The foundations unit of History and Theory of Design is about the basis of architecture, or what came first. The basics of architecture are as crucial as the basics of mathematics; in order to be able to solve equations, you must first know basic numbers as well as addition and subtraction. In order to validly analyze the architecture of a building, one must be familiar with the foundations. This way, that person will be able to make comparisons to precedents, as well as the composition of different elements from different points in time.
During the first unit, we discussed four major regions: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. All four of these time periods connect with one another in terms of borrowing from the previous. Beginning with Mesopotamia, we see the use of natural landscape in artificial “stepped” mountains, and the unity of circles and squares. The form of these ziggurats makes way for the massive structures to be used in Egypt. Verticality is an important aspect in Mesopotamian architecture, as they focus on creating a structure that can reach the heavens. Not only do these structures explain religious belief, but they also show hierarchy, as the highest point of the ziggurat houses the priest.
The pyramids in Egypt play off of the idea of an artificial mountain, and they become larger as time passes, emphasizing the hierarchy of the people they’re built for. These pyramids serve as a passageway from life on earth to life in heaven, pointing to the sky. Along with the pyramids, the tripartite (porch, court, hearth) temple form evolves along with the columns found in the hypostyle halls. These temples are large complexes, accommodating the gathering of people, but still maintaining a hierarchy. The porch and court are for the people, while the hearth is for the most important person (the priest). This temple form becomes a prototype for those of Greece. Incorporating natural landscape, these forms are sometimes built into the earth.
The development of the megaron in Greece is a result of the Egyptian temple form. Megarons and citadels both contain a porch, court and hearth. This tripartite idea is clearest in the organization of the Acropolis in Athens. In these temples, Greece borrows the use of post-and-lintel construction, modifying these columns to create the Greek Orders, which are incorporated as a structural element in most buildings. Seen in the organization of the Agora, civic life becomes incredibly important in Greece, serving political, religious and social purposes.
With the rise of Rome, Greek architecture is handed over to the Romans. Rome becomes this melting pot of both Greek and Egyptian architecture, and, more astoundingly, takes this blend of architecture and uses it to create new building systems such as the arch and vault. Rome also develops new systems of architecture, such as the bath and basilica. Nature loses its importance in Roman architecture, as verticality and invention becomes most important. This development expands possibilities of architecture, resulting in buildings such as the Pantheon and Colosseum. Civic life is now as important as ever, leading to the creation of baths and basilicas, which accommodate human social and physical needs (churches, libraries, gymnasiums, etc). The forms of the basilica lead to the building of the church, along with the rise of Christianity.
The foundations unit focused on a couple of main ideas: (1) the idea of passage in terms of style being taken from a prototype or archetype and becoming a hybrid with development, (2) the consideration of religion and civic life in all four regions and (3) the incorporation of social organization within structure. All of these time periods have created the basis for the next unit: alternatives. Knowing the foundations of architecture, it will be easier to comprehend the thoughts behind upcoming structures, both in reflection of the past and development toward the future.
During the first unit, we discussed four major regions: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome. All four of these time periods connect with one another in terms of borrowing from the previous. Beginning with Mesopotamia, we see the use of natural landscape in artificial “stepped” mountains, and the unity of circles and squares. The form of these ziggurats makes way for the massive structures to be used in Egypt. Verticality is an important aspect in Mesopotamian architecture, as they focus on creating a structure that can reach the heavens. Not only do these structures explain religious belief, but they also show hierarchy, as the highest point of the ziggurat houses the priest.
The pyramids in Egypt play off of the idea of an artificial mountain, and they become larger as time passes, emphasizing the hierarchy of the people they’re built for. These pyramids serve as a passageway from life on earth to life in heaven, pointing to the sky. Along with the pyramids, the tripartite (porch, court, hearth) temple form evolves along with the columns found in the hypostyle halls. These temples are large complexes, accommodating the gathering of people, but still maintaining a hierarchy. The porch and court are for the people, while the hearth is for the most important person (the priest). This temple form becomes a prototype for those of Greece. Incorporating natural landscape, these forms are sometimes built into the earth.
The development of the megaron in Greece is a result of the Egyptian temple form. Megarons and citadels both contain a porch, court and hearth. This tripartite idea is clearest in the organization of the Acropolis in Athens. In these temples, Greece borrows the use of post-and-lintel construction, modifying these columns to create the Greek Orders, which are incorporated as a structural element in most buildings. Seen in the organization of the Agora, civic life becomes incredibly important in Greece, serving political, religious and social purposes.
With the rise of Rome, Greek architecture is handed over to the Romans. Rome becomes this melting pot of both Greek and Egyptian architecture, and, more astoundingly, takes this blend of architecture and uses it to create new building systems such as the arch and vault. Rome also develops new systems of architecture, such as the bath and basilica. Nature loses its importance in Roman architecture, as verticality and invention becomes most important. This development expands possibilities of architecture, resulting in buildings such as the Pantheon and Colosseum. Civic life is now as important as ever, leading to the creation of baths and basilicas, which accommodate human social and physical needs (churches, libraries, gymnasiums, etc). The forms of the basilica lead to the building of the church, along with the rise of Christianity.
The foundations unit focused on a couple of main ideas: (1) the idea of passage in terms of style being taken from a prototype or archetype and becoming a hybrid with development, (2) the consideration of religion and civic life in all four regions and (3) the incorporation of social organization within structure. All of these time periods have created the basis for the next unit: alternatives. Knowing the foundations of architecture, it will be easier to comprehend the thoughts behind upcoming structures, both in reflection of the past and development toward the future.
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