Point: Alternatives

In the Alternatives unit three dominant styles of architecture spearheaded the conversations held in class and in our readings.  These styles include Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque. Although each of these styles had there foundations in the classical world they embodied a spirit of innovation and a desire for change forever influencing the way Architects and designers think and create for years to come.

            The first style visited in this unit was Gothic architecture. Although most of the ideologies of these structures were carried out through the form of cathedrals, evidence of gothic architecture can be seen in residential spaces as well.  The gothic style embodied a religious experience through several design strategies.  None of which were as dramatic and impressive as the emphasis place on verticality.  Also repetition of identical forms such as ribbed vaults and pointed arches created a sense of rhythm and harmony. With these two design strategies combined gothic architecture induces a floating, trance like state emphasized by upward lifting sequences extended to infinity.

            Moving forward through the alternatives unit we reach the Renaissance. Not only was the Renaissance a style of architecture but a cultural revolution embodying almost every aspect of civic life.  Sparked in Florence by Artist and Architects such as Brunelleschi and Ghiberti the Renaissance was a rebirth of a classical language in architecture blended with a modern way of thought.  Throughout the renaissance architecture was regarded as a mathematical science of abstracted geometry applying heavily the Pythagorean concept that “all is number” (Roth 353) Unlike the gothic style that valued verticality and seemed to extend forever, Renaissance architects were very invested in idea of boundaries.  Through geometric patterns and forms lines were created that Cleary defined a space or a landscape.  We also see an emphasis on a single faced.  With repetition of like elements the faced is harmony, unity, and proportions embodied in a permanent structure. 

Following the Renaissance is the Baroque Period. In this period although a strong reverence for classic architecture can still been seen architects and designers push these concepts and bend the rules further than ever seen before.  In the baroque style unity is achieved through subordination of individual elements in order to invigorate the whole.  Theatricality and fluidity applied to a classical order embodies the baroque period. Lavish ornamentation and implication of curvilinear lines dramatize the structure and emphasized this notion of a theatrical“performance” and fluidity.    

  

      Bernini's david:

       The biblical figure David as interpreted by artist Bernini embodies the ideology of Baroque thought.  Breaking the mold of the typical contraposto pose seen in similar statues Bernini creates a dramatic, theatrical and fluid statue through Davids body position, facial expressions and implication of movement seen in his garments and sling. 

  

Reading Comprehension 4

1.     Although uniquely their own, when comparing the neo-Palladian period all the way through the American federal style of architecture many commonalties can be noted.  These similarities can then be applied to all scales, artifact, space, building and place that encompass each style. When narrowing the comparison down the artifact one of the most striking similarities that can be noted is the level of symmetry found in each detail of each artifact.  Also repetition is heavily applied to both ornamentation as well has shaped wooden elements. When zooming out and comparing spaces found within these style periods’ differences and variety become far vaster, however we still do see nuances that tie each of these spaces together. Possibly the easiest similarity to notice is the use of patterning. Although mostly seen on the walls these parents often make their way into other aspects of the space in the forms or drapery, carpeting and other textiles.  When increasing the scale to the entire building the similarities become a bit more clear.  The most dramatic similarity in each of these structures is the emphasis placed upon the façade. This is most often achieved by implementing a portico upon the faced. However at the Nathaniel Russell house we see a more simple faced framed only by an entablature and arched windows.  Also Symmetry is strictly used and can be found in each of these structures.

 

2.     As Europeans traveled across the Atlantic to the Americas along with them came their culture as well as their ideology of architecture. Because of the many different cultures traveling to the new world a wide variety of architecture can be noted. Most of these styles found in America are interpretations and recreations from structures previously found in Europe. These similarities can be applied to all three scales of artifact, space, and building. In artifacts found in the neo classical period of America we see a shared theme of rhythm through contrasting proportions in elements of a specific artifact.  Looking at a the variety of spaces found in the readings a common element that tied these together were the sense of materiality found in each of these spaces. Timber is heavily used because of its wide availability. However unlike the timber elements found in Europe timber in America is often sparsely embellished.  When looking at these structures as a whole it is easy to see their influence from Palladian classical architecture. The harmony created by the symmetry and repetition of elements closely echo’s the language of that of its European ancestors. The strongest difference that can be see between European neo-classicism and early American neo-classicism is the level grandeur. England , France, and Spain, being well established nations boasted far more elaborate architecture than that of the young colonies of America, which speaks a more humble design language.

             

3. As all art was influenced by the renaissance movement music was no different.  This new style of music that arose during the renaissance can be describe as polyphony style Meaning several different although relating melodies are played simultaneously. Also an element of repetition based upon every third and sixth note was heavily explored.  When applying this notion to the design of a Palladian style villa I first started with a central dome. From there I added two perpendicular axes that are six times as long as the diameter of the dome. Next three rectangular elements 2/3 the length of the original axes were added.  Finally a hall way running along the north/south axis a third of the width of the dome further divided the space while serving as a function way of moving throughout the villa. 

4. All great diversions are dangerous for a Christian life, but among all those the world has invented none is to be so feared as that given by theater” A quote by French philosopher Pascal embodies the cultural influence theater had in the 17^th century. Because of this overwhelming sense of Influence Theater played in 17^th century life its affects are seen through out all other forms of art created at that time, including the unavoidable art, architecture.  Baroque architecture applies the rules of geometry; order and proportion followed in both the classical world as well as the early renaissance and then elaborate upon those fundamental rules.  These elaborations were achieved through a level of highly detailed ornamentation, which put emphasis on manipulating materials to achieve a level or representation.  This added a level of visual complexity that romanticized the past expressions of classicism. When comparing this style of architecture to the art of theater the similarities are unavoidable.  Just as theater takes stories and gives them life through drama and elaboration, Baroque architecture gives classism a new meaning.  

Point: Foundations

Because man exists, therefore architecture must exist.  Architecture is not only humanities way of providing shelter; it is a method of conveying a story.  We start this investigation of foundations in architecture in Egypt and sequentially move through time to Greece. We next move to the Roman Empire who capitalized on the notion of classicisms. Although each of these cultures has a unique design style we are able to see several instances of commonality among all three. These commonalties can be phrased in three terms, Lines, circles, and stacking.

            In Egypt we see one of the most common forms found in architecture, stacking.  Bricks of a grand scale made from line stone are stacked uniformly to create the grand pyramids. These large-scale pyramids reflected the power of the pharaoh as he was hailed as god on earth.  Also with these structures severing as a burial ground they pronounce the longevity of both the afterlife and Egyptian culture.  In other Egyptian temples lines were incorporated in and axial progression of space in order to strictly direct the way in which one would use the space.

            Moving east to Greece we see these same elements of lines and stacking echoed.  In addition to lines and stacking Greek architecture placed great emphasis upon order and proportion.  Upon the acropolis the Parthenon embodies the ideas of lines, stacking, order and proportion. Each element of the building has a direct and purposeful relationship the whole structure. Another design strategy that arises from Greek architecture is the idea of porch, court, and hearth.  This broke a structure down into three “layers” the outer most layer, a middle layer, and then finally a center layer. When applying this to the Parthenon we can clearly see this design strategy implemented. The outermost elements the stereobate, and styleobate serve as the porch, the space past that semi-enclosed by columns can be considered the porch and finally the hearth is the grand statue of Athena located in the rear of the structure.

             Following Greek culture was the Roman Empire. As in Egypt and Greece lines and stacking were intensively used. However due to Rome’s great advancements made in engineering the circle began to be utilized, most frequently in the form of domes and arches. Roman architecture was not only functional space but also a shout of power to the rest of the world from the emperors throne. Roman architecture followed in Greece’s footsteps when it came to order and proportion, however it was taken much further. Roman order and proportion as practiced on a much grander scale. Also in contrast to Greek architecture sitting comfortable in the countryside landscape Roman architects mounted their structures in urban settings.  Also in Rome we see a much broader variation of structures such as aqueducts, villas and domed temples.

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