I enjoyed the photos that Maggie included in her post. Since they were from her mom and aunt, it provided a real life look into the views of Machu Picchu. They really showed the beauty of the site and the impressive layout.
I also enjoyed Mackenzie's post. She gave a great description for each civilization and used a lot of great images for them. It really showed the impact each civilization had and their unique cultures.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
The Americas
The various civilizations in the Americas thrived between 2000 BC - 1521 AD. Although all of them created cities that included temples and pyramids built to the many gods they worshipped, there were differences between the cultures of these people groups.
Olmecs (2000 - 3000 BC)
The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mexico. They are responsible for developing the 1st calendar in the Western Hemisphere. The city of La Venta was the first temple-focused city and included a ceremonial center that was comprised of a great pyramid of earth, a ball court, smaller pyramids, burial grounds, and large stone heads. They created artwork by carving jade, rock crystal, and other stones into ax heads, masks and various decorative objects. They also created paintings and pottery. Their lives revolved largely around their religious beliefs and included practices like bloodletting and human sacrifice to achieve closeness with the gods.
Teotihuacan (250 BC - 900 AD)
The ceremonial center of the Teotihuacan city, or "place of the gods", was especially long, extending 2 miles. It included the Temple of the Feathered Sperpent, the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Pyramid of the Moon. This city was laid out in a grid and had separate housing for the ruling elite and the artisans and peasants. This city had no surrounding walls, showing that this people group was powerful and unafraid of outside attacks. They also created decorative and functional pottery, carved with images of birds, butterflies, and abstract signs.
Mayas (300 BC - 1521 AD)
The Mayas were a particularly lon-lasting group that were eventually destroyed by the conquistadors of Spain in 1519. They were located across the highlands and lowlands of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. One of their ceremonial sites, Chichen Itza, included a four-sided pyramid called Castillo, which was an astonishing 75 feet high. This site also revealed the chacmool, a ritualistic sculpture, and a jaguar throne.
Aztecs (1150 - 1520 AD)
The Aztecs were another group destroyed the the Spanish in their conquests. Their center capitol included the Templo Mayor, Monezuma's throne, the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, and used floating gardens. The Aztecs were a remarkably large group, with a population that grew to over 3 million. Their society valued the creation of art and architecture and used them to express thoughts on life and beliefs. Their floating gardens, chinampas, were raised gardening beds in a swamp or shallow lake. This abundant system allowed them to have up to seven harvests each year, making it potentially the most productive agricultural system ever developed.
Incas (1200-1572 AD)
The Incas created the largeest empire in the Americas and were known for their architecture and mastery of stone cutting. Machu Picchu was an impressive construction that used no mortar and served as the royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti. The structures there feature trapezoidal openings. it was never discovered by the Spanish and actually remained hidden until its discovery in 1911.
Olmecs (2000 - 3000 BC)
The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mexico. They are responsible for developing the 1st calendar in the Western Hemisphere. The city of La Venta was the first temple-focused city and included a ceremonial center that was comprised of a great pyramid of earth, a ball court, smaller pyramids, burial grounds, and large stone heads. They created artwork by carving jade, rock crystal, and other stones into ax heads, masks and various decorative objects. They also created paintings and pottery. Their lives revolved largely around their religious beliefs and included practices like bloodletting and human sacrifice to achieve closeness with the gods.
Teotihuacan (250 BC - 900 AD)
The ceremonial center of the Teotihuacan city, or "place of the gods", was especially long, extending 2 miles. It included the Temple of the Feathered Sperpent, the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Pyramid of the Moon. This city was laid out in a grid and had separate housing for the ruling elite and the artisans and peasants. This city had no surrounding walls, showing that this people group was powerful and unafraid of outside attacks. They also created decorative and functional pottery, carved with images of birds, butterflies, and abstract signs.
Mayas (300 BC - 1521 AD)
The Mayas were a particularly lon-lasting group that were eventually destroyed by the conquistadors of Spain in 1519. They were located across the highlands and lowlands of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico. One of their ceremonial sites, Chichen Itza, included a four-sided pyramid called Castillo, which was an astonishing 75 feet high. This site also revealed the chacmool, a ritualistic sculpture, and a jaguar throne.
Aztecs (1150 - 1520 AD)
The Aztecs were another group destroyed the the Spanish in their conquests. Their center capitol included the Templo Mayor, Monezuma's throne, the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, and used floating gardens. The Aztecs were a remarkably large group, with a population that grew to over 3 million. Their society valued the creation of art and architecture and used them to express thoughts on life and beliefs. Their floating gardens, chinampas, were raised gardening beds in a swamp or shallow lake. This abundant system allowed them to have up to seven harvests each year, making it potentially the most productive agricultural system ever developed.
Incas (1200-1572 AD)
The Incas created the largeest empire in the Americas and were known for their architecture and mastery of stone cutting. Machu Picchu was an impressive construction that used no mortar and served as the royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti. The structures there feature trapezoidal openings. it was never discovered by the Spanish and actually remained hidden until its discovery in 1911.
Current Examples
A modern trapezoidal door
A current use of the floating garden method of agriculture
A unique twist on the step pyramid style
Friday, February 20, 2015
Gothic Design Peer Review
I really enjoyed reading Alex R.'s post about the Gothic style. She gave a great overview of what characteristics it has, and also provided some wonderful example photos. She also gave some really interesting insight into how the furniture looked like architecture as well.
Alecia also introduced some really interesting information on the Gothic syle, like the fact that the gargoyles were meant to ward off evil spirits. She also mentioned that the power of the church was very strong at this point, which really explains why they were the center of cities.
Alecia also introduced some really interesting information on the Gothic syle, like the fact that the gargoyles were meant to ward off evil spirits. She also mentioned that the power of the church was very strong at this point, which really explains why they were the center of cities.
Gothic Design
The Gothic period succeeded the Romanesque period and proceeded the Renaissance period, from the 12th-16th centuries. This style largely came abut due to the rebuilding of existing churches and the need for new churches following the conquering of Rome by the Goths. It was widely used in the construction of churches, abbeys, cathedrals, castles, and some universities.
The most recognizable characteristics of the Gothic style include the pointed arches, incredible height of the spires, flying buttresses used to support these heights, and the ribbed vaulted ceilings. Within these spaces, Gothic design displayed a great deal of natural light by incorporated a large amount of windows throughout the space, giving it a heavenly appearance and helping to enhance the experience of the worshiper. This had previously been impossible, but the use of flying buttresses helped to spread the downward force of the building outward so that windows could be used without risk of collapse. These windows often were stained glass, adding another level of etheral light to the space.
Gothic style also incorporated a great deal of decorative carvings and ornamentation, particularly in the creation of biblical figures and in the use of gargoyles. The practical purpose of these gargoyles was actually to serve as spouts, allowing water to drain off of the roof and out of their mouths. The Gothic style spread accross Europe and can be found in Italy, France, England, Spain, Germany, and Central Europe, with slight differences between the regions.
The most recognizable characteristics of the Gothic style include the pointed arches, incredible height of the spires, flying buttresses used to support these heights, and the ribbed vaulted ceilings. Within these spaces, Gothic design displayed a great deal of natural light by incorporated a large amount of windows throughout the space, giving it a heavenly appearance and helping to enhance the experience of the worshiper. This had previously been impossible, but the use of flying buttresses helped to spread the downward force of the building outward so that windows could be used without risk of collapse. These windows often were stained glass, adding another level of etheral light to the space.
Gothic style also incorporated a great deal of decorative carvings and ornamentation, particularly in the creation of biblical figures and in the use of gargoyles. The practical purpose of these gargoyles was actually to serve as spouts, allowing water to drain off of the roof and out of their mouths. The Gothic style spread accross Europe and can be found in Italy, France, England, Spain, Germany, and Central Europe, with slight differences between the regions.
Current Examples
A modern living room using pointed arches, large windows, and stained glass
A bedroom with Gothic style spires for the bed posts and pointed arches
A hallway using ribbed vaulted ceilings
Check out this video with some really good intro to Gothic architecture and the basic characteristics:
Friday, February 13, 2015
Romanesque and Islamic Design Peer Reviews
Romanesque Design:
I really liked Shannon's post on Romanesque Design. She included more information on the Leaning Tower of Pisa that was really interesting to read, as well as some fun pictures from tourists who have visitied it.
Kari's post provided a lot of great information on the history of the Romanesque period. Her section on Charlemagne and his impact on this period was especially thorough.
Islamic Design:
I really enjoyed Alexandra's explanation of Islamic Design. She went into great detail about what makes Islamic Design unique and gave really interesting information on the furniture and residential architecture from this period.
I also liked Stephanie's post. She included a lot of great photos of Islamic Design that were really beautiful and captured the essence of this style. Her current applicaiton photos were equally good and displayed the Islamic Design characteristics well.
I really liked Shannon's post on Romanesque Design. She included more information on the Leaning Tower of Pisa that was really interesting to read, as well as some fun pictures from tourists who have visitied it.
Kari's post provided a lot of great information on the history of the Romanesque period. Her section on Charlemagne and his impact on this period was especially thorough.
Islamic Design:
I really enjoyed Alexandra's explanation of Islamic Design. She went into great detail about what makes Islamic Design unique and gave really interesting information on the furniture and residential architecture from this period.
I also liked Stephanie's post. She included a lot of great photos of Islamic Design that were really beautiful and captured the essence of this style. Her current applicaiton photos were equally good and displayed the Islamic Design characteristics well.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Islamic Design
Islamic design rose from the Islamic religion that was founded by Mohammed. It was prominent across Africa, Europe, and Asia and varied based on the region. Mosques, the central facility for prayer and worship. They included a perimeter wall, covered hall of columns, and a courtyard. Islamic columns used classic capitols and signature Islamic arches. These included horseshoe arches and ogival arches. They also designed muqarnas-filled niches and muqarnas domes.
Islamic design used a great deal of geometric, nonrepresentational patterns. This was especially true in the use of tiles, which used patterns that originated in textiles like carpets. The Mosque of Sultan Ahmed used over 20,000 tiles with over 50 different tulip designs and had 200 stained glass windows.
Another iconic Islamic building is the Taj Mahal in India. It was constructed under the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his wife. Hundreds of years later, it still stands with impeccable stability considering the shear magnitude and complexity of the design. In Spain, Islamic design fused with European influences. This resulted in buildings like Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex built by Ibn Ahmar in Granada. It incorporated Arabesque design like acanthus leaves and vines. Its most notable features, however are the muqarnas, which are filled arches and domes places throughout the palace. These design features clearly represent the Islamic style that continues to influence design today.
Islamic design used a great deal of geometric, nonrepresentational patterns. This was especially true in the use of tiles, which used patterns that originated in textiles like carpets. The Mosque of Sultan Ahmed used over 20,000 tiles with over 50 different tulip designs and had 200 stained glass windows.
Another iconic Islamic building is the Taj Mahal in India. It was constructed under the rule of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the death of his wife. Hundreds of years later, it still stands with impeccable stability considering the shear magnitude and complexity of the design. In Spain, Islamic design fused with European influences. This resulted in buildings like Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex built by Ibn Ahmar in Granada. It incorporated Arabesque design like acanthus leaves and vines. Its most notable features, however are the muqarnas, which are filled arches and domes places throughout the palace. These design features clearly represent the Islamic style that continues to influence design today.
Current Examples
A restaurant using ogival arches, lanterns, and Arabic lettering
A room incorporating Islamic patterns and arches
Modern bathroom featuring Islamic wall and floor tiles
Romanesque Design
The Romanesque style arose around 800 AD in France and Italy an was meant to pay homage to the Roman style. The shift to this style occurred after the crowning of Charlemagne, who encouraged learning, the arts, and the use technology to build Roman structures. He also worked to preserve and copy Roman literature and established many schools and monasteries. There was such a large increase in church building, that between 1000-1100, at least 1,587 were constructed.
Typically, Romanesque churches included semicircular arches and vaults and borrowed elements from Early Christian basilicas. The nave, transept, and apse were modified to provide optimal space, and designs included a side chapel in the transept. These churches focused on accommodating more people, and therefor added an area for a choir, included multiple aisles, and added ambulatory areas for processions.
Romanesque roofs were made of masonry rather than wood. Interiors featured rich greens, blues, purples, and gold walls and also displayed rich tapestries and gilded sculptures. Romanesque design also used a great deal of gold, silver, and ivory set with pearls, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Furniture during this time was fairly primitive and used legs to belongings off of the damp floors. Common homes were constructed of wood, mud, and twigs and had dirt floors. Nobility, on the other hand, lived in stone castles. The homes of this time were drafty, dark, and wet, and needed a center fire to help provide warmth. Although few of the wood homes survived, the stone castles and churches were much sturdier and do provide a look into the lifestyles of this period.
Typically, Romanesque churches included semicircular arches and vaults and borrowed elements from Early Christian basilicas. The nave, transept, and apse were modified to provide optimal space, and designs included a side chapel in the transept. These churches focused on accommodating more people, and therefor added an area for a choir, included multiple aisles, and added ambulatory areas for processions.
Romanesque roofs were made of masonry rather than wood. Interiors featured rich greens, blues, purples, and gold walls and also displayed rich tapestries and gilded sculptures. Romanesque design also used a great deal of gold, silver, and ivory set with pearls, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Furniture during this time was fairly primitive and used legs to belongings off of the damp floors. Common homes were constructed of wood, mud, and twigs and had dirt floors. Nobility, on the other hand, lived in stone castles. The homes of this time were drafty, dark, and wet, and needed a center fire to help provide warmth. Although few of the wood homes survived, the stone castles and churches were much sturdier and do provide a look into the lifestyles of this period.
Current Examples
This is a renovated Romanesque church that has been modernized and turned into a home.
A trunk that features ironwork and legs similar to Romanesque trunks
A home with a Romanesque style arch
Friday, February 6, 2015
Early Christian and Byzantine Design Peer Reviews
Early Christian Design:
I really enjoyed Sammy's overview of the Early Christian history. She did a great job explaining the importance of the events that shaped the Christian religion and how it impacted their design.
Emma also did a great job on her blog for the Early Christian period. I really enjoyed the photos she used, both for historical examples and current applications. I thought they did a great job of representing the essence of Early Christian design.
Byzantine Design:
Haley's entry on the Byzantine period was very thorough and provided a great view into the Byzantine Empire, beyond just what we learned in class. This really helps to provide insight into the design choices of that time and give some of the background behind its impact.
Miryam chose great pictures for her current application of the Byzantine style. The mosaic tiles in particular were really great choices and reflect the ornate and intricate designs that Byzantine structures used.
I really enjoyed Sammy's overview of the Early Christian history. She did a great job explaining the importance of the events that shaped the Christian religion and how it impacted their design.
Emma also did a great job on her blog for the Early Christian period. I really enjoyed the photos she used, both for historical examples and current applications. I thought they did a great job of representing the essence of Early Christian design.
Byzantine Design:
Haley's entry on the Byzantine period was very thorough and provided a great view into the Byzantine Empire, beyond just what we learned in class. This really helps to provide insight into the design choices of that time and give some of the background behind its impact.
Miryam chose great pictures for her current application of the Byzantine style. The mosaic tiles in particular were really great choices and reflect the ornate and intricate designs that Byzantine structures used.
Byzantine Design
The Byzantine period occurred from 330-1453, beginning simultaneously with the Early Christian era, but also but outliving it by several hundred years, making it the longest political entity in European history. It is associated with Eastern culture and was heavily influenced by the Greek and Orient cultures. Perhaps the most influential leader during this time was Emperor Justinian, who reigned from 527-565. During his reign, he oversaw the construction of several important religious and imperial buildings, helping to shape the signature style of the Byzantine period.
One of these changes in style included the shift of basilicas to a more centralized plan. This also included the development of pendentives, circular domes that were placed over square rooms, as in the Hagia Sophia. Architects during this time were trained in engineering, physics and mathematics, which were essential skills in achieving this revolutionary design in churches. The construction of this was so complex that the Hagia Sophia actually collapsed 2-3 times during its construction.
Designs of this time still included columns, although they did try to steer away from the traditional roman order and create their own signature capital style. They also used geometric marble tiles for the flooring and marble, frescoes, mosaics, and alabaster for the walls. Another important feature of the Byzantine churches was lighting. They tried to incorporate windows in order to let light into the churches as it was seen as a very spiritual aspect of the design.
One of these changes in style included the shift of basilicas to a more centralized plan. This also included the development of pendentives, circular domes that were placed over square rooms, as in the Hagia Sophia. Architects during this time were trained in engineering, physics and mathematics, which were essential skills in achieving this revolutionary design in churches. The construction of this was so complex that the Hagia Sophia actually collapsed 2-3 times during its construction.
Designs of this time still included columns, although they did try to steer away from the traditional roman order and create their own signature capital style. They also used geometric marble tiles for the flooring and marble, frescoes, mosaics, and alabaster for the walls. Another important feature of the Byzantine churches was lighting. They tried to incorporate windows in order to let light into the churches as it was seen as a very spiritual aspect of the design.
Current Examples
A bathroom with Byzantine style carvings, wall mosaic, and floor tile
A modern furniture set inspired by Byzantine era thrones, benches, and tables
A pendentive style house, with a square base and dome shaped roof
This video gives a great history of Hagia Sophia, including how it was designed and constructed.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Early Christian Design
At the beginning of the Middle Ages, Early Christian design rose to prominence after the fall of Rome. Following Christ's death, the Roman Empire viewed Christianity as a threat since Christians would not recognized the claimed divinity of the emperor. This led to the persecution of Christians as an attempt to quell the spread of Christianity. To escape the threat of persecution, Christianity largely existed underground, figuratively and literally. They built catacombs, underground passages expanding as far as 90 miles and descending as deep as 5 levels. These tunnels and chambers served as a place for Christians to practice their faith and also bury their dead.
This need to remain in hiding ended in 313 when Constantine legalized Christianity and granted it the same rights as all other state religions. As the number of Christians grew, the need for new places of worship also grew. Early Christian churches were modeled after Roman basilicas and were centrally planned. They were comprised of a central nave with flanking aisles, clerestory windows, and included an exonarthex bordered by towers. They also featured baptisteries that were built separately from the church.
There are few examples of Early Christian furniture in existence, but the artifacts that do exist continue with the Roman style. They were heavily decorated with elaborate carvings and jewels. At this time, storage was the most important aspect of furniture. The designs featured in paintings, mural, and frescos included images of Christianity. Some were images of Jesus, Mary, and the apostles, while other images were symbolic, such as the dove, fish, grapevine, lamb, and cross. These design characteristics have remained prevalent throughout history and are often still featured in Christian churches today.
This need to remain in hiding ended in 313 when Constantine legalized Christianity and granted it the same rights as all other state religions. As the number of Christians grew, the need for new places of worship also grew. Early Christian churches were modeled after Roman basilicas and were centrally planned. They were comprised of a central nave with flanking aisles, clerestory windows, and included an exonarthex bordered by towers. They also featured baptisteries that were built separately from the church.
There are few examples of Early Christian furniture in existence, but the artifacts that do exist continue with the Roman style. They were heavily decorated with elaborate carvings and jewels. At this time, storage was the most important aspect of furniture. The designs featured in paintings, mural, and frescos included images of Christianity. Some were images of Jesus, Mary, and the apostles, while other images were symbolic, such as the dove, fish, grapevine, lamb, and cross. These design characteristics have remained prevalent throughout history and are often still featured in Christian churches today.
Current Examples
A modern church that uses the central nave and flanking aisles of Early Christian churches
A current dresser that exhibits heavily decorative carvings, similar to Early Christian furniture
A living room featuring a Christian cross, a symbol for Christianity that was used by Early Christians as well
This video provides a brief history of Early Christian design and also shows some great images of design examples:
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