Alternatives+Reflections: More Conversations

After review my peers interpretations of the alternatives and reflections unit I have been able to gain a more universal understanding of what these two units meant as they were happening as well as the implications they have upon us today. After reviewing Kayla, Corry, and Leslie's alternatives essay a common thought that was this unit was all about breaking rules. The first evidence of this deliberate rule breaking in architecture was seen in the gothic cathedrals. As a completely new design language these structures have forever changed the way we see worship and spirituality. The second main theme of this unit was the rise of the renaissance. Althought this movement stood for the re birth of classical ideals, these ideals were applied in ways never seen before, for example the use of a temple structure like the pantheon as a residential structure seen at the villa capra.    

  

   

Frozen pizza can humorously summarize the alternatives unit for it is an alternative of the true italian dish its self.  Although the creators of Digiorno are drawing inspiration from the classical pizza they are rexpressing the idea of what it means to be a pizza through a modern, consumer friendly lens. (Photo credit: Kayla Mcdonogh)

Next was the reflections unit. Having reviewed Daniel, Blakeny, and Abigail's blog several main themes of this unit link all three's opinions on this unit. The first being the notion of reflection. I feel as though this idea of reflection is referring to the concept that our lifestyle, principles and culture are "reflected" into the structures that we design.  The second underlying theme of this unit is revolution. This period in design was a time of great social and political revolution which played major roles in our design process. None of these revolutions is more obvious than the industrial revolution, which brought new building materials and methods to the practice of architecture.