Abstract
This paper is an examination of Mayan architecture which emerged from the rain forests of Guatemala and Yucatan. The writer maintains that the detailed architecture was a fitting monument to the highly sophisticated civilization that existed in the region before the Spanish arrived. This look at the style of Mayan architecture includes a diagram highlighting the areas of construction in Copan. The paper argues that Mayan culture was more than a collection of buildings in that every aspect of architecture was linked to the sacred world around. In conclusion the writer explains that the temple pyramid which symbolizes Mayan architectural skill is also a statement of their cosmographic ideas. Everything has a beginning and end. Everything is the beginning and the end.

From the Paper
"Deep in the tangled rain forests of Guatemala and the Yucatan, the Maya made some of the greatest contributions to world architecture. Their stone cities complete with temples, palaces, tombs, and ball courts are fitting monuments to the complex, and highly sophisticated civilization that existed in these regions many centuries before the arrival of the Spanish. Mayan priest-astronomers made elaborate calculations to catalog the passage of time. Great warrior kings immortalized themselves and their deeds on stelae, recording for future generations the contributions they had made toward maintaining the cosmic order. The Maya were the only Pre-Columbian people to ever have invented a complete system of writing".

Tags:emerged, rainforests, detailed, civilization, monument, diagram, sacred, buildings, construction

Abstract
This paper discusses Maya sculptures and other artwork from the period AD 300-800. It discusses the stylistic elements of Maya art that are found in different cities throughout Guatemala. The paper then looks at the many similarities and differences apparent in the architecture and the sculptures of Maya art. The paper concludes that by seeing the Maya cities in person is truly the only way to appreciate the beauty and minute intricacies of Maya sculptures, architecture and paintings.

From the Paper
"Peter D. Harrison's book The Lords of Tikal and Carolyn E. Tate's Yaxchilan both provide marked differences between the architecture and sculptures of Tikal and Yaxchilan. In Tate's book, she provides many visual structures I was able to see and enjoy, whereas, Harrison provided more information on the artwork. Because of these differences, I found Harrison's book on Tikal much more useful and the information more organized for use in my research for this paper, than Tate's book on Yaxchilan. I believe that by seeing the Maya cities in person is truly the only way to appreciate the beauty and minute intricacies of Maya sculptures, architecture, and paintings."

Tags:motif, design, style

Abstract
This paper describes Mayan civilization prior to the Spanish conquest, basing its description on Diego de Landa's book "Yucatan Before and After the Conquest" where he details much of what we know about the Mayan culture today. The paper focuses on Diego de Landa's depiction of probably the two most important traits of the Mayan civilization; their art and architecture. The paper also looks at the Mayan civilization's hieroglyphs, as well as their intellectual tools such as calendars and astronomy.

From the Paper
"The translator of the book, William Gates, points out in his introduction that de Landa "burned ninety-nine times as much knowledge of Maya history and sciences as he has given us in his book." Therefore, it is wise to read the text with the author's background in mind. Nevertheless, this work remains a fascinating account of Native American life at the time of the Spanish conquest. The primary characteristics of the Maya culture were undoubtedly captured by De Landa, who in his book, describes the flora and fauna-such as his account of the manatees-as well as clothing, culinary arts, and musical instruments. His description of the gradual "Europeanization" of the younger Indian generations is fascinating and helpful in understanding the further course of history in those regions. Finally, he depicts what are probably the two most important traits of the Maya civilization, their art and architecture."

Tags:art, architecture, hieroglyphs, calendars, astronomy, deities, worship

Abstract
This paper takes a detailed look at the architectural and artistic considerations in the design of the Vietnam Memorial, including issues of the gender and race of the designer.

From the Paper
"Student wins war memorial contest!" That was the news headlined in all newspapers and the media on May 7, 1981. The competition for a design of a memorial to the Vietnam War veterans had been open to all citizens of the United States. But who would expect a student to win? Many architects, designers, and artists, known and unknown, had entered the contest. And even more so, the student who surpassed over all the other contestants was a young Asian woman named Maya Ying Lin, second generation Chinese American, twenty-one years old, in her senior year at Yale University."

Tags:american, and, memorial, memory, the, veterans, vietnam

Abstract
This paper offers a descriptive review of the architectural site Palenque in Mexico. The writer believes that Palenque may be the most beautiful and evocative of all the Maya ruins. The paper includes a description of the actual site, its surrounding scenery and additional sites nearby. The paper also includes a history of the site with reference to its discovery in the 1700s by an indigenous farmer. The paper points out that Palenque is famous not only for its beauty but it also has the distinction of being the actual site of major breakthroughs in the study of the Maya written language.

From the Paper
"The site lies on a narrow shelf of land abutting the forested escarpment of the Chiapas highlands. Below Palenque, the lush coastal plain of Tabasco extends all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Set upon this scenic vista lies the true beauty of Palenque its unequaled architecture. The Maya architects that constructed Palenque revolutionized the methods utilized in the construction of the day. The Maya architects made the upper facades of the temples in Palenque slope backward at the same angle as the slant of the corbelled walls inside."

Tags:architecture, ancient, language, construct, tourist, site, archaeology

Abstract
This paper examines the place and importance of architecture in human culture, further considering the uses of buildings and how their design has changed over time. First, the paper discusses the purpose of architecture which is cited as making places where people feel more human, more alive, more fulfilled. Next, the paper notes how architecture can be used to control human behavior by looking at the design of prisons. Then, the paper examines the architectural role of commercial and residential buildings. Finally, the paper explores sustainable architecture in light of today's environmental awareness and concerns. The paper concludes by stating that humanity needs a sustainable environment to keep creating the buildings and structures that we as humans need to maintain our way of life.


Outline:

How Physical Structure Affects Human Behavior
Architecture as a Means of Controlling Human Behavior
Environmental Implications Designs
Commercial Designs
Residential Designs
Importance of Architectural Development Supporting Sustainable Development
Conclusion

From the Paper
"One of the easiest ways to see how architecture has been (and still is) used to control human behavior is by looking at the prison system. The first penitentiary built in the United States was the Eastern State Penitentiary and it was built on the Quaker ideals of reforming the prisoners held within its walls. According to US History.org (1995-2011), "Eastern's seven earliest cell blocks may represent the first modern building in the United States. The concept plan, by the British-born architect John Haviland, reveals the purity of the vision. Seven cell blocks radiate from a central surveillance rotunda. Haviland's ambitious mechanical innovations placed each prisoner had his or her own private cell, centrally heated, with running water, a flush toilet, and a skylight. Adjacent to the cell was a private outdoor exercise yard contained by a ten-foot wall. In the vaulted, skylit cell, the prisoner had only the light from heaven, the word of God (the Bible) and honest work (shoemaking, weaving, and the like) to lead to penitence. In striking contrast to the Gothic exterior, Haviland used the grand architectural vocabulary of churches on the interior. He employed 30-foot, barrel vaulted hallways, tall arched windows, and skylights throughout."

Tags:sustainable architecture, prison system, commercial design, residential design

Abstract
The Neo Classic style of architecture includes the four sub-styles of Federalist, Idealist, Greek Revival, and Rationalist ("Neoclassical Architecture c. 1780-1850") and represents a re-birth of the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome. Neo Classic architecture is known for its symmetry, tall columns, triangular pediments, and domed roofs ("Neo-Classical Architecture").

From the Paper
Neo-Classic Architecture The Neo Classic style of architecture includes the four sub-styles of Federalist, Idealist, Greek Revival, and Rationalist ("Neoclassical Architecture c. 1780-1850") and represents a re-birth of the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome. Neo Classic architecture is known for its symmetry, tall columns, triangular pediments, and domed roofs ("Neo-Classical Architecture"). The Federalist style (1783-1815) is represented by a wide variety of architectural elements that include balustrades that preface flat roofs, "moldings of low relief and delicate ornamentation," central entrances,

Tags:neo, classical, architecture

Abstract
This paper compares Gothic architecture and Renaissance architecture, showing the change that came over architecture with the shift from the more massive and decorated style of the Gothic to the cleaner classical lines of the Renaissance, a period which also borrowed from the Moslem style to make new use of the dome, as in religious buildings by Brunelleschi.

From the Paper
"Gothic architecture developed from the Romanesque style and emerged in the twelfth century. It prevailed until the Renaissance beginning in the fifteenth century. Gothic architecture was marked by size and elaborate decorations. However, Gothic architecture was first defined in terms of a change in Romanesque church architecture diagonal ribs were added to the groin-vault, as was first seen at the Abbey Church of St. Denis near Paris (Frankl 1). In part because of its origins, Gothic architecture has long been associated with France and is considered a French style, though in fact, others used it as well. Gothic architecture is probably represented for many people by Notre-Dame de Paris, a facade known from countless stories and other representations as well as for itself. "

Tags:gothic, renaissance, architecture

Abstract
In this paper the author presents a brief history of Western architecture, highlighting the major epochs in European architecture, and modern architecture in the US. The paper further discusses the function of architectural space, its use and its aesthetic. Various architectural techniques and their historical development are analyzed. The paper concludes with an an examination of modern architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright, whose designs are considered a culmination of the works that preceded him.

From the Paper
"It would seem logical to start our exploration of the history of architecture with one of the greatest artists of all time--Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475--1564), regarded by many as the "father of architecture in Europe and the greatest designer of the last 500 years" (Lowry, 167). Of all his architectural designs, the vestibule of the Laurentian Library, built to house the immense collections of the Medici family in Florence, Italy, stands out above all others. This vestibule gives the impression of a vertically compressed, shaft-like space which is dominated by a vast, flowing staircase that almost fills the interior, and unlike his contemporaries, Michelangelo ignored classical architectural ideals by placing his columns in pairs which are sunk into the walls; he breaks columns around corners and placed beneath them consoles not meant as support. In essence, Michelangelo "did away with classical architecture so prevalent in the High Renaissance and greatly influenced all architectural designs and forms that followed him" (Copplestone, 178)."

Tags:architecture, architects, Renaissance, Frank, Lloyd, Wright, Michaelangelo

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."

Tags:rome, architecture, classical