Arch History Midterm

Essay 5: Master builders of the ancient world:

• Roman Engineering Prowess:

  • Emphasis on practical application and innovation.

  • Development of concrete for durable structures.

  • Advanced aqueduct systems for water supply.

  • Construction of extensive road networks for trade and military.

  • Creation of impressive public works like the Colosseum and Pantheon.

• Lasting Impact:

  • Influence on subsequent architectural and engineering traditions.

  • Legacy of infrastructure development.

  • The use of the arch, and the vault.

Innovations Introduced: Romans pioneered the use of concrete, enabling the creation of complex forms such as the Pantheon's dome.

Urban Planning: The development of sophisticated road networks and urban layouts facilitated efficient administration and military logistics across the empire.

Essay 11: St. Francis of Assisi, "alter Christus":

• Life and Teachings:

  • Radical commitment to poverty and simplicity.

  • Love for nature and all creatures.

  • Emphasis on humility and peace.

  • Founding of the Franciscan order.

• Spiritual Significance:

  • "Alter Christus" (another Christ) due to his close imitation of Christ's life.

  • Enduring legacy of compassion and service.

  • His impact on the catholic church.

Essay 23: Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Man, Eternal Enigma:

• Multifaceted Genius:

  • Exploration of Leonardo's diverse talents: painting, sculpting, engineering, anatomy, and more.

  • Emphasis on his insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge.

  • Discussion of his notebooks and scientific observations.

• Artistic Masterpieces:

  • Focus on iconic works like the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper."

  • Analysis of his innovative techniques and artistic vision.

  • His use of sfumato.

• Enigmatic Nature:

  • Exploration of the mysteries surrounding his life and works.

  • Consideration of his unfinished projects and hidden meanings.

Essay 26: Michelangelo: Epitome of Human Artistry:

• Renaissance Giant:

  • Focus on Michelangelo's unparalleled mastery of sculpture, painting, and architecture.

  • Emphasis on his dedication to his craft and his intense work ethic.

  • His personal struggles, and his drive for perfection.

• Sculptural Masterpieces:

  • Highlighting iconic sculptures like "David," "Pietà," and "Moses."

  • Analysis of his ability to convey human emotion and anatomical accuracy.

  • His ability to bring stone to life.

• Sistine Chapel Ceiling:

  • Discussion of his monumental fresco work in the Sistine Chapel.

  • Emphasis on the complexity and grandeur of the biblical scenes.

  • The sheer physical undertaking of the project.

• Architectural Contributions:

  • His work on St. Peter's Basilica, including the design of the dome.

  • His impact on the development of Renaissance architecture.

  • His designed of the Laurentian Library.

• Lasting Legacy:

  • Michelangelo's enduring influence on Western art.

  • His status as one of the greatest artists of all time.

  • The emotional depth of his works.

Essay 36: The Baroque Splendors of Bernini:

• Baroque Master:

  • Highlighting Bernini's dominance in Baroque sculpture and architecture.

  • Emphasis on his dramatic and theatrical style.

  • His ability to convey emotion and movement in stone.

• Key Works:

  • Focus on sculptures like "David," "Apollo and Daphne," and "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa."

  • Discussion of his architectural contributions, including St. Peter's Square.

  • His work with fountains.

• Influence:

  • His impact on the Baroque art movement.

  • His ability to combine sculpture and architecture.

Key Architectural Principles & Terms

1. Core Architectural Principles

• Functionality: The building’s purpose must guide its design.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Function first, form follows.”

  • Visual Aid: Imagine a hospital (function) being designed for health (purpose).

• Aesthetics: How the building looks (visual appeal).
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Beauty brings balance.”

  • Visual Aid: Think of a perfectly balanced, symmetrical building—e.g., classical architecture.

• Sustainability: How eco-friendly the design is.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Green is the future.”

  • Visual Aid: Picture solar panels, green roofs, and natural ventilation.

2. Architectural Styles

• Modernism: Clean lines, minimalism, and function over form.
  
  

  • Visual Aid: Think of the Barcelona Pavilion—simple glass walls, steel frame, and open space.

• Postmodernism: Fun, playful, with references to past styles but in new ways.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Post-what? Play with the past!”

  • Visual Aid: Portland Building with its playful colors and unusual shapes.

• Gothic: Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Gothic = Tall, Thin, and Pointed.”

  • Visual Aid: The Notre-Dame Cathedral with towering spires and flying buttresses.

3. Design Concepts

• Form: Shape and volume of the building.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Form creates space.”

  • Visual Aid: Picture a sphere versus a cube—each has a different form and spatial feel.

• Space: The arrangement and interaction between different areas.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Space defines flow.”

  • Visual Aid: Think of a museum with well-organized rooms guiding the visitor’s path.

• Light: Natural versus artificial lighting.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Light shows life!”

  • Visual Aid: A room with wide windows for daylight vs. electric lights.

4. Materials & Construction

• Concrete: Durable, but requires reinforcement.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Concrete sets the foundation, steel adds the strength.”

  • Visual Aid: Picture a brutalist building made of raw concrete.

• Wood: Warmth and organic feel, but not as durable as concrete.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Wood is warm, but needs care.”

  • Visual Aid: Wooden cabin in a forest, cozy but might rot over time.

• Steel: Strong, used for structural support.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Steel supports all.”

  • Visual Aid: Skyscrapers made of steel beams.

5. Architectural Vocabulary

• Façade: The front of the building.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Facade = front”

  • Visual Aid: The grand front of the Louvre Museum.

• Atrium: A large open space within the building.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Atrium = Airy, open!”

  • Visual Aid: Picture the atrium of a shopping mall with high ceilings.

• Cantilever: A projecting structure supported only at one end.
  
  

  • Mnemonic: “Cantilever = One end only.”

  • Visual Aid: Fallingwater, where the building extends out over a waterfall.

• Structural Integrity: The design must ensure stability despite the overhang.