Abstract This paper explains that the Barcelona Declaration, and the Barcelona Process that came out of it, marks a new phase in Europe's foreign policy. It explores how this is a stage in which the European Union is announcing that it cannot afford the continuing conflict in the Middle East and that peace is the only option. This peace is an important factor in the EU's foreign and security policy. It concludes that, even though the EU is not challenging the role of the United States, it is working for peace, not just following in the U.S.'s footsteps.
From the Paper "The reason why the European Union is placing a high level of importance on the Middle East Peace process is that it is related to its own security. This is admitted in the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and explained in the EU's 1999 statement on peace in the Middle East. As the CFSP openly seems to declare, the security interests of the EU cannot be divorced from the Middle East situation, not just because of the close geographic relation between them but because this area provides the EU with the majority of its energy needs and counts as a major trade partner, not to mention a leading source of investment in Europe (16). Therefore, the close geographic and economic relations between the two regions have placed the EU in a position in which it needs to give a status of priority to the Middle East Peace process. It is as such that the EU's resolution on peace in the Middle East firmly calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the removal of illegal Israeli settlements and the return of all occupied Arab territories (""EU European Parliament: Resolution ..."). The fact that the EU stresses these points is because it understands that the realizing of these goals is the only way to stabilize the region, thereby creating a peaceful and stable neighborhood for the EU."
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 This paper explains that 1992 Olympiad in Barcelona was beneficial for the city; however, it did not live up to the developers' expectations. The paper describes the economic factors, which play a major role in organizing such a large scale event, that helped regenerate the city and countryside with new facilities and infrastructure. The paper also explains that the social impact of the Games on Barcelona must be evaluated further in terms of the lack of consistency in job opportunities and a regression in the tourists and trade industries. In the political arena, the paper points out that this Olympiad marked the end of the Cold War, the demise of the Soviet Union and the unification of Germany.
From the Paper "Aside from the economic and social aspects taken into consideration so far, the Olympic Games also had a political impact. The tradition of the Games sometimes considered that in fact, during the period of the Ancient Greeks, the inventors of the Olympiads, wars were stopped in order to organize the Games. Although there are many doubts concerning the validity of this statement, the idea that the Games stand for peace and unity in an environment framed by a culture of the world is essential for the way in which the idea of the Olympic spirit is moved forward."
Abstract This paper takes the position that the more interesting and pressing question is not the way in which the European nations will benefit from membership in the E.U., but how the development of the E.U. will influence the foreign policy framework of the region. The author points out that the Barcelona Declaration and the Barcelona Process, which came out of it, marks a new phase in Europe's foreign policy in which the European Union is announcing that it cannot afford the continuation of conflict in the Middle East and that peace is the only option. The paper relates that the Barcelona Declaration is ambitious because it basically aims to reshape the Middle East in economic and political terms, democratizing its political systems, liberalizing its economies, and promoting stable peace; these aims require a great deal of time, effort, and economic support from the E.U.
Table of Contents
Barcelona Declaration
Goal of the Barcelona Declaration
Democratization Policy
Conflict Resolution
Conclusion
From the Paper "As stated in a paper prepared by the Research Group on European Affairs, a number of international factors determined the signing of the Barcelona Process in 1995. In the first place, changes in the international political atmosphere and increasing conflict, transitions and even destabilizations of countries in Eastern Europe, the Southern Mediterranean and North Africa, forced the Union to reconsider the nature of "its foreign policy making instruments". That is the EU had to re-define its foreign policy and the way that it planned and carried out this foreign policy so that it would be more in line with the changing international political atmosphere. In the second place, the continuation of instability and social, economic and political problems in the Middle East, which the United States took the lead in resolving and was failing to do so, was having a negative influence on the EU itself, on both the economic and political levels."
Abstract This paper discusses Barcelona's famous architect, Antonio Gaudi. The intrinsic relationship between the city and the architect is explored in the paper. The paper presents a brief biography of Gaudi and examines the general characteristics, influences, and styles of his work and creations. The paper describes three of Gaudi's many projects in Barcelona: the Sacred Family (La Sacrada Familia), La Pedrera (Casa Mila), and the Guell Park.
From the Paper "As some who has visited Barcelona, one would perhaps always remember the historical area around Los Ramblas, the old Gothic Cathedral or the Olympic Stadium, as well as the special charm of the city, proud in its Catalan spirit, but there is little chance that something is likely to impress you more than the presence of Antoni Gaudi in the city, his modernist creations, his dedication to the city and, even more so, the intrinsic relationship between the city and the architect. Indeed, Gaudi has only worked and created in Barcelona and the city represented to Gaudi something that Aix-en Provence was for another artistic genius, Cezanne : place of inspiration and artistic evolution, but probably also the only place where the interior effervescence could be properly exploited."
Abstract This paper provides an introduction of the ideology of anarchism, where the government is typically perceived as evil as well as wholly unnecessary. It includes a background to the development of the theory and its main principles and assumptions. It also looks at a number of key examples throughout history such as Barcelona during the Spanish Civil war and the Paris Commune as well as the current standing of anarchism today.
From the Paper "The individual within the Anarchism ideal is thus rational, but must also be to an extent compassionate, as Buchanan proposes in "The Limits of Liberty" individuals should be "dictated by mutual tolerance and respect". So with this understanding of the individual within anarchic society as a basis, a perception of Anarchism can be developed. Anarchy is most often defined as the ?Lack of a centralized authority.? Government is typically perceived as evil as well as wholly unnecessary. This can often have negative connotations, suggesting a lack of social direction and stability. Yet as Herbert Read proposes in his script, "Anarchy and Order", anarchy ?is ambiguous ? for . . . "without ruler", the literal meaning of the root of the word, is not necessarily "without order", the meaning often loosely ascribed to it.?"
This paper analyzes Henri Cartier-Bresson's photo, "Barrio Chino, Barcelona, Spain, 1933" in its socio-historical context, revealing how the imagery of the photo relates to its context of Depression-era Spain.
Abstract This paper explains that, after returning from Africa in the early Thirties, Cartier-Bresson was influenced by the vivacity of primitivism and tried to find its counterpart in some of the poor neighborhoods of Europe. The author points out that the artist's choice of camera, the small-format Leica, allowed Cartier-Bresson the freedom to shoot quickly and with minimal camera resetting time (i.e. advancing film, changing film). The paper relates that the rising presence of magazines and photojournalism in the 1930s generously supported Cartier-Bresson financially and allowed him the economic freedom required for him to travel the world taking pictures.
From the Paper "The tired, desperate look on the man's face coupled with the look of shock on the face of the drawing, paint a profound picture of desperation. What seems like merely a "snapshot" photograph can be deeply analyzed to reveal an insightful comment on the poverty and hopelessness so prevalent during the depression. In an era when most cameras were large, and bulky, it doesn?t seem possible for a photo such as this one to be taken off the cuff and un-posed. But the fact is that Cartier-Bresson's photos were not posed and the next paragraph will discuss how new camera technology allowed him the freedom to take pictures like this one taken in Spain in 1933."
Abstract This is a brief analysis of Picasso work in the first half of the 20th Century. It looks at the progress of his work and what influenced them. From his time in Paris to his stint in Barcelona, this paper offers insight to the first half of Picasso's incredible career.
From the Paper "Pablo Picasso's literary friends, Guillaume Apollinaire and Alfred Jarry, influenced his work. These new acquaintances, whom he met in Paris after his return in 1904, influenced three, if not more, paints: Women in a Chemise (1905), Self-portrait (1906), and Ubu (1937). The Women in a Chemise and Ubu were attributed to the artistically written piece of both men, but Self-portrait might have been a response to a review, of Picasso, by Apollinaire. Picasso's association with these two gentlemen can be seen in some of his work."
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.
Examines German architect Mies van der Rohe's 1929 edifice. Looking at his views on the spatial concept, lighting, commission, site, construction and materials.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 13 sources, 1997, $ 79.95
From the Paper "INTRODUCTION
Studies of Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion concentrate on the architect's innovative spatial concept. The fluid, continuous space and the carefully considered reduction of the interior-exterior distinction made the Pavilion a landmark in architectural history. Less attention has been paid to the vital role that natural illumination plays in Mies' concept. Working with very little electrical light and with reflections from water and the varied materials of the walls and windows, Mies created a refuge from the blistering Spanish sun that is, paradoxically, lit primarily by sunlight.
COMMISSION, SITE, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS
The German Pavilion at the Barcelona International Exposition of 1929 was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The.."
Abstract Proponents of Toronto's Olympic bid argue that it will be an economic windfall for the city directly and indirectly. Its opponents argue that it will be economically costly and that it represents misguided public policy and expenditure. The experience of another Olympic venue (Barcelona, 1992) is outlined and then the debate about potential costs and benefits for Toronto is examined.
Tags: CANADIAN STUDIES AND ISSUES / SPORTS, toronto olympic bid
Abstract An analysis of Calatrava's works as an entirety, based on his major ideas, the nature of his works, his clients, culture, origin and development, thematic progression, the values represented, and legacy of the architect to modern architecture. Calatrava is one of Spain's most celebrated architects. The paper includes some pictures of his designs.
From the Paper "Calatrava's implemented his innovative and original ideas through his many works. The major concepts of Calatrava's design are found in his bridges and buildings. His importance in the community of European architects can hardly be overstated, yet he rarely designs a fully enclosed building; his works are generally open structures. Calatrava's dual capacity as an engineer and an architect allows him to capture the creative and structural aspects of both disciplines. His engineering skills enable him to apply his ideas to his architecture with greater ease. The sculptural surfaces and unusual spaces that are born of this marriage of disciplines give Calatrava an unmistakable and easily identifiable style. He dismisses the apathy involved in accepted architectural form."
Tags: europe, building, art, bridge, madrid, barcelona
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 This paper looks at the changes that took place in Picasso's artistry and his approach to painting that inspired him to paint "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon", one of Picasso's most famous pieces. It analyzes the painting and explains why, at the time it was painted, it was considered so outrageous and daring. The paper looks at the major artistic influences in Picasso's life as well.
From the Paper "According to Roland Penrose, ?the one single person that predominated the development of the arts during the 20th century was Pablo Picasso,? 1 and it is largely due to him that the conception of art as a powerful emotional medium, rather than a search for the perfection of ideal forms of beauty, has become accepted among the artists of the present day. The return to a fundamental belief that art should spring from a primitive need to express our feelings toward the world around us in strong emotional terms makes us more prone to value a work of art for its vitality than for its perfection. In return, it is the exceptional power of Picasso's work that compels the viewer to discover in his art the mysterious presence of beauty."
Abstract The accession of Charlemagne signalled the commencement of a "new epoch" in Western European military activity. Offensive campaigns were undertaken, larger and more ambitious than anything seen under Pepin and Charles Martel that re-established the Carolingian hold on the military and political organization of Western Europe. This paper assesses the preparation of military campaigns in regard to the recruiting, mobilisation, equipping and feeding of vast numbers of men and examines how [and with what success] the issues of geography and availability were dealt with. It uses the capitularies as evidence, looks at the role of 'missi' and addresses the argument of feudalism in the medieval state.
From the Paper "Military organization in the 8th and 9th centuries incorporated a number of different logistical and strategic problems each with the potential to disrupt even the most carefully laid plans. Preparation of military campaigns concerned the recruiting, mobilisation, equipping and feeding of a vast number of men which in turn was dictated by geography, availability and of course, the nature of the opposed forces. To this effect it is important to understand what exactly is meant by military organisation. For the sake of this argument, military organisation in Carolingian Europe was the planning, activating and carrying-out of predominantly offensive strategies with the objective of gaining or consolidating Frankish territory."
