The unit of reverberations comes down to three major components; the establishment of rules, the breaking of those established rules, and the recreation of rules. During this unit we explored many different styles of architecture, some connecting back to the ancient classical world then moving forward to gothic, baroque, romantic, back to classical. It is now that we also see the change in architecture as it is influence by colonial expansion and industrialization.
Beginning in week five we start to explore the institutionalization of religion and how buildings began to express this through changes in design and materials. Cities were becoming more populated during this time so places to worship were needed at larger scales. Examples of these are the Pantheon, the Church of Nativity, Hagia Sophia, and many Eastern churches that start to arise. As these temples and churches arise, they began to evolve. Form and material were key points in design. Focusing on light and the importance of light with certain materials were seen.
“Light, God’s eldest daughter, is a principle beauty in a building.” Thomas Fuller
Designers played with light through materials such as glass and the use of stain glass. The also interested in surface and substance for example, mosaics were placed inside churches so when light cast in they appeared to have movement and be dancing. A great example of this can be seen right here in Greensboro at the Greek Orthodox Church.
Evolution of form:
This week also reflected on the theory that architecture as frozen music. “Architecture is music in space, as if it were frozen.” Fredrick von Schelling Music and architecture go hand in hand and it is interesting to see how certain types of music can be reflective of certain types of architecture. It helps one to understand the fluidity through time of architecture. Just as music changes and evolves so does architecture. Just as music speaks a language and is a form of expression so is architecture.
During week six we looked at a new type of architecture evolving. The millennium had ended and a new was beginning. This was what history calls the dark ages however, this is a time when a new era of architecture arose called the gothic style. Gothic cathedral were magnificent in size and grandeur. They were highly decorative and ornate with complex labyrinth designs.
Through these Gothic Catherals we start to see how churches become a source of media control. Churches spoke the dark language of the end of the world and they instilled fear in people through the expressions design on and in cathedrals.
During this week we also discussed how people began to express themselves through maps. Maps are a way for us to now see and understand how people saw the world. A question arose that was can objects, buildings, and places be maps? The answer is yes and we see this with the basic crucifix layout of every gothic cathedral. Gothic Cathedral’s also help us to see how different regions viewed the world.
http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/deutschland/cologne-cathedral.htm
During week seven we enter into the renaissance. This is where Western and Eastern rules are established breaking away from the previous gothic generation. We see connections back to the ancient world as new things are being placed on the landscape through the past; circles, groves, and stacks. The renaissance really focused on calm, veritcal, serene spaces, and the individual rather than the community.
Week eight was all about breaking the rules. During this time, designer’s broke away from the previous rule books (mainly in the West) through elaborate details and decorations, emphasizing on materials, and the play with theatrics. Buildings also focused on using the horizontal landscapes and designing the gardens was just as important as the design of the buildings. This was called the baroque era.
Difference in Renessance and Baroque represented through the Davids
Michelangelo's David during the Renissance: Vertical, Calm, serene
Bernini's David during the Baroque era : Active, theatrical
Week nine we focused on colonial expansion to the new world. This was time when designer’s began to look back at the rules. In Europe it was all about copying the king and matching the wealthy. Over in the new world it was all about revolution and breaking away from English ties. In doing this we see that our forefathers went back to classical times in a Greek Revival. This can be seen in Washington D.C. and also at Monticello, where we visited earlier this week.
Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Our tenth and final week of this unit we discussed industrialization which begin to change architecture yet again. We also discuss the design cycle. The design cycle helps to explain that design is in an ever continuing loop moving from revolution to revolution. Every new generation is a direct reaction to the previous periods. We see that just as a cartwheel, the architecture is continually being turned upside down and ride side up. This helps us to see that architecture is ever changing and always being influenced.
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