Abstract More than any other architect of the 20th century, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe represents the ascendancy of Modernism in its most Minimalist incarnation. While this emphasis on the importance of spare lines and lack of fussiness is understandable, given what had come before in terms of both architecture and decorative arts, this does not necessarily make it more palatable from the perspective of the 21st century. This essay focuses on two specific buildings by Van Der Rohe: the 1930 Tugendhat house in Moravia and the 1929 German Pavilion that he designed for the International Convention in Barcelona, Spain, as a way of delineating the strengths of his work, as well as serving as a reminder of the distinct limitations of Minimalism within the realm of architecture.
From the Paper "When we look at Tugendhat House what we see is a building that rather aggressively protrudes from the hill to which it is anchored. Mies set the building apart from the hill both in terms of color ? it is gray and black, entirely lacking in the greens and earth-tones of the surrounding hillside ? and in terms of form. The hill is rounded, gently sloping, its curve emblematic of the ways in which water and geological stratigraphy and wind shape the earth. The building's exterior is none of these things: It is not only rectilinear (as are most structures in the modern world) but it flaunts this rectilinearity. Its solidity emphasis the human-constructed nature of the structure: We would never (no matter from what distance we viewed this building or from what angle) confuse this with something created by nature."
Abstract The paper explores and compares two books on architecture, "Le Corbusier" by Kenneth Frampton and "Master Builders" by Peter Blake. The paper shows that both books discuss the life and works of architect Le Corbusier, although they differ in that Frampton's book focuses mainly on Le Corbusier while Blake studies equally the works of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright.
From the Paper "According to Frampton, Corbusier was most likely the most famous and certainly the most controversial architect of the twentieth century. His impact on the urban fabric and the way all have lived has been enormous due to the richness and diversity of his work as well as his fervently expressed philosophy of architecture. Thus, the author weaved through his long and prolific life that was recurrent themes, his permanent drive towards new types of dwelling, from the early white villas to the U'it? d'Habitation at Marseille. Furthermore, he detailed his evolving concepts of urban form, which included the Plan Vision of 1925 along with its cruciform towers that were imposed on the city of Paris and finally his work at Chandigarh in India; and his belief in a new technocratic order (Barnes and Noble)."
Tags: Corbu, Modernist, Barcelona, Pavilion, Guggenheim, Museum, Ludwig, Mies, van, der, Rohe, Frank, Lloyd, Wright.
Abstract This paper shows how the key to understanding Brecht's "Der gute Mensch von Sezuan" and its place in the development of Epic Theatre is to understand the way in which he uses songs and poetic language throughout the action of the play. At certain significant moments, the actors break into song, or speak in blank verse, a style vastly different from their characteristic mode of expression. The essay's discussion of these moments, and explanation of their function within Brecht's dramatic theory, will enable the reader to fully understand the play and its importance. The essay concentrates fully on the text of the work rather than reworking critical literature on the subject.
From the Paper "As well as the five songs, on around twenty-five occasions the play is "interrupted" by excerpts of free verse, lacking rhyme and meter but distinct in style and vocabulary from the character's normal speech. These interludes form a framework of comment and reflection embracing the action of the play and are usually directed to the audience rather than to the other characters. This commentary intertwined with the action of the play force the audience to consider it immediately whilst still under the direct influence of the playwright instead of reflecting on it later and at a distance. The characters are more perceptive in this altered mood and provide the audience with insight into their behavior, and for this reason as well as because the action of the play is interrupted, the songs and heightened lyrical passages are also an important part of Brecht's Verfremdungeffekt (estrangement effect). The fact that several of the characters break into song at different points in the play is an anti-naturalistic device and the elevated language is also clearly not spontaneous or believable dialogue. Some of the dialogue and songs also have a persuasive function, serving Brechts interests. Many of them could stand alone, indeed some did before Brecht appropriated them for his work, and are simple and memorable excerpts that the audience could take home from the theatre."
Abstract What now seems repetitive was once radically innovative when architects, such as Walter Gropius, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier, attempted to reshape the urban metropolis in order to reflect the aesthetic principles of an industrial, democratic age. This paper will examine the achievements of the three architects noted above. Their works will be examined with respect to both theory and practice. It will be argued that, while their legacy in the field of architecture remains controversial to this day, their contributions to the establishment of the International Style fundamentally altered the landscape of the modern city.
Abstract This paper examines the various aspects of the Tugendhat House, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and compares them to Mies' other works. The house's architecture, layout, location and materials are analyzed and evaluated against the architect's style and not against the style of others. The paper offers pictures of the Tugendhat House to illustrate the architecture.
From the Paper "Ludwig Mies van der Rohe has created numerous buildings with his own unique and distinct styles; the Tugendhat House is one of these buildings. Grete and Fritz Tugendhat, descendents of wealthy Jewish industrialists in Brno, Germany (now, Brno, Czech Republic), commissioned the construction of the building in the late 1920s. Some of the structure's themes may be found in works done by Le Corbusier, Schinkel, and Mies himself. Throughout the building, it is evident that great stress and preparation went into project, whether it be the location, the facade, the plan, or the material the Tugendhat House a revolutionary concept that rejects traditional arrangements of the interior and promotes simplicity throughout."
Abstract This paper summarizes an article entitled "The Palette of Management Development", by Lidewey van der Sluis-den Dikken and Ludwig H. Hoeksema, about the interaction between developmental characteristics of the job, the learning behaviour of individuals and the consequences of this interaction for career success of managers. After a brief description of Kidden's and Hoeskema's thesis, the author of this paper then adds his own experience and commentary. He concludes that he bridges the interaction between these three policies by mandating "that all managers continue their business and managerial education" while also finding "ways to openly praise or promote those who continued their educational career growth."
From the Paper "In the area of training and development, controlling and managing the learning process of managers always has been a controversial topic. Some old time managers believe that except for mentoring and on the job training on company specifics, a managerial candidate should come to a position fully prepared to be up to speed in a short time. Lately, learning theorists have shown that many young managerial candidates need a formal training program to fully actualize their talents and abilities. Personally, I believe that young recruits as well as older members of the managerial team of any company should be given ample opportunity for both formal and informal training and career development. Young recruits need tutelage in company culture and product knowledge, while older managers can use courses updating them on the newest validated managerial principles. "
Tags: managerial, theory, personnel, development, training, career
An examination of Sidney Smith Hall in Toronto as modern architecture in relation to two other buildings, Villa Savoye in Poissy and the German Pavilion in Barcelona.
Abstract This paper approaches three examples of modern architecture that seem dissimilar at first, Sidney Smith Hall at the University of Toronto, the Villa Savoye near Paris, and what is known as the Barcelona Pavilion. The paper holds that despite their different purposes, they are similar structures according to principles of the modern movement. To conclude, it states that Sidney Smith Hall is significant in a Toronto environment much given to the preservation of architectural heritage, but that has often failed to appreciate its examples of the modern style.
Outline:
Introduction
Sidney Smith Hall, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street
Villa Savoye, Poissy, nr. Paris 1920-1930 (Le Corbusier)
German Pavilion, Barcelona Exposition, (Mies van der Rohe)
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper "As an example of the International Style much pursued by the modern movement, one realizes that the same structure with minimal adjustment could be placed anywhere. (See Khan 1998) Erected in any country in the world, Sidney Smith Hall would offer the same economy of line combined with a feeling of spaciousness and accessibility, its terrace areas suited to the climate of a central Canadian city as much as entirely different settings. This theme of universality was a favourite of both Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier as discussed below. (Padovan 45-48) As a contribution to the international style, Sidney Smith Hall may have shown its ongoing adaptability in the 2003 enclosure of one terrace that was opposed by some but does not seem to have altered greatly the sense of access the architect intended."
Tags: building, Villa Savoye, Poissy, German Pavilion, Barcelona Exposition, Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier
Abstract The paper starts by documenting vampiric traits and their appearance in literature, starting with Henrich August Ossenfelder's "Der Vampir" in 1748 up to Bram Stoker's "Dracula" in 1897. It then cites various examples of how the character Ligeia could be seen as vampiric. The paper also looks in detail at the effects of tuberculosis and how it affects people both mentally and physically also the similarities between the image of a vampire and that of a tuberculosis sufferer.
From the paper;
"This paper will focus on the theme of vampirism in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Ligeia." In order to make the paper more understandable and explain my research, I will begin by defining what characteristics constitute vampire-like qualities. Then, I will demonstrate how Ligeia meets those parameters.
"The first recognizable literary work dealing specifically with vampires came in 1748 from Germany. Henrich August Ossenfelder's Der Vampire this was a brilliant poem that introduced vampires to modern literature. In 1819 though, nearly 50 years after Der Vampire was introduced, John Polidori, a prominent author, wrote the significant story, The Vampiree, which was the catalyst for vampire literature in Europe. Edgar Allan Poe wrote Ligeia in 1838.It was not until 1897 that Bram Stoker wrote the novel which defines the most widely accepted characteristics of the vampire."
Abstract Examines art in the 15th Century. New approach to painting of the Netherlandish painters. Development of the technique of oil painting and various innovations. The visual culture created by the artists. Work of artists Robert Campion, Jan Ven Eyck, Roger van der Weyden, Ven der Goes Gertgen, Bosch.
From the Paper "The art of the Netherlandish region in the fifteenth century constitutes one of the most important moments in Western art history. Yet, for various reasons, the art of this period has persistently been seen largely from the perspective of its relationship to contemporary art in Italy. A review of the accomplishments of the Netherlandish painters demonstrates, however, that their work was not important primarily in relation to the art of other regions. This great flourishing of painting had its beginnings in the courtly art of the International Gothic style that flourished at the Burgundian court. The poorly documented artists of the early part of the century, such as Robert Campin and the Master of Flemalle, influenced the great generation of van Eyck and van der Weyden. These artists in turn were the source of the new approach to painting that thrived ..."
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 This essay explores the importance of "Road" in a film context and questions how the American sense of "the road" may differ from the European. Featured works include the Wim Wenders film Im lauf der Zeit (Kings of The Road) and Paris, Texas. The theme of alienation in both films is discussed.
Abstract In this paper the author analyzes and examines the life and career of Marlene Dietrich. The paper gives particular importance to her films.The author concludes with a review of Dietrich's impact on the audiences of the 20th century.
From the paper:
?The Blue Angel is one of the most timeless films in the history of motion picture, and marked the beginning of Dietrich's world career. This film was based on Heinrich Mann's novel "Professor Unrat" and was directed by Joseph von Sternberg, a Jewish Austrian. Dietrich played Lola Lola, a tantalizing nightclub singer in one of the first German sound films.?
Abstract This paper is an in-depth discussion of multiculturalism, it defines it and states that an entirely different view of culture is needed in the intellectual discourse of society. Elst analyzes culture using the example of analyzing sex. Elst makes it clear in his analysis that pluralities of identity are the norm, that everyone is multi-ethnic and multi-racial in some fashion. Finally, the paper concludes that each individual should study and redefine his own culture.
From the Paper "Even in the current, mainstream political debate over what constitutes ?multiculturalism,? it is common cultural parlance to view culture as a static entity. Multiculturalism is defined as the manner in which more cultures are integrated into the fabric of the dominant discourse, rather than as a way of deconstructing notions of how culture itself is perceived and misperceived. As the title of Dirk Van Der Elst's book Culture as Given, Culture as Choice, suggests, however, framing the debate in such a fashion is not necessarily the most radical choice. Elst suggests that nothing really exists as ?culture,? rather culture itself is a constructed, socially produced norm."
Tags: cultural, multiculturalism, Dirk, Van, Der, Elst, social, norm
Abstract An examination of the Van der Waal equation of state in a Virial expansion and a look at how Polymers are being used today in every walk of life. This paper shows how polymers are well-defined aggregates of very simple organic molecules. It defines these matters and looks at their uses in biochemistry.
From the Paper "From thermodynamics and the kinetic theory of gases, the Pressure of an ideal gas is described as sum of the transfer of collision energy of gas molecules on the walls of the container. The inter-atomic interactions depend upon the density of the system. Inter-particle interactions, primarily attractive forces, reduce the overall pressure of the system. This interaction is called internal pressure. By rewriting the Van der Waal equation of state in a Virial expansion, we obtain an equation for Pressure p: (Atkins, 1987)
p = RT/(Vm ? b) - a/Vm2
a/Vm2 is the internal pressure of the gas; a and b are constants for each gas and Vm is the molar volume of the gas, R is the Gas Constant."
Tags: DNA, biomolecular, helium, protein, energy, hydrogen, gas
From the Paper " The VDL Research House, located at 2300 E. Silver Lake in Los Angeles, was built twice. The first version was designed by Richard Neutra and completed in 1933 as a home for his family. After a fire destroyed all of the main building in 1963, Neutra and his son, architect Dion Neutra, rebuilt the house in a somewhat altered form. The current version of the house continued many basic design elements from the first, but was larger and expanded on many of the ideas inherent in the first design.
The house was first designed by Neutra when a Dutch industrialist, C. H. Van Der Leeuw (hence, VDL) visited Los Angeles "especially to see Neutra's work" (Sack 40). According to Neutra, Van Der Leeuw was shocked, after a tour of some of Neutra's projects, to find that Neutra did not have a home of his.."
