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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