, is as beautifully adorned as any. Yet, although it stands at the head of a long tradition of such elaborate decorative schemes, the Dome of the Rock is atypical in most other ways: the borrowed building type is not one of the characteristic forms later developed by Islamic culture; its intended use is uncertain, unlike most later Islamic architecture where function is unambiguous; and the decorative mosaics inside the dome not only reflect the cultures from which the styles were derived but also constitute an iconographic program whose meaning has been obscured by time. In one important respect, however, the..."
From the Paper "The purpose of building Gothic cathedrals was to build a temple worthy of God. In the twelfth century, bishops became independent of the secular power and took their destiny, and that of the Church, into their own hands. The growing power and prestige of the bishops combined with the architectural development of the flying buttress and rib vaulting enabled the building of the great Gothic Cathedrals. Stained glass work attained its epiphany in the windows of these Gothic cathedrals. The stained glass windows constructed during the thirteenth century are considered some of the finest examples of this art..."
Examinint the career, theory and influences of late 19th Cent.-early 20th Cent. American modernist architect, focusing on Chicago World Transportation Building (1892-1893).
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, 1999, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the work of the pioneer American modernist architect Louis H. Sullivan with a view toward demonstrating the influence of European architecture on his work and how his work connected to both European architecture and the American way of living. The focus of the research in this connection will be on Sullivan's design for the Transportation Building at the World's Columbian Exposition held in 1892-93 in Chicago.
Louis H. Sullivan is widely acknowledged as a pioneer of American modernist architecture, which in no small part should be taken to mean a pioneer of a distinctively American style. This reputation is attributed to two factors. The first is his association with the so-called "Chicago School," which is the name given to the commercial-architecture style of buildings.."
From the Paper "Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the visionary architects of this century, and he developed a number of homes with an organic relationship to the site where they were to be built. Wright had an organic vision of architecture and of its relation to the time in which it was practiced as well, as can be seen from a statement he made in 1940:
Architecture is beginning, always beginning. It was not made by the Greeks nor by the Romans. It wasn't even made in the Georgian Period. It is something that has to be made afresh all the time, as life, as growth changes.
One of the works that secured considerable attention was known as "Fallingwater."
Wright experienced many ups and does in his career. After.."
Abstract This paper describes the chronological events that occurred on September 11 2001 that led to the eventual collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC). It provides structural information on the exact architecture of the two towers and examines how the downfall of these two buildings occurred through a series of steps that eventually led to the cataclysmic chain reaction of each floor smashing into its corresponding lower floor, eventually destroying both towers. The primary factor leading to this disaster was the immense heat the structural design withstood and the impact of the airliners that hit them. It concludes that the WTC Towers were not defectively designed since no designer could have ever anticipated a catastrophe of the magnitude that occurred.
From the Paper "The structural integrity of the WTC depended on these closely spaced columns around the perimeter. Lightweight steel trusses spanned between the central elevator core and the perimeter columns on each floor. These trusses support the four-inch concrete slabs that separate each floor and tied the perimeter columns to the core. These trusses supported the vertical forces acting on the building. These steel structures were coated with an aluminum alloy for extra strength."
From the Paper "The Gothic Cathedral by Otto von Simson
In the introduction to his book, The Gothic Cathedral, author Otto von Simson explains his purposes and interest in writing the essay, as he terms it. The book, which was published in 1956, is von Simson's effort to explain the relationship between Gothic architecture and the place of such a work in the religious experiences of the architect. Of course, it is not possible to know precisely what was in the mind of the creator of the Church at Saint-Denis, Abbot Sugar, because he lived in the twelfth century, but von Simson and other art historians are fascinated with the relationship between Medieval religious thought and aesthetic expression. It is the purpose of this paper to summarize the sections of The Gothic Cathedral leading up to and including von Simson's discussion of Suger of..."
Abstract This paper discusses Saint Peter's Cathedral, situated in the Vatican, Italy. Saint Peter's Cathedral, also known as the Basilica of Saint Peter, stands in what was once the Circus of Nero in Rome, where Saint Peter was crucified in 61 A.D. In around 200 A.D., an altar was constructed at the site and Saint Peter's body was buried beneath it. It examines its architecture and history, the way it was, the way it has changed over time and the way it is today. It looks at how it serves as the home church for the Pope and is a glowing testament to the art and architecture of the Renaissance, one of the most influential periods in world culture.
From the Paper "Saint Peter's contributed to the art world in many ways. Artists were in great demand to paint the many walls and ceilings, and contribute to art works to be placed in the cathedral, so many artists were kept busy in Italy during the time, thereby increasing the awareness and employment in the arts. There are also many mosaics is the church, so a wide variety of artisans were kept busy for decades decorating the massive structure. Art flourished during the Renaissance, and Saint Peter's kept artisans busy, and helped them develop new methods for their crafts, as Michelangelo did when he created the iron beam system to support the massive concrete dome (Editors)."
Abstract This paper looks at the impressive 700 year history of the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. It examines the origins of its construction and how architectural tastes have changed over time, influencing different improvements made to the building. It links this history to the novel written by Hugo known as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and how through his novel, the Cathedral became famous again. It shows that through this fame, the Cathedral was given a face-lift.
From the Paper "More than seven hundred years old, the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris exemplifies Gothic architecture. Those who visit it cannot fail to be awed at the magnificent structure, which bears her history proudly, now restored to her former grandeur. Many millions of people in the last century have never set foot in its soaring halls, yet they feel that they know it, because they have read Victor Hugo's monumental novel, Notre Dame de Paris, or The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Cathedral inspired Hugo to write his moving book, but the book in turn provided an incentive for the Cathedral to be restored from the ravages of the past. The histories of building and book are intertwined."
Tags: church, construction, building, architecture, gothic, romantic, art
Abstract This paper examines the architectural styles prevalent in Romanesque and Gothic times. It looks at unique characteristics and features of each of these periods and compares the two. It looks at how these two architectural styles were influenced by each other. Some of the famous building and constructions of each period is mentioned and explored - French Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame and the Romanesque style Saint-Sernin Church in Toulouse.
From the Paper "Romanesque architecture flourished in Western Europe from approximately 1050 to 1200. It was influenced by Roman building techniques, particularly the use of the rounded arch and the grave simplicity and dignityof mood of classical structures. In England, it was frequently called Norman, as it was introduced to Britain by the conquering French in 1066."
Abstract Technical discussion of electrochromic windows. Their solar-optical properties and commercial and residential applications in the U.S. Energy and glare control. Advantages of energy conservation, cost and performance over ordinary windows. Architectural and technical concerns. Manufacture. Suppliers and markets. Installation and maintenance. Technical details; how electrochromic windows work. Diagrams.
From the Paper "Switchable Windows: The Product
Introduction: Fenestration
Department of Energy (DOE) energy performance simulations revealed that prototype electrochromic windows with solar.optical properties that are achievable today meet cost.effectiveness criteria marginally for commercial and residential applications throughout the U.S [1].
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, needless expenditure on energy costs amounts to more than $20 billion a year. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that they have alternatives, in the form of more energy.efficient windows and other fenestration products. Electrochromic windows can control the amount of daylight and solar heat gain through the windows of buildings and vehicles. The ability to control these parameters using an ..."
Abstract The success of the American Revolution meant that the former colonists had to take on the difficult job of building a new kind of nation, with a new style of government, based on ideas about freedoms and rights that had never been tried before. The young country wanted to draw on what was best from its European heritage, but also to distinguish itself from Britain's culture which had been the principal cultural model. The paper shows that in the first century, the United States formally and informally used painting, architecture, and sculpture to carry important messages about the nature of American society and to develop styles that were distinctively American. Examples of two works from each of these branches of the arts demonstrate the variety of ways in which the country's art presented American ideals, promoted American self-confidence and developed an American character.
The works discussed are: Gilbert Stuart's painting "Vaughan Portrait" (1795); Thomas Jefferson's architectural design of the Virginia State Capitol Building (1785-99); the statue "Justice" (1824) by sculptor William Rush; Hiram Powers' bust of General Andrew Jackson (1835); Robert Mills' Treasury Building (1836-42) and Albert Bierstadt's painting "The Oregon Trail" (1869).
From the Paper "Almost as soon as the Revolution ended painters and engravers began to meet an overwhelming demand for portraits of George Washington and other leaders. In addition to being a major symbol of independence, Washington was also painted as the embodiment of "American virtue, restraint, courage, and strength--in short, of American republicanism" (Baigell 27). Gilbert Stuart, an American who trained in England, produced some of the finest and most popular versions in such paintings as George Washington or the Vaughan Portrait (1795). Stuart showed a rather "patrician and remote" Washington, partly because he trained in the aristocratic portrait tradition in England (Baigell 36). But, as Baigell notes, Stuart was a Federalist who did not approve of the growing popularity of Thomas Jefferson and his more democratic ideals. The Vaughan Portrait also reflects, therefore, "the mood of the Federalist hierarchy, fearful of runaway populism . . . and anxious to fix a national image in the minds of Americans to counter endemic localism" (Baigell 36-37)."
Abstract The major concerns of jail and prison design and construction are the security issues. Two articles on the subject are summarized and discussed in terms of construction costs as well as design concepts "Accommodating the Unsavory Side of Society, Contemporary Jails and Prisons" (Tom Adams, 1998) deals with the problem of developing secure prisons, away from the general population and yet still keeping the costs low. "Deciding on a New Jail Design" (A.R. Beck, 1999) refers to the fact that staff safety and prisoner rights are issues that are pushed to the background when jails are designed.
From the Paper "Architect Tom Adams writes that challenges of both jail and prison design include the creation of a secure building, safe for staff and detainee or inmate, that is a place to work and rehabilitate rather than become worse off, and to do all of this within the tightest budget possible. Design needs are different for the jail and the prison. The jail is a starting point for those entering the Criminal Justice System and must therefore handle all levels of security. Prisons are the place where everyone is held at least one year. New inmates usually enter at a medium security risk; maximum security accommodations must be supplied for those who acted out in jail. The prison attempts to offer education, training, and work opportunities and counseling (p. 3)."
Abstract This paper looks at the life of Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895) who was born in Brattleboro, Vermont and is considered one of the most respected architects of his time. It discusses how he was awarded many professional honors and was one of the most highly acclaimed Americans of the nineteenth-century. It briefly examines Hunt's education and career and evaluates his work in terms of his contributions to architecture, to New York City and his influence on city architecture. It also looks at some key works he designed and created including his most monumental work, the base of the Statue of Liberty. Pictures of some his works are included.
From the Paper "The industrial age, however, had produced new methods and materials that opened up novel possibilities. Engineers and industrialists, for example, had perceived the potentialities of cast iron, long before architects began to speculate on its creative applications to their craft. The structural use of iron actually dates form the latter part of the eighteen-century, although at first it was found in bridges, cotton mills, and other functional buildings, where it was usually combined with brick, stone, or timber, or else used as a substitute for one or more of them. With the use of cast iron and steel the nineteenth- century was eventually to see the spanning of broader widths, the enclosure of more cubic space, and projections toward greater heights than had previously been possible. It was in this context that Hunt began his career as an architect, for it was in Europe that he learned to appreciate and respect the history of art in architecture ? and it was this European architectural history that he wanted to reproduce in America."
Abstract This paper discusses Frank Lloyd Wright, an American architect who is widely-regarded as one of the most influential figures on 20th century design. It looks at how his 70-year career ushered in several important social and cultural dimensions to the field of architecture. It examines the design philosophy, influences and major achievements of one of the towering and most controversial figures of American architecture.
Outline
Biography
Influences and Principles
Major Design Styles
Innovations and Contributions
From the Paper "Like his professional life, Wright's personal life was also fraught with conflict and controversy. Wright married his first wife Catherine in 1889, and they eventually had six children. However, echoing his father's actions, Wright left his family in 1909 for Mamah Cheney, a wife of one of his clients. Although still married to Catherine, he returned with Cheney to Wisconsin in 1911, where the couple built a home and took up residence. In 1914, however, a servant murdered Cheney, her two children and four other people before setting the house on fire (Constantino 12)."
Abstract This essay will discuss the various considerations that go into the design of a room or concert hall with the aim of producing acoustically enhanced sound and music quality. In general, the sound levels that can be heard by the human ear is between the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz.
