Arch 250 Exam #2 - Nancy Klein - Texas A&M University

Who was the patron and who was the architect of the Mosque and Kulliye of Suleyman?

- The patron was Sultan Suleyman

- The architect was Sinan

What is significant about the location of the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent?

- It was built on the third hill of Istanbul which is the location of a former palace

Describe the design elements of the Suleyman mosque in Istanbul, Including the plan, section and interior elevation. What older building inspired its form?

What are some of the distinctive forms of architectural decoration found inside?

- Placed on a sloped hill

- Four minarets

- Ten balconies supported by muqarnas

- Suleyman was the 10th sultan

- Exterior arcades and galleries

What are some of the buildings found in the kulliye? What do they provide to the community? and what does it tell us about the sultan's patronage to Ottoman society?

- Four Madrasas

- Primary school, medical school,

- Caravanserai

-Hospital

- Community kitchen to feed the poor

- Hospice

- Public baths

- House for Sinan

- Provides medical services, education, religion and economy

How does the design and decoration of a mausoleum such as that of Süleyman contribute to its purpose? Why is the octagonal shape significant? What earlier structure does it reference with this shape?

- Octagon represents heaven

- Square represents earth

- Draws inspiration from the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

What type of complex is the Alhambra Palace? Who built the part that dates to the 13th-15th centuries?

- An old Roman fortress that was rebuilt as a Palace/Fortress/Government building by the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th-15th centuries

What roles do courts, gardens, and water play in the design of the Alhambra Palace?

- They contribute to the Muslim vision of paradise as decribed in the Quran

Describe the design of the garden in the Court of the Lions: what does the plan represent, symbolically? How does it compare to the garden in the Taj Mahal? Where did the lion sculptures originally come from and why is it unusual to see them in this place?

- Walled garden divided into 4 parts by water channels (Persian influence),

- The garden symbolizes the garden of paradise

- The lions came represent the twelve tribes of Isreal

What are some of the architectural forms and decoration found in the Hall of the Abencerrajes?

- Eight muqarnas with an octagonal dome on squinches that create a star-shaped drum

What are some of the developments that took place in Isfahan under the Safavid rulers? Who built the Royal Mosque and how does it relate to the Royal Maidan?

- The older part of the city grew up around the Friday Mosque to the north

- A covered bazaar (market) and caravanserai link the older part of town to the newer section

- A new square was built

- The Royal Maidan

- A place where you come to socialize/gather with a palace, mosque (Masjid-i shah), and shops

- Part of the city was laid out on an orthogonal plan, with streets running at right angles

- Palaces and gardens to the west

What are the main rooms and spaces seen in the plan of the Masjid-I Shah Mosque?

- Three prayer halls

- 2 Madrasas(islamic schools)

- Courtyard

- Large dome

- Winter mosques

What are some of the materials, designs, and architectural elements used to decorate the exterior and interior of the Royal Mosque (Masjid-I Shah Mosque)?

- Symmetry governs the entire design

- Still pool at the center of the mosque to reflect a blue-background glazed tile-work that covers the four iwans and the great dome of the haram

- built with brick, stone, stucco or wood

- Calligraph

What are some of the forms of decoration found in the architecture of Islamic south Asia? How does this compare to what we have seen in Ottoman Istanbul? The Nasrid architecture in Spain? Safavid Isfahan?

- Paradise, Gardens, Muquarnas squinch, ornamentals, calligraphy

- Calligraphy, spolia and sculpted terra-cotta, rather than more expensive glazed tile work

What does the name of the Quwwat At-Islam Mosque mean? Who built it and why?

- "Might of Islam"

- Built by Qutbuddin Aibak as a sign of political and military power

When was the Iron Pillar originally made and for what purpose? Why is it here in the mosque?

- It was built in the 4th century by the Gupta King Chandragupt a II

- It served as a monument to Vishnu, a Hindu God

- It now serves as a trophy of military conquest

What is significant about the location of the Quwwat al-Islam mosque and why does it have so many re-used architectural elements in its structure? Where did these pieces originally come from and what would their reuse here say to a visitor?

- The mosque is built on the site of a previous Hindu Temple

- Built with "Spolia" (Re-used architectural elements) from 27 Hindu Temples destroyed by Qutbuddin as recorded on the main entrance

- The re-used pieces serve as political and religious symbols of Qutbuddin's power

What is the Qutb Minar? What are some of the forms of decoration seen on the exterior?

- Essentially a large minaret, or place to call the faithful to prayer

- The balconies are supported by muqarnas corbels

- The Minar is made of bricks covered with intricate iron carvings and verses from the Qur'an

Who built Fatehpur Sikri and what motivated him to do this?

- Emporer Jalal ud-Din Akbar, To celebrate the birth of his son Jahangir

What are some of the types of buildings found in the city of Fatehpur Sikri? How do they exemplify the distinctive architectural forms and decoration that are found in Mughal buildings?

- Tomb of Salim Chisti

- Palace

- Mosque

- Tombs

- Bazaar

How does the design of the Friday Mosque at Fatehpur Skikir, its gateway and mausoleums reflect its history and patronage?

- View of the Imperial Haram Where the women of the household lived

- It borrows elements from Hinduism and Buddhism Architecture

- The Sahn contains the body of Salim Chisti

Who built the Taj Mahal and why? What are the principal elements of this complex and what purpose do they serve?

- Shah Jahan built it for his wife

- Gateway

- Gardens

- Tomb

- Mosque

- Expresses themes of symmetry and paradise

Describe the plan of the garden in the Taj Mahal and explain why the paradise garden design would this be doubly symbolic here

- Square garden with water canals that divide it into four sections

- Planted with flowering trees and plants

- Symbol of rebirth and immortality

- Emphasis on symmetry

- Peaceful enfironment

Describe the facade of the main building of the Taj Mahal and its decoration.

- Iwan in the center and decorated with white and yellow marble

- Pilasters with chevron pattern dividing section

- Decoration inlaid with colorful stones

What is found inside the main building of the Taj Mahal and how does this relate to its purpose?

- Tomb

- Jahan was put next to his wife

What is the meaning of the term Renaissance, and what does this tell us about the relationship between 15th century Italy and ancient Roman architecture?

- Celebration of rationality and individuality and mankind's ability to make and act upon empirical observations of the physical world

- Italian scholars and artists in the 15th century recovered classic roman and greek texts and tried to modernize them

Who was Vitruvius, when did he live, and how did his work contribute to the development of Renaissance architecture?

- Roman author, architect, civil engineer and military engineer during the 1st century B.C. ; died in Italy

- His work "De Architectura" inspired renaissance architects to create a modern world rivaling that of the ancients

What do we know about Fillipo Brunelleschi's background and early training?

- He was trained as a goldsmith

- He lost a competition for the design of the Florence Baptistery to Lorenzo Ghiberti in 1401Al- He left Florence to spend some time in Rome studying ancient monuments

What do we know about Alberti's career? How did Alberti's book, On the Art of Building, contribute to an understanding of the elements and principles of Classical Architecture?

- This classical theorist was inspired by Vitruvius's "De Architectura Libra" (Ten books on architecture)

- His book "On architecture" emphasized the importance for cataloging proportions, learned from virtuous

- He suggested church plans should be centralized and located in the middle of a city, isolated to be seen on all sides

- Emphasized residential areas as well as proper hygiene

What is the purpose of The Foundling Hospital? Who paid for it and why is this significant?

- The purpose for this building was to express roman architecture more directly rather than in the cathedral dome

- It was commissioned by Brunelleschi as a smaller project

Why is the Foundling Hospital known as the 'first building of the Renaissance'? What are some of the classical principles used by Brunelleschi? What are some of his innovations?

- Designed in 1419 and build from 1421 to 1444

- It continues the link with classical tradition that had been maintained in Florence through proto-Renaissance buildings

- Continuous arcade carried by Corinthian columns across its main facade around an internal courtyard

- Brunelleschi was able to express his empathy for ancient Rome

What are some of the materials used on the façade of the Foundling hospital? How does the decoration relate to the purpose of the building?

- Marble veneer

- It adorns S. Miniato and the baptistery; these Romanesque elements were ultimately based on Roman Architecture

What was the original purpose of the Medici Palace? How is the building designed to serve the needs of the owner?

- The ground floor was to serve as an area for business (bank) and public access

- The second floor (piano nobile) was where the family actually lived

How does the Medici Palace use Classical elements and principles on the facade?

- Cornice

- Dentils

- Corinthian Columns

- The Medici Coat of Arms on display emphasizes their wealth and power

How does the appearance and location of the Medici Palace reflect the status of its owners? Why would the rock-face stone and rustication be appropriate for this type of building?

- The big building in the center of the tower displays power

- Rustication is to protect the bank

What is the Medici Palace used for today?

- Used by the Florence Provincial Authority to hold their meetings

Who commissioned the construction of the Church of San Andrea?

- Ludovico III Gonzaga, Duke of Manuta

Describe the architectural elements seen on the façade of the Church of San Andrea. What are some of the specific ancient Roman buildings that provided Alberti with inspiration for this design?

- An entrance portico based on a temple front and triumphal arch, Alberti intended to extend this treatment to the east and west transepts

- The Church of San Francesco inspired Alberti to build this church

What sort of information did Palladio include in his Four Books on Architecture and why did it become such an influential work?

- He included the orders of Architecture, domestic architecture, public buildings town planning and temples which he said were necessary for civilization

- His writing served as the Renaissance's most coherent system of proportions

What is Mannerism, and what are some of its distinguishing characteristics?

- Derived from the Italian word "Maneria" which originally connoted virtuosity, refinement and grace,

- Evolved to refer to self indulgence, consciousness and superficial artifice

- Common characteristics include disharmony, discord, imbalance, tension, distortion and unsolved conflicts

- Opposite of High Renaissance architecture

What historical events led to lack of Renaissance influence in England?

- King Henry VIII broke with the Church of Rome in 1534, causing numerous Italian artists to leave Brittain shortly after

What do we know about the career of Inigo Jones?

- He was inspired by his travels to Italy and Palladio's books

Who paid for the construction of the Laurentian Library in the Monestary of San Lorenzo and what was its purpose?

- Pope Leo X's illegitimate cousin, Clement VII commissioned the construction of the library to emphasize that the Medici were no longer merchants but members of the intellectual and ecclesiastical society

How do the materials used in the construction of the Laurentian Library in the Monestary of San Lorenzo reflect Brunelleschi's buildings, such as the Foundling Hospital?

- Michelangelo paid homage to Brunelleschi by employing similar form, a hemispherical dome on pendentives over the cubical main space, and employing some of the same materials: white stucco walls trimmed with gray pietra serena

What are some of the Mannerist inventions used by Michelangelo in the Laurentian Library in the Monestary of San Lorenzo, especially in the entrance ?

- The tapering windows throughout the interior of the vestibule are separated by Columns set into the wall, a mannerist invention by Michelangelo

What are some of the architectural elements of the façade of the Palazzo Chiericati that were borrowed from Classical Architecture?

Who commissioned Palladio to build the Palazzo Chiericati?

-Girolamo Chiericati commissioned Andrea Palladio to design the Palazzo Chiericati in Vicenza

What are some of the characteristics of the Palazzo Chiericati that define the 'Palladian facade'?

- The palace's facade is divided into 3 parts, the central section being a pavilion or projecting bay accentuated by clustered columns that create an impression of strength

Who commissioned the building of the Tempietto in Rome?

- King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain

Why is the Tempietto in Rome located on its particular spot?

- It is located where St. Peter was martyred

Which of the classical orders does Bramante use for the Tempietto in Rome and how does he adapt the decoration to suit a Christian monument?

- Central circular plan

- Exterior and doric frieze have symbols of St. Peter and instruments of the Christian liturgy

Who commissioned the construction of the Place Royale (Place des Vosges) in Paris?

- Henry IV

What is the purpose of the Place Royal (Place des Vosges)?

- It was the first urban square used exclusively for residential purposes

How would you describe the function and design of the buildings around the square in the Place Royal (Place des Vosges)?

- There were two courtyards in the square, one on the north side and one on the south side

- The houses were all very similar size and build, used for housing

- The square made a very efficient residential area

What was so innovative about the design of the Place Royal (Place des Vosges) and what did the patron hope to accomplish?

- King Henry wished to attract aristocrats to Paris

Who paid for the Hardwick Hall (patron) and how can we tell? Who was the architect?

- Elizabeth of Shrewsbury, known as Bess of Hardwick commissioned the Hardwick hall

- It is evident because her initials are displayed on the houses decorative crowning balustrade

- The architect was Robert Smythson

How does Hardwick Hall reflect Renaissance design principles in its exterior façade?

- It has many windows, letting a lot of light and warmth from the sun in

How does the Hardwick Hall express the wealth of its owner, inside and out?

- Decorative crowning

- Elegant interior

What is the purpose of the Banqueting Hall in the Whitehall Palace in London?

- It was built by Inigo Jones as a setting for court ceremonies and entertainment

- Replaced an earlier building lost to fire

How does the design and decoration of the Banqueting Hall in the Whitehall Palace in London (inside and out) illustrate this purpose?

- Interior: Double-cube volume, ionic columns surrounding the piano nobile level and continuous balcony above

- Exterior: Windows along the piano nobile level signal that the ground floor is not . basement

What are some of the architectural elements and design principles in the Banqueting Hall in the Whitehall Palace in London that reflect the Renaissance architecture of Andrea Palladio?

- Jones' vision for an enormous Whitehall Palace complex was an anglicized version of a Vitruvian Basilica as interpreted by Palladio

What are the origins and characteristics of Baroque architecture?

- Catholic Church

- Council of Trent

- Dynamic and dramatic architecture

Who built the Church of Il Gesù in Rome (patron and organization)? How can we tell, just by looking at the façade?

- Farnese family

- Cardinal Alessandro Farnese

- Jesuits

What are some of the Baroque characteristics of the facade of the Church of Il Gesù in Rome?

- Huge facade for a reminder about a divine space

- No distinction between porch and nave

How does the design and decoration of the interior of the Church of Il Gesù in Rome reflect Baroque objectives?

- The barrel vaulted latteral chapels are separate from one another by cross walls faced at the nave with pilasters- Shallow choir with a wide apse

How does Il Gesù compare to Alberti's church of San Andrea in Mantua?

- Similar dome design but no crossing

- Larger scale

- More impressive interior

- Less impressive facade

What is significant about the location of the basilica of St. Peter in Rome?

- It was built on top of St. Peter's tomb

Who are the principal architects involved in the rebuilding of St. Peter's, and what did each of them contribute to the finished basilica?

- Baramante (Greek Cross Plan)

- Michelangelo (Greek-ish with thicker walls)

- Maderno (Latin cross with long nave)

- Della Porta (a New Dome)

- Bernini (Baldacchino, Piazza)

Where did the 'Vatican Obelisk' come from originally? What is the point of installing it in the plaza leading up to the basilica of St. Peter?

- The Obelisk was recovered by the Romans from Egypt and given to the church

What is the purpose of the baldacchino in the Basilica of St. Peter? How does it incorporate symbolism that reflects its purpose and also the patronage of the Barberini family?

- A canopy over the high altar above the tomb of St. Peter which is supported by twisted columns of cast bronze

- Bronze came from the Pantheon's portico

- A reuse of historical material sanctioned by the Pope over popular opposition

- Family crest

What are the spatial and spiritual values associated with Bernini's design for the piazza leading to St. Peter's.?

- They act as arms as if they come out and welcome tons of people into the basilica as "the mother of all"

What historical events led to the construction of the Karlskirche?

- It was dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo, the emperor's patron saint

- Built as fulfillment of a vow Charles VI made in 1713 during an outbreak of the plague

- Vienna was spared from the plague

Look at the façade of the Karlskirche and identify three design elements based on either ancient Roman or Baroque Italy.

- Pediment

- Classical Orders

- Oval dome on drums

How do the plan and interior of the Karlskirche compare to a Renaissance church, like the Church of San Andrea in Mantua, by Alberti? What new architectural and design elements have been added?

- Somewhat of a cross plan, uses columns and domes

- Elongated oval dome and Rococo elements

Why was the church of Vierzehnheiligen built on its location?

- A young shepherd had visions of 14 helper saints here

Describe the plan of Vierzehnheiligen: how does it reflect Baroque developments of the basilica plan?

- Ovals, circles, ellipses intertwining

- Central focus is the shrine to the helper saints

How does the Vierzehnheiligen demonstrate Baroque qualities, such as spatial complexity and the imaginative integration of painting, sculpture, and architecture to create illusions and dissolve physical boundaries?

- Neumann's composition of Baroque circles and ovals

- Freely arranged aisle peers both to support the oval vaults overhead and to form screens obscuring direct vision of the windows in the side wall, combining the drama of light from unseen sources with swirling, curving forms

- Delicate pastel colors accented with gold on marble piers and ceiling frescoes to emphasize the airy volumes of the interior

- Baroque abbey of Banz on a hill across the valley

What is the purpose of The Louvre's East Facade and who commissioned this phase of its construction?

- Louis XIV

- The paired columns symbolize the monarchy

- The composition is distinctly french: end pavilions, central pedimented unit, and connecting stoalike wings

Describe the architectural composition of the Louvre's facade. How does the design of the facade compare to Italian Renaissance buildings such as palazzos and villas?

- Composed of a colonnade of paired Corinthian columns with central and end pavilions, all set atop a rusticated ground story

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What are some of the characteristics of the Louvre's façade that are typical of French Baroque architecture?

- The use of paired columns links the work to Baroque precedent