Before reading A Beginner’s Guide to the Humanities I was not only unfamiliar with the concept of architecture but I also was not aware that it is considered art. However, after learning about the styles, technique, and design that goes into the construction of a building I now realize how architecture is considered art. Architecture is not merely about holding up a building it also requires careful design so that the building is ultimately pleasing to those inhabiting it. When my house was first built my Father had to keep in mind that he would be living in this house for a very long time afterwards. He made sure that it was appealing from the outside as well as the inside. On top of that he had to make sure it was structurally safe. There is so much that goes into the making of a building that I was previously unaware of. On top of structural design there are multiple types of architectural decoration that are involved in the design of the building. Some of these include Mosaic design, Fresco, and stained glass. These features add appeal to the building creating a more welcoming space. Further into the chapter the book describes the methods of being in a building and how you should look at it. I never thought about taking in my surroundings so much that I would admire even a building for its architecture however over the past few days I have found myself making connections to certain structural lingo and what I see inside (and outside) of the buildings around me. For example as I walked around GHH on my way to class I noticed some of the materials that could have possibly been used to create the building. I also noticed the thought that went into the design of the building. GHH faces the ocean and because of the designers work one can experience an amazing view from their classrooms or even the tables that are set up for studying and relaxing purposes. I found this building very beautiful, it is an excellent example of structural design and with the help of the book I was able to analyze it appropriately. The section labeled “A Real Encounter” reminded me of a place that I have been to in the past built into the side of a mountain, Castle in the Clouds. Castle in the clouds is a mansion that had been built on the top of a mountain in New Hampshire. While on a family vacation we made our way to the top to experience the breath taking views and beautiful mansion that had been built at the top. The building was so beautiful and at the time I did not think about the art and design that went into the construction of the mansion. However, when I look back on our trip I can recall much of what was inside (and outside) of this “castle” was mentioned in this chapter. In the future I would like to (hopefully) go back and analyze this beautiful structure with an architectural scope.
Anna Strang Chapter three is all about architecture, which is something I can relate to. The reason I have such a strong connection to architecture is because my freshman year at Roger Williams University I was living in a suite with all architects. I was there in the studio helping my friends finish their models before their deadline the next day. It was amazing to see how their ideas turned into drawings, then their drawings turned into models. Before I actually went into studio and helped my friends created their models I never considered architecture as a form of art. Yes, of course there are those abstract buildings that everyone considers art. But after see how much thought, creativity, and time goes into these building I now know that every piece of architecture is art.
Having a demanding major myself, I did not have time to watch my friends create every drawing and model. After reading this chapter I have even more knowledge than before. There are so many aspects that go into creating a piece of architecture, that it is fascinating. For example, I had no idea that there are so many different types of arches. This chapter names seven different types of arches. I thought that an arch was an arch, but it much more complex than that. Also I did not realize how much engineering goes into becoming an architect. Being an engineering major I can appreciate how the architects use engineering skills to determine what material to use. Also they must determine if a building will actually be able to withstand the weather of that location and hold the right amount of people for that type of building. Architecture was one topic I knew about, but after reading chapter three I now have a true appreciation for those that become architects and create beautiful buildings and homes.
John Yusza I understand how architecture can be art. I guess I just don’t understand the little things about it that make it so special. The book said how it is defined as having function as in it can have people in it but also that it has this higher purpose as well. The functionality makes sense to me but how it is art at the same time isn’t as clear to me. If the two were separate like early architectural art that is a little more understandable. I can’t relate to it at all partially because I have never really tried and I don’t know really how to begin to actually like it. Don’t get me wrong I can appreciate the work that goes into a building just not the art form of it. I always saw architecture more as an engineering feat than a form of art. The pyramids for example the skill and planning it took to make those is incredible but I did not see that as a symbol of reaching for the heavens. I just saw them as just a plain old tomb for a rich pharaoh. For sculptures and architecture I guess engineering plays a big part because obviously you don’t want the thing to fall apart. I really do see the whole art value in architecture but again the functionality part I don’t think should be included or even necessary. Early architectural art was really based on religion as worshiping centers but it has evolved. The falling water house is a form of art too because of the expertise and skill it took to incorporate a modern house into a forest and water environment and it is still famous to this day. I personally don’t see the big deal in it all as a form of art. The way I look at it is if it looks good or it took a lot of effort to create then it is good if it has neither of those qualities then it isn’t art so much in my mind of architecture. Obviously my view is not the popular view. Architectural art in my mind is really just a step up from sculpture.
Architecture is actually one of the forms of art that I consider myself to be more familiar with. Granted that is not saying much given my knowledge of art in general, however I can at least make a connection or two to architecture.
For a long time, I wanted to study architecture in college. I took it all throughout high school, from the intro level class to the most advanced. I know all about the CAD system as well as the process of hand drawing you initial floor plan. I did well in those classes, in fact some of my highest marks in high school were in my architecture classes. I did not pursue that path due to the time it takes. I loved doing it, but I could never dedicate the time that many of the architecture students do. It would be too much for me. With that being said, I have a decent understanding of what architecture is, and I do view it as art. My dad did some designing for a while and taught me a lot of what I now know about architecture.
Reading this chapter reiterated some of factors that go into the design and construction of a building. Factors such as location, size, etc. are all part of the process. With this being said, I enjoyed this chapter because it reminded me of something I used to love doing.
In the chapter Architecture, it talks about how there’s beauty and meaning in an act of constructing the art of building. It refers to architecture as a stage for human action. When we think of architecture, most of us think of the modern day buildings and designs that we hear about and see but there’s a lot more history and meaning behind these buildings. We also probably think of a “building” as a skyscraper, but as we learn in this chapter, a building does not have to stand up. I found that the most interesting because we rarely think of a “building” to be used as a shelter from storms and other meaningful uses that serve an important purpose. Designing and building buildings is wonderful form of art. A lot of work, thought and meaning go into architecture and the final product usually makes you take something from it, whether that is a positive or negative emotion. In the “What Buildings Mean” part of this chapter, I found something interesting in each of the categories listed. For the “Sacred Mountain,” I was intrigued by how they were generally made out of earth or stone. The “column and beam” was interesting because it was simple and also its columns created a scene and different meanings. “The tower” is interesting because its known for power. “The arch” can be tall but also very spacious length wise. It’s also labeled one of the greatest inventions by humans. The “dome of heaven” I found it interesting that the Europeans have used the dome to express reason and harmony. This is the meaning that I would like to know more about and what the Europeans true meaning of the building really was. After reading this chapter I have realized that most buildings were well thought through and have different things to learn about each one. Also, there’s a reason why every detail is the way that it is in the making of the building. Some may be used for offices, and some may be used for shelters. The Magic Of Fallingwater was a great part of this chapter. This person shares how they feel about Pennsylvania and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and the best part which was the beautiful buildings. This part of the chapter shows how architecture can make any place even more beautiful. A place I have personally seen beautiful architecture was Washington D.C. I saw many beautiful buildings such as the US Capitol building, the white house, and the Vietnam Veteran’s wall. All of these buildings add beauty to Washington D.C. but also each of these buildings have different meaning behind them whether that is emotional or historic.
Before I started reading A Beginner's Guide to the Humanities I believed that Engineering had to do with math and measurements, I didn’t even consider the possibility that every engineer has some sort of artistic aspect when it comes to designing and the style of each building. When my parents bought this land that has been around since the 1900’s there was a lot of different buildings that were rundown and looked like they were barely staying up. A couple of years have passed and those buildings have been rebuilt and it's amazing how one person’s mind can turn a crumbling building into something that is safe to live and beautiful to look at from the outside and the inside. Its inspiring to see how much an engineer thinks artistically, and how each engineer has different tastes when it comes to designing and constructing each building and monument. In the section “The Magic of FallingWater” the book talks about Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous house FallingWater. Located in the mountains in Pennsylvania Wright designed a building to emphasize the unity of modernized style with materials found in nature. In the section “How to be in a Building” the author really tries to help you understand what features of architecture is actually art by looking closer than just the size of the building. Now that I have read the section about architecture I feel myself looking closer at all the buildings I see around me, trying to distinguish similarities between the buildings located on campus the exterior and interior design. Asking questions to myself why does this building look the way it does? and What is the purpose of this buildings location? Thanks to this chapter I had discovered different ways of how buildings can differ from one another. Now I realize why the buildings in New York are different from the ones in Italy, like artists paintings each one symbolizes the uniqueness of each person and that person's true feelings and soul is shared through the buildings that they create. All the colors, the shape, the exterior and interior design all are constructed from the architect's being.
Nicole Marmo Architecture Architecture has had a tremendous impact on history. Throughout history several time periods have had certain architectural achievements. Examples being: Greek columns, the Roman arch, domes, etc. There are several different architecture styles for houses, buildings, etc. Architecture has also meant a lot in history for religious purposes like churches, temples, mosques, etc. Although art is mainly thought of as paintings and sculptures art, has also had a large contribution to architecture. I personally think architecture is interesting. When picking a major for college I was between architecture and engineering, but I went with engineering because I was always more interested in math and science. I was interested in architecture because you get to be really creative and some houses are really beautiful. For example, the Frank Lloyd Wright houses are creative and incorporate nature into the design of a house, which is very interesting as well as environmentally friendly. There’s always plenty to know about architecture. There are hundreds of different buildings and house styles and I can’t wait to buy my first house. There are also many different famously known monuments around the world that are still preserved today and some of them are really impressive to think how people from such an under developed time were able to accomplish so much. For example: the Egyptians and the pyramids, the Greek columns, the Roman aqueducts, etc. It’s all very impressive. I’ve been to many different monuments and they’ve all been beautiful. I’ve seen the Pantheon, the Coliseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. My favorite was the Pantheon because it was very surprising how the Romans could build a dome roof with a hole in it that didn’t fall. Architecture has always intrigued me and I’ve always come to enjoy it and I always will.
I still can't really see architecture as a form of art. Even after reading through the chapter, I still don't think that art is the proper category for it. To me, architecture is more of an engineering form where certain calculations and measurements are taken into account. And throughout most of ancient time, these buildings were constructed mainly to serve a purpose whether it be to live in, work in, or worship in, and not to really present some form of art like we do today. The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids under the order of the pharaoh and weren't built for the purpose of representing their art. If anything, the pyramids show that they understood the engineering form of geometry. The same goes with the Roman aqueducts, where they were mainly used to transport water to cities. Although what keeps me going back towards believing architecture is a form of art is the construction of sacred buildings like temples, churches, and cathedrals. These buildings are obviously meant to represent some sort of religious belief that's best explained through art. Also they are not the same, each having their own different look and way of being constructed. Like when comparing the Parthenon in Greece to the Notre Dame in Paris, there are obvious differences but both are meant to represent and worship a God in some sense. However, today there are architectural achievements besides places of worship. In New York City, there is the Empire State building which comes to everyone's mind when they first hear New York City. The building at the time of being constructed was the largest building in the world and was a major architectural achievement at the time. Around the same time was Frank Lloyed Wright's "Fallingwater" mentioned in the chapter which also got some attention and was too recognized as an architectural achievement. Architecture is a back and forth debate for me where I see it as either an art form and an engineering form in different situations. Reading this chapter definitely helped me see the art side of it a little better and now has me questioning the difference more.
Architecture is one of those art forms that I have never considered art before. I have always admired the mansions in Newport, the pyramids in Egypt, Big Ben in London, or different palaces or castles across the world. The style has always intrigued me but I never thought of architecture as an art form. I do now. I really liked the part in the chapter when they were telling you how to look through a house, how to realize the style and understand the meaning behind the house. That is another thing that I never realized. How behind each house there is a meaning. I don’t mean meaning in the way that they were meaning for this house to hold a four-person family, but a real deep meaning. They have religious meaning, they are meant for competition, harmony, and they are meant to remind people of steadiness and reliability. I have now realized how much energy, though, and effort architects put into creating their visions and realizing them in a building. Some of the girls I lived with in my dorm last year are architecture majors. They were always given something to be inspired by when they had their projects. One time it was motion. The projects they came up with were amazing. I loved that they could give motion to a four walled, structured, very industrial thing. I think architecture is really interesting. Architects can’t think of design or aesthetics first. They could design the coolest looking building but nothing would happen to it if the builders couldn’t execute it and it wasn’t structurally sound. This art form is especially difficult. They have to think first if someone can utilize the space, then how to make it fit into the space and make it look good too. This chapter made me realize what I can know. I realized a lot about architecture and what it means to the architect behind the build and the people living in the house. I can know how to examine a house to understand what the meaning behind a building is. I think that is a really cool concept. Understanding what a house is other than a four walled building you see every 10 feet driving down the street.
Chapter three, Architecture, of A Beginners Guide To The Humanities was pretty interesting to read. Everything in the chapter was basically brand new for me. Like the books says, I look at architecture as just something built as some type of shelter. I never thought of buildings actually having meaning. The What Buildings Mean section of the book was the most interesting for me, in which I found it amazing how every piece of architecture had a true meaning to it. Every building had a reason for why it looked the way it did/does, the interior and exterior. The vocabulary to this chapter was really nice to read. I didn’t know or have ever heard most of the words before; however, reading them was very informative. There are words for honestly almost any and everything that has to do with architecture. The section How to Be in a Building was literally amazing. I go so much information about it that I will most likely use when looking at a building. Throughout this section I thought back to amazing architectures I have looked at before but never really thought about what everything really meant. This chapter got me to think about the amazing places I have seen and actually think to what the meaning to everything could possibly be.
The concept of the old sacred mountains fascinates me. Today, all or most of our building have a physical purpose. We live in homes that were designed for families to live in and walk into buildings that were designed to be train stations or an office buildings. These mountains served no purpose other than their religious meaning. I never thought about a building’s meaning before this chapter. Bishop wrote that the “tower is power”. Now, its meanings are obvious to me. When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me that I should become an architect because I’m good at math and I was creative and liked building things. I always appreciated the beauty of architecture but the thought science of it freaks me out. The math involved to figure out what to put where so that the whole building doesn’t collapse is intense. I watched a video of a suspension bridge collapsing and passed out in my tech-ed class. That’s when I realized that I would never become an architect, never wanted to and never will. The responsibility of creating something to that scale seems beyond me.
This chapter has moved me to look beyond what my eyes can see. I have witnessed many beautiful pieces of architecture so far in my life, including the Louvre museum and the Palace of Versailles, which are currently my two favorite. Bishop says that “every building embodies an idea”. The Boston Aquarium popped into my mind when I read this line. If you’ve every been inside, it’s the coolest place ever. They main part of the aquarium is in the center. Its a huge deep tank that has a walkway spiraling up and around it until you get to the top floor. There’s a viewing area around the top of the tank. The architect that designed this was thinking about space. If this whole aquarium were on one floor, the building would be way to big.
When coming to Roger Williams I was very aware of architecture because of its extensive undergrad and grad programs. I knew that many buildings her were created by students who go here. So I've always thought that architecture was strictly modern.
As I read I quickly realized it has a lot to with history. That each significant building we are aware of has been created and shaped to describe something. A tower means power, the columns show multiplicity, the arch creates rhythm, and domes show heavens. All of the historical buildings I've seen over the years in Europe and their styles all make sense. Such as the duomo.
I also really enjoyed learning about the different architeure styles. The Georgian style basically describes my home! I have a brick colonial style home with exterior dormer windows. I also was intruded by the postmodern style. The first place I thought of was Global Heritage Hall with "exotic style".The windows stairs and class room layouts seem to be very exotic. While both of these styles are very different, I feel at home in both of them. I still believe that what you feel from a building is whats inside, not what it is made of.
I find it funny when the title of a page says "how to be in a building". Ive never really stepped into a building and have stopped and figured out the size and texture. The different steps describe easy things I can do when walking in a building, and I will be using this exercise the next time I am somewhere different.
In my personally opinion I think Architecture is the most important form of art, but often gets put on the back burner for actually being art. What I mean by this is that most people don’t actually see Architecture as a form of art. But that can simple be fought by the definition of Architecture, The book states that “Architecture is the art of building”, “more than any other art, design and function come before beauty and meaning in architecture. Buildings do have to stand up.” There seems to be more work that actually goes into architecture, because it has to stand. For example, you must take time to first design the building. All building to the simplest design to the most intenseness design takes pre-thoughts and drawings. Architecture is a form of Art were you cant just make it over night is takes weeks, months and even years.
In the reading it talks about The Dome of Heaven. The dome is a symbol to many religious beliefs. Its amazing to me that this form of art can have such great meaning and be used for more then just something to look at. That’s what sets apart all other forms of art. Architecture can be used, you go inside the building you don’t just look at it as you would with a sculpture or painting.
Kristin Portsmouth Aesthetics Response 3 September 14, 2015
As an engineering major I feel a special connection with architecture. Engineers and architects go hand in hand when creating a building. When architects design a building it is the same as creating any piece of artwork. It takes skill and careful consideration of every element and not everyone can do what architects do. I have friends who are architect majors and when I see the buildings they are designing and making small models of, it blows my mind. They take so much time and effort to make sure each element fits and flows with the design. I tried to help my friends make their models once and it took such a long time to make everything look even and straight just like their sketches, so I give architects a lot of credit. Architecture is definitely an art, just at a much larger scale.
Another reason architecture is an art is because there are so many styles of buildings. This chapter goes into detail about some styles of buildings and what they mean in terms of human creation. Some examples include columns/beams, arches, and domes. The author describes the arch as one of the greatest human inventions and I agree. Many historical buildings and structures include the arch, especially in ancient Roman and Greek architecture. Not only are arches structural sound, they look amazing too. For example, the Roman Coliseum is one of the most famous Italian structures and it is primary design aspect is the arch. I’ve always appreciated architecture, but this chapter helped me realize even more how much of an art it really is.
Going into the chapter of architecture I had little to no knowledge about the subject, especially relating to art. This gave me motivation to expand my horizon and really dig deep into the meaning of architectural art. Immediately I was intrigued as to the brief history of architecture in the first paragraph. I enjoy how the simple building of the rocks is considered architectural art. The definition for architecture was also interesting. I was sort of surprised how every building is considered a work of art, but I understand why. I know how long it takes for someone to construct the blueprints, and follow through with them in building them correctly. The sacred mountain was interesting because of its simplicity in my opinion. The column and beam definition I quite honestly did not understand "symbols of the world's infinite multiplicity." The tower is power, that was the definition for tower and I enjoyed it, there is a tower clock that you see every time you leave or go into my neighborhood and it is pretty beautiful, so I like how I understood that definition clearly. Also the arch we can all relate to and I believe is also extremely beautiful. The dome is beautiful, and I can see that, but I do not understand the correlation with God. I absolutely loved the "Magic of Falling Water" section of the Chapter. I enjoyed the anecdote about Frank Lloyd Wright's house immensely. Also I enjoyed how the author spoke about the sounds you hear when you are around the falling water, and how it connects you to nature. I could only imagine the view from the living room of the falling water that the author spoke about at Wright's humble abode. As for the the rest of the chapter (except how to view a building) the stuff on how it is made truly does not interest me that much. I know about building materials, some of the types of buildings were interesting, but other than that it just does not grab me emotionally much at all. On the contrary, I did enjoy the instructions on how to be in a building. These guidelines are something that I will definitely take into effect next time I am in a building on campus (most likely GHH).
Being someone who isn’t infatuated in the arts, the statement, “architecture is the art of building” is something I would never think of. Whenever I think of architecture, yes, I think of it as building houses, making blue prints and so on, but I would never think of it as a form of art. But after thinking about how many hours architect majors at my school have to spend in the studio and how many hours architects must spend on projects in the real world, all the dedication and attention to detail they put in, well- that’s art.
There are many things in this chapter that I found very fascinating. In the first section, “why buildings stand”, it was interesting knowing how Stonehenge (which I’ve never heard of) was built and what the symbolic meaning behind it is. Built during the Neolithic times, builders had to stand on really high concrete blocks just to lift a cross beam and create a circular structure. Although a circle doesn’t seem like much, what it symbolized for these people meant everything. It mimicked the great circle of the sky and religiously connected the builders to the cosmos. From this comes the statement from the architects themselves: “we are in tune with the cosmic time”. For something to symbolize an even greater thing for a group of people who have worked so hard to create it, that’s real art. In the section, “what buildings mean”, it’s interesting how architectural structures we have today have been used many years ago throughout different cultures. For example, building a tower is something that is commonly seen all around today in many different places, like a catholic church with church bells. In 1980, an award was given to the Petronas Towers in Malaysia naming it the world’s tallest tower. although both forms are towers it’s amazing how one structure can be built in various ways. In the final section, “the magic of fallingwater”, it’s so cool how architect Frank Lloyd Wright created a house based on the landscape around it which even included a waterfall flowing from it. The amount of creation used to build this house is a great example of art because it incorporates elements of house building along with elements of nature blended into one beautiful piece.
After reading this section, it is very clear to me that architecture is a form of art. Although most buildings don’t scream “art” when I first see them, thinking about the attention to detail and creativity used to create them will help me better understand it’s art and the personality behind the structure.
I don't know much about the engineering side of architecture, I just know that a lot of work goes into it. It involves a lot of sketching and measurements and math and everything on paper has to be perfect before it goes into the actual structure of the building. I find it fascinating how architecture can be functional and take on a form of art, its a functional structure that like any other form of art, tells a story. I think that architecture is easier to understand and interpret because the meaning is usually right there. For example, in Kansas City Missouri, the public Library is built to look like a set of books. I’m usually just fascinated at how large buildings can be but Ive never really thought about things like how towers literally tower over you to interpret power and how domes define the human world. When I see a building thats maybe more complex or “out there” I’m definitely going to apply what I learned from this chapter to how I view it.
The first thing I think of when I hear the word architecture is a city, mainly Providence. I grew up about fifteen minutes away from Providence and forty from Boston, so most of the architecture I have seen in my life, has been of tall city buildings. The other main piece of architecture that I first think of is the Egyptian pyramids. These two types of architecture are completely different, but they allow me to view architecture through two different lenses, and time period. I really liked this chapter because it helped me to understand that art isn’t just one thing, it’s a multitude of different things, with many branches coming off of them. For example, this chapter explained how architecture is the art of building. It is used to build a shelter for humans. In today’s society, architects create sky scraping for the cities, and homes for the suburbs. Our society has hundreds of different tools and machines that help them to create these buildings and homes, but thousands of years ago, these tools didn’t exist; yet some of the greatest pieces of architecture were created. The fact that builder’s could create a piece of art as great as Stonehenge, is dumbfounding to me. The architect(s) who created Stonehenge, to our knowledge, had no tools that were even similarly to today’s tools, yet were still able to create this masterpiece that is still standing today. I also really liked how, in this chapter, multiple types of architecture, new and old, were described. They were described both by what they were made out of, and the reason for them. Not all pieces of art were created for a symbolic reason; some were for religious reasons, others for power reasons, and some for a combination of the two. The dome of heaven, for example, is seen as many different things, by different types of people. The Muslim’s see it as a way to connect with God, while the Europeans see the dome as an expression of “classical reason and harmony” (pg. 31). The fact that all pieces of architecture were created, and are viewed, differently is very interesting to me. I find it extremely helpful that at the end of each chapter, the way a person should view a painting, sculpture, piece of architecture, etc is explained. Yes, I have seen these pieces of art before in my life, but I have never taken the time to take them in, especially not as in depth as this book says to do. I really enjoy reading that part of each chapter because it helps me to understand a little better, how I should go about observing these types of artwork. I also like how their explanations of observing are not confusing. They are stated simply so that they will be easy to follow and comprehend, while also being enjoyable to read.
Architecture is all around us all the time, whether we are aware of it or not. Even the buildings that do not seem as interesting still had to be thought about and created with a specific purpose in mind. While in high school, I went on a trip to Spain with my school; we traveled around many of the main cities and saw many different important buildings and sculptures. This trip was the first time I really started to notice buildings as more than a place to go inside. I think I am interested in architecture more than a lot of other subjects of art because it is everywhere and has a purpose. I know art has a purpose for the artist when they are creating it but architecture is creating buildings for a specific purpose whether it’s worshipping gods or housing families. I think this specific and necessary purpose allows me to connect with architecture more than other forms of art. I found this chapter interesting when it explained the different parts of the buildings and the specific purpose of each construction and line. I have been inside a catholic church many times throughout my life and never knew before reading this book why the church is laid out the way it is, and how it makes sense that in order to get the proper usage of the building to lay it out in a specific way. Although many churches or other worshipping places are being built anymore they are still around and can be appreciated for their beauty. Many buildings are still being created by architectures in order to provide a specific purpose such as incorporate a view or symbolize a certain meaning such as the freedom tower in New York City. These buildings do not have the same type of meaning behind each curve as the sacred buildings in the book does, yet they are still art and can be appreciated in the same way. These buildings are a more modern spin to architecture and symbolize the ideas that are more important in the world today.
While reading chapter three, which focuses on the art of architecture, I began to appreciate the design of buildings around me. I learned that it is not only the look of a building that matters, but more importantly the function and fit of that building. It is important for a building not only to appeal to the eye, but to fit into its environment while functioning with a specific purpose. An example of this is the design of the global heritage hall on campus. After reading this chapter, I noticed how GHH has incredible design and looks beautiful, yet still acts as a functional building on campus. The outside of GHH fits in perfectly with the scenery of our campus. It almost looks as if the designer purposely shaped the building as a sailboat to enhance the beauty and nautical aspect of campus. While the outside is breathtaking, walking into the front doors of GHH is even more fascinating to the eye. The high ceilings and glass windows overlooking the bay make it feel like you are in a fancy hotel, as opposed to entering a three hour lecture. The beauty and design of GHH does not take away from how it functions on our campus. Because of its atrium, several events are held in GHH. Most of my classes have been in this building, and it is complete with a third floor of offices that spiral around in a circle on the top floor. Four floors, several classrooms, offices, and a functional atrium all fit into a building that stands beautifully above the bay. I now have a great new appreciation for whomever designed Roger William’s global heritage hall. I think it takes a true artist to be able to deign something that serves as a place with so much activity while simultaneously adding a sense of beauty to our campus. The designer found a way to create a building that would not disturb the beauty behind it, and instead enhance it. It is even amazing how you can see right though GHH and look out to the water.
Before reading A Beginner’s Guide to the Humanities I was not only unfamiliar with the concept of architecture but I also was not aware that it is considered art. However, after learning about the styles, technique, and design that goes into the construction of a building I now realize how architecture is considered art. Architecture is not merely about holding up a building it also requires careful design so that the building is ultimately pleasing to those inhabiting it. When my house was first built my Father had to keep in mind that he would be living in this house for a very long time afterwards. He made sure that it was appealing from the outside as well as the inside. On top of that he had to make sure it was structurally safe. There is so much that goes into the making of a building that I was previously unaware of. On top of structural design there are multiple types of architectural decoration that are involved in the design of the building. Some of these include Mosaic design, Fresco, and stained glass. These features add appeal to the building creating a more welcoming space.
ReplyDeleteFurther into the chapter the book describes the methods of being in a building and how you should look at it. I never thought about taking in my surroundings so much that I would admire even a building for its architecture however over the past few days I have found myself making connections to certain structural lingo and what I see inside (and outside) of the buildings around me. For example as I walked around GHH on my way to class I noticed some of the materials that could have possibly been used to create the building. I also noticed the thought that went into the design of the building. GHH faces the ocean and because of the designers work one can experience an amazing view from their classrooms or even the tables that are set up for studying and relaxing purposes. I found this building very beautiful, it is an excellent example of structural design and with the help of the book I was able to analyze it appropriately.
The section labeled “A Real Encounter” reminded me of a place that I have been to in the past built into the side of a mountain, Castle in the Clouds. Castle in the clouds is a mansion that had been built on the top of a mountain in New Hampshire. While on a family vacation we made our way to the top to experience the breath taking views and beautiful mansion that had been built at the top. The building was so beautiful and at the time I did not think about the art and design that went into the construction of the mansion. However, when I look back on our trip I can recall much of what was inside (and outside) of this “castle” was mentioned in this chapter. In the future I would like to (hopefully) go back and analyze this beautiful structure with an architectural scope.
Anna Strang
ReplyDeleteChapter three is all about architecture, which is something I can relate to. The reason I have such a strong connection to architecture is because my freshman year at Roger Williams University I was living in a suite with all architects. I was there in the studio helping my friends finish their models before their deadline the next day. It was amazing to see how their ideas turned into drawings, then their drawings turned into models. Before I actually went into studio and helped my friends created their models I never considered architecture as a form of art. Yes, of course there are those abstract buildings that everyone considers art. But after see how much thought, creativity, and time goes into these building I now know that every piece of architecture is art.
Having a demanding major myself, I did not have time to watch my friends create
every drawing and model. After reading this chapter I have even more knowledge than before. There are so many aspects that go into creating a piece of architecture, that it is fascinating. For example, I had no idea that there are so many different types of arches. This chapter names seven different types of arches. I thought that an arch was an arch, but it much more complex than that. Also I did not realize how much engineering goes into becoming an architect. Being an engineering major I can appreciate how the architects use engineering skills to determine what material to use. Also they must determine if a building will actually be able to withstand the weather of that location and hold the right amount of people for that type of building. Architecture was one topic I knew about, but after reading chapter three I now have a true appreciation for those that become architects and create beautiful buildings and homes.
John Yusza
ReplyDeleteI understand how architecture can be art. I guess I just don’t understand the little things about it that make it so special. The book said how it is defined as having function as in it can have people in it but also that it has this higher purpose as well. The functionality makes sense to me but how it is art at the same time isn’t as clear to me. If the two were separate like early architectural art that is a little more understandable. I can’t relate to it at all partially because I have never really tried and I don’t know really how to begin to actually like it. Don’t get me wrong I can appreciate the work that goes into a building just not the art form of it.
I always saw architecture more as an engineering feat than a form of art. The pyramids for example the skill and planning it took to make those is incredible but I did not see that as a symbol of reaching for the heavens. I just saw them as just a plain old tomb for a rich pharaoh. For sculptures and architecture I guess engineering plays a big part because obviously you don’t want the thing to fall apart. I really do see the whole art value in architecture but again the functionality part I don’t think should be included or even necessary.
Early architectural art was really based on religion as worshiping centers but it has evolved. The falling water house is a form of art too because of the expertise and skill it took to incorporate a modern house into a forest and water environment and it is still famous to this day. I personally don’t see the big deal in it all as a form of art. The way I look at it is if it looks good or it took a lot of effort to create then it is good if it has neither of those qualities then it isn’t art so much in my mind of architecture. Obviously my view is not the popular view. Architectural art in my mind is really just a step up from sculpture.
Kirsten Hansen
ReplyDeleteArchitecture is actually one of the forms of art that I consider myself to be more familiar with. Granted that is not saying much given my knowledge of art in general, however I can at least make a connection or two to architecture.
For a long time, I wanted to study architecture in college. I took it all throughout high school, from the intro level class to the most advanced. I know all about the CAD system as well as the process of hand drawing you initial floor plan. I did well in those classes, in fact some of my highest marks in high school were in my architecture classes.
I did not pursue that path due to the time it takes. I loved doing it, but I could never dedicate the time that many of the architecture students do. It would be too much for me.
With that being said, I have a decent understanding of what architecture is, and I do view it as art. My dad did some designing for a while and taught me a lot of what I now know about architecture.
Reading this chapter reiterated some of factors that go into the design and construction of a building. Factors such as location, size, etc. are all part of the process.
With this being said, I enjoyed this chapter because it reminded me of something I used to love doing.
In the chapter Architecture, it talks about how there’s beauty and meaning in an act of constructing the art of building. It refers to architecture as a stage for human action. When we think of architecture, most of us think of the modern day buildings and designs that we hear about and see but there’s a lot more history and meaning behind these buildings. We also probably think of a “building” as a skyscraper, but as we learn in this chapter, a building does not have to stand up. I found that the most interesting because we rarely think of a “building” to be used as a shelter from storms and other meaningful uses that serve an important purpose. Designing and building buildings is wonderful form of art. A lot of work, thought and meaning go into architecture and the final product usually makes you take something from it, whether that is a positive or negative emotion.
ReplyDeleteIn the “What Buildings Mean” part of this chapter, I found something interesting in each of the categories listed. For the “Sacred Mountain,” I was intrigued by how they were generally made out of earth or stone. The “column and beam” was interesting because it was simple and also its columns created a scene and different meanings. “The tower” is interesting because its known for power. “The arch” can be tall but also very spacious length wise. It’s also labeled one of the greatest inventions by humans. The “dome of heaven” I found it interesting that the Europeans have used the dome to express reason and harmony. This is the meaning that I would like to know more about and what the Europeans true meaning of the building really was.
After reading this chapter I have realized that most buildings were well thought through and have different things to learn about each one. Also, there’s a reason why every detail is the way that it is in the making of the building. Some may be used for offices, and some may be used for shelters.
The Magic Of Fallingwater was a great part of this chapter. This person shares how they feel about Pennsylvania and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and the best part which was the beautiful buildings. This part of the chapter shows how architecture can make any place even more beautiful. A place I have personally seen beautiful architecture was Washington D.C. I saw many beautiful buildings such as the US Capitol building, the white house, and the Vietnam Veteran’s wall. All of these buildings add beauty to Washington D.C. but also each of these buildings have different meaning behind them whether that is emotional or historic.
Before I started reading A Beginner's Guide to the Humanities I believed that Engineering had to do with math and measurements, I didn’t even consider the possibility that every engineer has some sort of artistic aspect when it comes to designing and the style of each building. When my parents bought this land that has been around since the 1900’s there was a lot of different buildings that were rundown and looked like they were barely staying up. A couple of years have passed and those buildings have been rebuilt and it's amazing how one person’s mind can turn a crumbling building into something that is safe to live and beautiful to look at from the outside and the inside.
ReplyDeleteIts inspiring to see how much an engineer thinks artistically, and how each engineer has different tastes when it comes to designing and constructing each building and monument. In the section “The Magic of FallingWater” the book talks about Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous house FallingWater. Located in the mountains in Pennsylvania Wright designed a building to emphasize the unity of modernized style with materials found in nature. In the section “How to be in a Building” the author really tries to help you understand what features of architecture is actually art by looking closer than just the size of the building. Now that I have read the section about architecture I feel myself looking closer at all the buildings I see around me, trying to distinguish similarities between the buildings located on campus the exterior and interior design. Asking questions to myself why does this building look the way it does? and What is the purpose of this buildings location?
Thanks to this chapter I had discovered different ways of how buildings can differ from one another. Now I realize why the buildings in New York are different from the ones in Italy, like artists paintings each one symbolizes the uniqueness of each person and that person's true feelings and soul is shared through the buildings that they create. All the colors, the shape, the exterior and interior design all are constructed from the architect's being.
Nicole Marmo
ReplyDeleteArchitecture
Architecture has had a tremendous impact on history. Throughout history several time periods have had certain architectural achievements. Examples being: Greek columns, the Roman arch, domes, etc. There are several different architecture styles for houses, buildings, etc. Architecture has also meant a lot in history for religious purposes like churches, temples, mosques, etc. Although art is mainly thought of as paintings and sculptures art, has also had a large contribution to architecture.
I personally think architecture is interesting. When picking a major for college I was between architecture and engineering, but I went with engineering because I was always more interested in math and science. I was interested in architecture because you get to be really creative and some houses are really beautiful. For example, the Frank Lloyd Wright houses are creative and incorporate nature into the design of a house, which is very interesting as well as environmentally friendly.
There’s always plenty to know about architecture. There are hundreds of different buildings and house styles and I can’t wait to buy my first house. There are also many different famously known monuments around the world that are still preserved today and some of them are really impressive to think how people from such an under developed time were able to accomplish so much. For example: the Egyptians and the pyramids, the Greek columns, the Roman aqueducts, etc. It’s all very impressive.
I’ve been to many different monuments and they’ve all been beautiful. I’ve seen the Pantheon, the Coliseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. My favorite was the Pantheon because it was very surprising how the Romans could build a dome roof with a hole in it that didn’t fall. Architecture has always intrigued me and I’ve always come to enjoy it and I always will.
Dustin Wade
ReplyDeleteChapter 3: Architecture
I still can't really see architecture as a form of art. Even after reading through the chapter, I still don't think that art is the proper category for it. To me, architecture is more of an engineering form where certain calculations and measurements are taken into account. And throughout most of ancient time, these buildings were constructed mainly to serve a purpose whether it be to live in, work in, or worship in, and not to really present some form of art like we do today. The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids under the order of the pharaoh and weren't built for the purpose of representing their art. If anything, the pyramids show that they understood the engineering form of geometry. The same goes with the Roman aqueducts, where they were mainly used to transport water to cities.
Although what keeps me going back towards believing architecture is a form of art is the construction of sacred buildings like temples, churches, and cathedrals. These buildings are obviously meant to represent some sort of religious belief that's best explained through art. Also they are not the same, each having their own different look and way of being constructed. Like when comparing the Parthenon in Greece to the Notre Dame in Paris, there are obvious differences but both are meant to represent and worship a God in some sense. However, today there are architectural achievements besides places of worship. In New York City, there is the Empire State building which comes to everyone's mind when they first hear New York City. The building at the time of being constructed was the largest building in the world and was a major architectural achievement at the time. Around the same time was Frank Lloyed Wright's "Fallingwater" mentioned in the chapter which also got some attention and was too recognized as an architectural achievement.
Architecture is a back and forth debate for me where I see it as either an art form and an engineering form in different situations. Reading this chapter definitely helped me see the art side of it a little better and now has me questioning the difference more.
Architecture is one of those art forms that I have never considered art before. I have always admired the mansions in Newport, the pyramids in Egypt, Big Ben in London, or different palaces or castles across the world. The style has always intrigued me but I never thought of architecture as an art form. I do now. I really liked the part in the chapter when they were telling you how to look through a house, how to realize the style and understand the meaning behind the house. That is another thing that I never realized. How behind each house there is a meaning. I don’t mean meaning in the way that they were meaning for this house to hold a four-person family, but a real deep meaning. They have religious meaning, they are meant for competition, harmony, and they are meant to remind people of steadiness and reliability.
ReplyDeleteI have now realized how much energy, though, and effort architects put into creating their visions and realizing them in a building. Some of the girls I lived with in my dorm last year are architecture majors. They were always given something to be inspired by when they had their projects. One time it was motion. The projects they came up with were amazing. I loved that they could give motion to a four walled, structured, very industrial thing.
I think architecture is really interesting. Architects can’t think of design or aesthetics first. They could design the coolest looking building but nothing would happen to it if the builders couldn’t execute it and it wasn’t structurally sound. This art form is especially difficult. They have to think first if someone can utilize the space, then how to make it fit into the space and make it look good too.
This chapter made me realize what I can know. I realized a lot about architecture and what it means to the architect behind the build and the people living in the house. I can know how to examine a house to understand what the meaning behind a building is. I think that is a really cool concept. Understanding what a house is other than a four walled building you see every 10 feet driving down the street.
Chapter three, Architecture, of A Beginners Guide To The Humanities was pretty interesting to read. Everything in the chapter was basically brand new for me. Like the books says, I look at architecture as just something built as some type of shelter.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of buildings actually having meaning. The What Buildings Mean section of the book was the most interesting for me, in which I found it amazing how every piece of architecture had a true meaning to it. Every building had a reason for why it looked the way it did/does, the interior and exterior.
The vocabulary to this chapter was really nice to read. I didn’t know or have ever heard most of the words before; however, reading them was very informative. There are words for honestly almost any and everything that has to do with architecture.
The section How to Be in a Building was literally amazing. I go so much information about it that I will most likely use when looking at a building. Throughout this section I thought back to amazing architectures I have looked at before but never really thought about what everything really meant. This chapter got me to think about the amazing places I have seen and actually think to what the meaning to everything could possibly be.
The concept of the old sacred mountains fascinates me. Today, all or most of our building have a physical purpose. We live in homes that were designed for families to live in and walk into buildings that were designed to be train stations or an office buildings. These mountains served no purpose other than their religious meaning. I never thought about a building’s meaning before this chapter. Bishop wrote that the “tower is power”. Now, its meanings are obvious to me. When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me that I should become an architect because I’m good at math and I was creative and liked building things. I always appreciated the beauty of architecture but the thought science of it freaks me out. The math involved to figure out what to put where so that the whole building doesn’t collapse is intense. I watched a video of a suspension bridge collapsing and passed out in my tech-ed class. That’s when I realized that I would never become an architect, never wanted to and never will. The responsibility of creating something to that scale seems beyond me.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter has moved me to look beyond what my eyes can see. I have witnessed many beautiful pieces of architecture so far in my life, including the Louvre museum and the Palace of Versailles, which are currently my two favorite. Bishop says that “every building embodies an idea”. The Boston Aquarium popped into my mind when I read this line. If you’ve every been inside, it’s the coolest place ever. They main part of the aquarium is in the center. Its a huge deep tank that has a walkway spiraling up and around it until you get to the top floor. There’s a viewing area around the top of the tank. The architect that designed this was thinking about space. If this whole aquarium were on one floor, the building would be way to big.
When coming to Roger Williams I was very aware of architecture because of its extensive undergrad and grad programs. I knew that many buildings her were created by students who go here. So I've always thought that architecture was strictly modern.
ReplyDeleteAs I read I quickly realized it has a lot to with history. That each significant building we are aware of has been created and shaped to describe something. A tower means power, the columns show multiplicity, the arch creates rhythm, and domes show heavens. All of the historical buildings I've seen over the years in Europe and their styles all make sense. Such as the duomo.
I also really enjoyed learning about the different architeure styles. The Georgian style basically describes my home! I have a brick colonial style home with exterior dormer windows. I also was intruded by the postmodern style. The first place I thought of was Global Heritage Hall with "exotic style".The windows stairs and class room layouts seem to be very exotic. While both of these styles are very different, I feel at home in both of them. I still believe that what you feel from a building is whats inside, not what it is made of.
I find it funny when the title of a page says "how to be in a building". Ive never really stepped into a building and have stopped and figured out the size and texture. The different steps describe easy things I can do when walking in a building, and I will be using this exercise the next time I am somewhere different.
Max Kraimer
ReplyDeleteArt: Week 3 Architecture
In my personally opinion I think Architecture is the most important form of art, but often gets put on the back burner for actually being art. What I mean by this is that most people don’t actually see Architecture as a form of art. But that can simple be fought by the definition of Architecture, The book states that “Architecture is the art of building”, “more than any other art, design and function come before beauty and meaning in architecture. Buildings do have to stand up.” There seems to be more work that actually goes into architecture, because it has to stand. For example, you must take time to first design the building. All building to the simplest design to the most intenseness design takes pre-thoughts and drawings. Architecture is a form of Art were you cant just make it over night is takes weeks, months and even years.
In the reading it talks about The Dome of Heaven. The dome is a symbol to many religious beliefs. Its amazing to me that this form of art can have such great meaning and be used for more then just something to look at. That’s what sets apart all other forms of art. Architecture can be used, you go inside the building you don’t just look at it as you would with a sculpture or painting.
Kristin Portsmouth
ReplyDeleteAesthetics Response 3
September 14, 2015
As an engineering major I feel a special connection with architecture. Engineers and architects go hand in hand when creating a building. When architects design a building it is the same as creating any piece of artwork. It takes skill and careful consideration of every element and not everyone can do what architects do. I have friends who are architect majors and when I see the buildings they are designing and making small models of, it blows my mind. They take so much time and effort to make sure each element fits and flows with the design. I tried to help my friends make their models once and it took such a long time to make everything look even and straight just like their sketches, so I give architects a lot of credit. Architecture is definitely an art, just at a much larger scale.
Another reason architecture is an art is because there are so many styles of buildings. This chapter goes into detail about some styles of buildings and what they mean in terms of human creation. Some examples include columns/beams, arches, and domes. The author describes the arch as one of the greatest human inventions and I agree. Many historical buildings and structures include the arch, especially in ancient Roman and Greek architecture. Not only are arches structural sound, they look amazing too. For example, the Roman Coliseum is one of the most famous Italian structures and it is primary design aspect is the arch. I’ve always appreciated architecture, but this chapter helped me realize even more how much of an art it really is.
Going into the chapter of architecture I had little to no knowledge about the subject, especially relating to art. This gave me motivation to expand my horizon and really dig deep into the meaning of architectural art. Immediately I was intrigued as to the brief history of architecture in the first paragraph. I enjoy how the simple building of the rocks is considered architectural art. The definition for architecture was also interesting. I was sort of surprised how every building is considered a work of art, but I understand why. I know how long it takes for someone to construct the blueprints, and follow through with them in building them correctly. The sacred mountain was interesting because of its simplicity in my opinion. The column and beam definition I quite honestly did not understand "symbols of the world's infinite multiplicity." The tower is power, that was the definition for tower and I enjoyed it, there is a tower clock that you see every time you leave or go into my neighborhood and it is pretty beautiful, so I like how I understood that definition clearly. Also the arch we can all relate to and I believe is also extremely beautiful. The dome is beautiful, and I can see that, but I do not understand the correlation with God.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved the "Magic of Falling Water" section of the Chapter. I enjoyed the anecdote about Frank Lloyd Wright's house immensely. Also I enjoyed how the author spoke about the sounds you hear when you are around the falling water, and how it connects you to nature. I could only imagine the view from the living room of the falling water that the author spoke about at Wright's humble abode. As for the the rest of the chapter (except how to view a building) the stuff on how it is made truly does not interest me that much. I know about building materials, some of the types of buildings were interesting, but other than that it just does not grab me emotionally much at all. On the contrary, I did enjoy the instructions on how to be in a building. These guidelines are something that I will definitely take into effect next time I am in a building on campus (most likely GHH).
ReplyDeleteBeing someone who isn’t infatuated in the arts, the statement, “architecture is the art of building” is something I would never think of. Whenever I think of architecture, yes, I think of it as building houses, making blue prints and so on, but I would never think of it as a form of art. But after thinking about how many hours architect majors at my school have to spend in the studio and how many hours architects must spend on projects in the real world, all the dedication and attention to detail they put in, well- that’s art.
There are many things in this chapter that I found very fascinating. In the first section, “why buildings stand”, it was interesting knowing how Stonehenge (which I’ve never heard of) was built and what the symbolic meaning behind it is. Built during the Neolithic times, builders had to stand on really high concrete blocks just to lift a cross beam and create a circular structure. Although a circle doesn’t seem like much, what it symbolized for these people meant everything. It mimicked the great circle of the sky and religiously connected the builders to the cosmos. From this comes the statement from the architects themselves: “we are in tune with the cosmic time”. For something to symbolize an even greater thing for a group of people who have worked so hard to create it, that’s real art. In the section, “what buildings mean”, it’s interesting how architectural structures we have today have been used many years ago throughout different cultures. For example, building a tower is something that is commonly seen all around today in many different places, like a catholic church with church bells. In 1980, an award was given to the Petronas Towers in Malaysia naming it the world’s tallest tower. although both forms are towers it’s amazing how one structure can be built in various ways. In the final section, “the magic of fallingwater”, it’s so cool how architect Frank Lloyd Wright created a house based on the landscape around it which even included a waterfall flowing from it. The amount of creation used to build this house is a great example of art because it incorporates elements of house building along with elements of nature blended into one beautiful piece.
After reading this section, it is very clear to me that architecture is a form of art. Although most buildings don’t scream “art” when I first see them, thinking about the attention to detail and creativity used to create them will help me better understand it’s art and the personality behind the structure.
I don't know much about the engineering side of architecture, I just know that a lot of work goes into it. It involves a lot of sketching and measurements and math and everything on paper has to be perfect before it goes into the actual structure of the building. I find it fascinating how architecture can be functional and take on a form of art, its a functional structure that like any other form of art, tells a story. I think that architecture is easier to understand and interpret because the meaning is usually right there. For example, in Kansas City Missouri, the public Library is built to look like a set of books. I’m usually just fascinated at how large buildings can be but Ive never really thought about things like how towers literally tower over you to interpret power and how domes define the human world. When I see a building thats maybe more complex or “out there” I’m definitely going to apply what I learned from this chapter to how I view it.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I think of when I hear the word architecture is a city, mainly Providence. I grew up about fifteen minutes away from Providence and forty from Boston, so most of the architecture I have seen in my life, has been of tall city buildings. The other main piece of architecture that I first think of is the Egyptian pyramids. These two types of architecture are completely different, but they allow me to view architecture through two different lenses, and time period.
I really liked this chapter because it helped me to understand that art isn’t just one thing, it’s a multitude of different things, with many branches coming off of them. For example, this chapter explained how architecture is the art of building. It is used to build a shelter for humans. In today’s society, architects create sky scraping for the cities, and homes for the suburbs. Our society has hundreds of different tools and machines that help them to create these buildings and homes, but thousands of years ago, these tools didn’t exist; yet some of the greatest pieces of architecture were created. The fact that builder’s could create a piece of art as great as Stonehenge, is dumbfounding to me. The architect(s) who created Stonehenge, to our knowledge, had no tools that were even similarly to today’s tools, yet were still able to create this masterpiece that is still standing today.
I also really liked how, in this chapter, multiple types of architecture, new and old, were described. They were described both by what they were made out of, and the reason for them. Not all pieces of art were created for a symbolic reason; some were for religious reasons, others for power reasons, and some for a combination of the two. The dome of heaven, for example, is seen as many different things, by different types of people. The Muslim’s see it as a way to connect with God, while the Europeans see the dome as an expression of “classical reason and harmony” (pg. 31). The fact that all pieces of architecture were created, and are viewed, differently is very interesting to me.
I find it extremely helpful that at the end of each chapter, the way a person should view a painting, sculpture, piece of architecture, etc is explained. Yes, I have seen these pieces of art before in my life, but I have never taken the time to take them in, especially not as in depth as this book says to do. I really enjoy reading that part of each chapter because it helps me to understand a little better, how I should go about observing these types of artwork. I also like how their explanations of observing are not confusing. They are stated simply so that they will be easy to follow and comprehend, while also being enjoyable to read.
Architecture is all around us all the time, whether we are aware of it or not. Even the buildings that do not seem as interesting still had to be thought about and created with a specific purpose in mind.
ReplyDeleteWhile in high school, I went on a trip to Spain with my school; we traveled around many of the main cities and saw many different important buildings and sculptures. This trip was the first time I really started to notice buildings as more than a place to go inside. I think I am interested in architecture more than a lot of other subjects of art because it is everywhere and has a purpose. I know art has a purpose for the artist when they are creating it but architecture is creating buildings for a specific purpose whether it’s worshipping gods or housing families. I think this specific and necessary purpose allows me to connect with architecture more than other forms of art.
I found this chapter interesting when it explained the different parts of the buildings and the specific purpose of each construction and line. I have been inside a catholic church many times throughout my life and never knew before reading this book why the church is laid out the way it is, and how it makes sense that in order to get the proper usage of the building to lay it out in a specific way.
Although many churches or other worshipping places are being built anymore they are still around and can be appreciated for their beauty. Many buildings are still being created by architectures in order to provide a specific purpose such as incorporate a view or symbolize a certain meaning such as the freedom tower in New York City. These buildings do not have the same type of meaning behind each curve as the sacred buildings in the book does, yet they are still art and can be appreciated in the same way. These buildings are a more modern spin to architecture and symbolize the ideas that are more important in the world today.
While reading chapter three, which focuses on the art of architecture, I began to appreciate the design of buildings around me. I learned that it is not only the look of a building that matters, but more importantly the function and fit of that building. It is important for a building not only to appeal to the eye, but to fit into its environment while functioning with a specific purpose.
ReplyDeleteAn example of this is the design of the global heritage hall on campus. After reading this chapter, I noticed how GHH has incredible design and looks beautiful, yet still acts as a functional building on campus. The outside of GHH fits in perfectly with the scenery of our campus. It almost looks as if the designer purposely shaped the building as a sailboat to enhance the beauty and nautical aspect of campus. While the outside is breathtaking, walking into the front doors of GHH is even more fascinating to the eye. The high ceilings and glass windows overlooking the bay make it feel like you are in a fancy hotel, as opposed to entering a three hour lecture.
The beauty and design of GHH does not take away from how it functions on our campus. Because of its atrium, several events are held in GHH. Most of my classes have been in this building, and it is complete with a third floor of offices that spiral around in a circle on the top floor. Four floors, several classrooms, offices, and a functional atrium all fit into a building that stands beautifully above the bay.
I now have a great new appreciation for whomever designed Roger William’s global heritage hall. I think it takes a true artist to be able to deign something that serves as a place with so much activity while simultaneously adding a sense of beauty to our campus. The designer found a way to create a building that would not disturb the beauty behind it, and instead enhance it. It is even amazing how you can see right though GHH and look out to the water.