Wuwu basically relates the column to the male part (the wuwu). In other words size does matter.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Compass
Wuwu basically relates the column to the male part (the wuwu). In other words size does matter.
The "Out of Body Experience"
As designers we have an obligation to understand how people utilize as well as interact within a space. Because we design spaces for people we must take into account how they will perceive a space, in order to do this designers must be able to view others from an external perspective, in other word they must be able to have an “out of body experience”.In order to depict how people can be perceived in space I created my own “out of body experience”. Using a three dimensional model of my body I was able to position it in several contexts in which I could view how I might be perceived in a space. I was able to relate the model of my body to its surroundings and begin to visualize the scale and proportions of myself in a space and perceive how others would occupy the space as well. I also captured myself in a series of photographs in order to document my body, physically and digitally, in order to demonstrate how the human body relates to space as well as the components within it.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Reading composition 2
1] Hersey describes a grammar for Greek architectural elements based on the idea of sacrifice.
SPECULATE about the validity of his argument based on what you know about Greek design and the
evidence (both visual and written) he provides. (5 points)
The way I see it is that Hersey is telling the story about how Greek sacrifice influenced the architecture that followed. Since sacrifices were meant for the Gods, the Gods are what everything is based around. He speaks of how each God is assigned a tree and those trees are sacred and with these trees the columns were made for the first sacred temples. Then they eventually evolved in order to create a more “ideal” temple in which the details were all drawn from the previous happenings. The ornamentation was named after what is was displaying. For example, Hersey talks about how the column base, not only did the word the Greeks used for this mean “a foot” it also means “footwork- stepping and rhythmic movement” (Hersey, pg, 21). I believe this to be quite interesting because looking back to Greek ruin you are able to see the columns and the rhythm they make. If you pay attention to the way you walk or if you document your footprints or your “footwork” you will notice the Constance spacing of the steps and this can be related back to Hersey’s argument that the Greeks architectural elements were based on their everyday life and grammar as well as their traditions which in this case would be sacrifice. For example, the triglif’s represent the 3 bones or the femur that were kept after the sacrifice, the rings on the base of the column are connected to the bondages around the legs of the animal being sacrificed, and the capital of the column was related to the head of the animal being sacrificed (Hersey, pg, 11-45).
[5] Harwood shows examples of Egyptian furniture on pp. 60-61. HYPOTHESIZE about the lightweight
nature of Egyptian furniture when compared to tomb architecture, as at the Pyramids of Giza, which
many characterize as massive and heavy. (5 points)
I believe that Egyptian furniture would be considered temporary whereas tomb architecture is more permanent. Egyptian furniture is obviously used in daily life, meaning it is accessible to the living. The furniture is almost always portable and is a symbol of social status. It is also taken to the tomb so that the pharaoh can use it in the afterlife or even replaced.
The tombs are much more eternal. Since Egyptians believed in that life was eternal their architecture was built to reflect this belief, which was to last forever. Also the size difference from the furniture also shows that it is much more of importance and would never be replaced.
[6] Based on a careful reading of the visual evidence in these two images, DRAW OUT an explanation of
design and gender roles as you see both depicted. As this language of urns represents essentially one
of the main ways we know about Grecian culture, COMMENT on the validity of such a practice of
reading evidence. (5 points)
Grecian urns tell a story about events of importance and even some of non important events. These urns show women serving the men which depict the Grecian society and the gap between women and men. These urns allow us to study their society by the stories they tell although how we today may interpret them does not mean it is an accurate assumption of how the Grecians truly lived.
SPECULATE about the validity of his argument based on what you know about Greek design and the
evidence (both visual and written) he provides. (5 points)
The way I see it is that Hersey is telling the story about how Greek sacrifice influenced the architecture that followed. Since sacrifices were meant for the Gods, the Gods are what everything is based around. He speaks of how each God is assigned a tree and those trees are sacred and with these trees the columns were made for the first sacred temples. Then they eventually evolved in order to create a more “ideal” temple in which the details were all drawn from the previous happenings. The ornamentation was named after what is was displaying. For example, Hersey talks about how the column base, not only did the word the Greeks used for this mean “a foot” it also means “footwork- stepping and rhythmic movement” (Hersey, pg, 21). I believe this to be quite interesting because looking back to Greek ruin you are able to see the columns and the rhythm they make. If you pay attention to the way you walk or if you document your footprints or your “footwork” you will notice the Constance spacing of the steps and this can be related back to Hersey’s argument that the Greeks architectural elements were based on their everyday life and grammar as well as their traditions which in this case would be sacrifice. For example, the triglif’s represent the 3 bones or the femur that were kept after the sacrifice, the rings on the base of the column are connected to the bondages around the legs of the animal being sacrificed, and the capital of the column was related to the head of the animal being sacrificed (Hersey, pg, 11-45).
Hersey, pg. 6
[2] Meant in jest, Macaulay shapes a world of the future in which the main character claims meanings for
archeological evidence uncovered at the Motel of the Mysteries. EXTRACT what you believe to be the
lesson of mis-interpreting evidence and link that lesson to the real world phenomenon of the internet. In
other words, EXPLAIN how you might avoid such a blunder as mis-reading evidence when you use the
web as your major information source. (5 points)
I believe that the main character has little knowledge about the archeological evidence he is finding. He seems to assume what the artifacts he is finding are what he preserves them to be. I believe that he may have been misinformed about a lot of this perceiving to this find.
Misinterpreting evidence is very common in today’s society. I believe that people in today’s society abuse the recourses they have, the main one being the internet. Of course we all know that the internet has an incredible amount of information but this information does not do through a process of verification in which all websites are legitimatized. Anyone who has access to the internet can post anything even if it is not factual. Sometimes it is difficult to decipher what is legitimate and what is fabricated. In order to avoid this situation it is important to research your source as well as fine alternative sources which state the same thing, whether it is another website, a book, or even an expert in the field that you are researching. A perfect example of an untrustworthy website would be Wikipedia because anyone can post anything they want there. So it good to know that not everything you read on the web is true and when using the web as a major information sources you have to be careful.
archeological evidence uncovered at the Motel of the Mysteries. EXTRACT what you believe to be the
lesson of mis-interpreting evidence and link that lesson to the real world phenomenon of the internet. In
other words, EXPLAIN how you might avoid such a blunder as mis-reading evidence when you use the
web as your major information source. (5 points)
I believe that the main character has little knowledge about the archeological evidence he is finding. He seems to assume what the artifacts he is finding are what he preserves them to be. I believe that he may have been misinformed about a lot of this perceiving to this find.
Misinterpreting evidence is very common in today’s society. I believe that people in today’s society abuse the recourses they have, the main one being the internet. Of course we all know that the internet has an incredible amount of information but this information does not do through a process of verification in which all websites are legitimatized. Anyone who has access to the internet can post anything even if it is not factual. Sometimes it is difficult to decipher what is legitimate and what is fabricated. In order to avoid this situation it is important to research your source as well as fine alternative sources which state the same thing, whether it is another website, a book, or even an expert in the field that you are researching. A perfect example of an untrustworthy website would be Wikipedia because anyone can post anything they want there. So it good to know that not everything you read on the web is true and when using the web as a major information sources you have to be careful.
[3] The funerary temple design of Queen Hatshepsut speaks a very different design language than the
pyramidal forms for other pharaohs. From your readings and the ideas addressed in class, RECOUNT
possible reasons why Queen Hatshepsut used this building form. (5 points)
The Temple of Hatshepsut and the pyramids of several pharaohs differ in many ways but mainly by their designs. I believe that the design of each of these tombs have to do with who they were made for. For instants the pyramid were made for pharaoh, men with power who ruled over Egypt, these pyramids were built by stacking stone, starting with a square base, in which all four corner raised and met in the center. The pyramids were covered in white limestone with a gold triangle at the top, with all of this and the flat surroundings the pyramid was able to stand out and be a constant reminder of the pharaoh’s power.
Hatshepsut’s temple was designed much differently although stone was also used, but it is different because it is blended into the surrounding of a large cliff. Since this was a women’s tomb it was not built to symbolize power, it was designed around Hatshepsut’s accomplishments. It was built with the intent of horizontal lines which allowed the temple to be closer to the ground which was to symbolize how Queen Hatshepsut leveled the classes and unified the kingdoms. I believe that her tomb was built lower to the ground to show that she was “down to earth” so to speak.
pyramidal forms for other pharaohs. From your readings and the ideas addressed in class, RECOUNT
possible reasons why Queen Hatshepsut used this building form. (5 points)
The Temple of Hatshepsut and the pyramids of several pharaohs differ in many ways but mainly by their designs. I believe that the design of each of these tombs have to do with who they were made for. For instants the pyramid were made for pharaoh, men with power who ruled over Egypt, these pyramids were built by stacking stone, starting with a square base, in which all four corner raised and met in the center. The pyramids were covered in white limestone with a gold triangle at the top, with all of this and the flat surroundings the pyramid was able to stand out and be a constant reminder of the pharaoh’s power.
Hatshepsut’s temple was designed much differently although stone was also used, but it is different because it is blended into the surrounding of a large cliff. Since this was a women’s tomb it was not built to symbolize power, it was designed around Hatshepsut’s accomplishments. It was built with the intent of horizontal lines which allowed the temple to be closer to the ground which was to symbolize how Queen Hatshepsut leveled the classes and unified the kingdoms. I believe that her tomb was built lower to the ground to show that she was “down to earth” so to speak.
[4] Although some evidence suggests links between the Egyptian and Greek civilizations, and some
building forms and details provide support for that linkage, the two societies produced design responses
in great contrast to one another. Select a building type (house, tomb, or temple) from each culture and
ELUCIDATE similarities and differences in the two forms over time. Provide an annotated illustration for
each selected type. (5 points)
The Egyptian and Greek culture have some distinct similarities, both the Egyptian temple of Hatshepsut and the Parthenon dedicated to Athena both honor women of different societies but the way they honor the women are both very different. The Temple of Hatshepsut is a tomb for the queen and is mainly hidden within the cliffs surrounding it. This is because the role of gender in society had a much larger gap, whereas the Parthenon is greatly exposed in the top of the acropolis. The women in Greece were becoming more equal compare to Egypt and this shows in where they were built. Both of these temples are emphasized differently within society. Hatshepsut’s temple is much more horizontal compared to the Parthenon which consists of vertical lines. Although both these structures are monumental they both celebrate the women in different ways. The temple of Hatshepsut not only is a place to remember the queen Hatshepsut but also other Gods and the Parthenon is to remember and Praise Athena the Goddess of war and wisdom.
I believe that the pantheon derived from the temple of Hatshepsut. Since Egyptian architecture came first the Greeks we able to study it and use it as a prototype to create “ideal” structures. I can see how the repetitive opening in the temple of Hatshepsut can relate to the use of columns in the Parthenon and the spacing between them. I also can see a resemblance with the spacing of the pediment as well as tympanum. Because these similarities I believe there is a linkage between both of these temple and the time period between.
[5] Harwood shows examples of Egyptian furniture on pp. 60-61. HYPOTHESIZE about the lightweight
nature of Egyptian furniture when compared to tomb architecture, as at the Pyramids of Giza, which
many characterize as massive and heavy. (5 points)
I believe that Egyptian furniture would be considered temporary whereas tomb architecture is more permanent. Egyptian furniture is obviously used in daily life, meaning it is accessible to the living. The furniture is almost always portable and is a symbol of social status. It is also taken to the tomb so that the pharaoh can use it in the afterlife or even replaced.
The tombs are much more eternal. Since Egyptians believed in that life was eternal their architecture was built to reflect this belief, which was to last forever. Also the size difference from the furniture also shows that it is much more of importance and would never be replaced.
[6] Based on a careful reading of the visual evidence in these two images, DRAW OUT an explanation of
design and gender roles as you see both depicted. As this language of urns represents essentially one
of the main ways we know about Grecian culture, COMMENT on the validity of such a practice of
reading evidence. (5 points)
Grecian urns tell a story about events of importance and even some of non important events. These urns show women serving the men which depict the Grecian society and the gap between women and men. These urns allow us to study their society by the stories they tell although how we today may interpret them does not mean it is an accurate assumption of how the Grecians truly lived.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
POINT
Interior Architecture concerns not only the buildings but the people who build as well as interact with them , according to Roth, the author of Understanding Architecture, “ architecture is arguably the most accurate, the most truly revealing, human cultural artifact”( Roth, pg.12). You could say that architecture is the unavoidable art, one that you can never escape whether it is in your house, your workplace or anywhere else you go. It tells a story about where people are from as well as the cultural influence with the underlying design of buildings. There are many aspects that are involved in interior architecture, it is essential to know about humanity: their needs, way of life, and importantly their culture.
According to Hall culture and language have a great influence on the way people design, how they understand the design process, as well as the way they interpret design in general. Hall has researched the difference between the sensory worlds or Arabs and Americans . He has come to the conclusion that if both, an Arab or American, were to observe the same thing they would use different sense in order to extract data to make their conclusion of the thing ( Hall, pg.3). Because of the difference in culture it is crucial when talking to people that are of a different culture than you to try to communicate by keeping an open mind in the differences between the two cultures. In speaking of this although people of different cultural background may interpret data differently the same basic theory of design is applicable to all people.
Sir Henry Wotton’s theory of commodity, firmness, and delight have a large influence in the area of design. Commodity is the function an object or building is designed to preform. To have good commodity or in other words a good functions it is necessary for a space to able to obtain the maximum performance for what is is designed to do. This is important because at first a space was designed for a particularly objective but what we use spaces for now can change rapidly( Roth, pg.11-14 ). So it is important to know how to use commodity to obtain a well designed object or building, however this is not the only par to design.
Firmness is very important, it can be defined as structural support, but not only is it important to have a strong structure but it is also necessary to make the people in the space feel safe. For instance, if the columns to hold up a beam were the bear minimum to support the weight the scale of them may be questioned by people. Because of this the designers take into account how people react and thicken the columns in order to have a more comfortable and secure look in the peoples eyes ( Roth, pg. 26 ). Taking this into account, the looks or an object or building are also quite important.
Delight is the way an object or building is viewed as enjoyable or aesthetically pleasing. This is important because designers need to be able to make people feel happy in their environment in order for people to be content in using it. A space being ergonomic is also important because to look at a space that is perfectly proportional to the human body and to see how human can interact with the space designed for them. I believe it is a delight to have the space around us built for us to where we do not have to go out of our way to use things that are not the same scale as us.
In conclusion there are many aspects that go into design, culture as well as commodity, firmness, and delight are just a few that have truly stood out to me throughout the first two weeks of class.
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