Assignment 2.0

This next part to the structure project involved us diagraming even more in-depthly. I decided to branch out from the typical one page presentation. Also we were asked to make our diagrams 3D and build models. You can see my models of the diagrams underneath each.

Assignment 1.0

For our project in Visual Communication, we were asked to choose a building/structure that we enjoy. I choose the Eiffel Tower. Throughout the course of the semester, we are going to explore many aspects of the structure. With the first part of this project, Travis (our teacher) asked us to use diagrams to talk about the structure. I was encouraged to divert away from the iconic triangle power statement of the Eiffel Tower.

Portfolio Showcase

We were asked to showcase our talents with past work from last year. I decided to use ribbon to help your eye move through the presentation and I am challenging myself to continue that ribbon concept throughout the semester with all my projects.

Compass

This was our second project in History and Theory of Design. We were to choose an artifact, space, place, or a building from the previous unit. Then we needed to decide whether it was going to be in 2D, 3D, word, or paragraph form. After those were decided, we were to then use our own interpretation of a compass to compose something that included or addressed the following: elements an principles of design, people, nature, material, and symbol. I am quite proud of how this one turned out, considering the last project. I definitely proved that I can do WAY better than before.

Scale: artifact

Form: paragraph

P.S....here is the paragraph in normal format; the 'key' if you will, to my compass maze.

Hieroglyphics (accurately hieroglyphs) are one of the most fundamental illustrations of language from the Egyptians. Some might argue that the earlier drawings seen on caves, such as in Lascaux, are the most fundamental language. Hieroglyphs, though they tell a story, actually form words or sentences from the images and are (what I think to be) the most simplistic form of writing. These images include animals, objects, or things referencing their gods. They were mostly used on papyrus (with ink made from soot, gum, bee wax, and/or plants and written with a reed brush) or on pyramids (carved, with paint). Nature played a key role in keeping this language intact. The Egyptians used natural ingredients for the ink and the writing instruments. Hieroglyphs were utilized for communicating within the society, decorating, and keeping records; we realize that these images are a symbol of the Egyptian’s lives. It allows us to be a fly on the wall and travel back many years to that time period, and learn. As far as today, this language is still amazingly around. No matter what came about in all these years past, some of these artifacts managed to survive, just for us. It shows us what their lives were like; and thanks to The Rosetta Stone it is certain we do not have a Macaulay situation on our hands. No misinterpretation here! Maybe we cannot gaze in as deeply in this society as to those in Pompeii, but it still allows us to catch a glimpse of the Egyptian people’s story.

Reading Comprehention 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)

I feel that Hersey is reaching to find parallels between certain things and architecture. However, the parallels he does examine are interesting. He theorizes that columns can mean the foot of the structure, and then in turn, footwork, which is what the Greeks did on the way to sacrifice (dancing). I think that is a far stretch of the imagination. There are other examples he gives as well; the flutes in the column are perceived as rod, staves, or possibly (in the same way the footwork was derived) the throat. The head of the column is stated to be the (what else?) head of the throat and feet formed below. There are decorations on the top of the column, ones that may have been worn on the head for ornamentation (picture 14). I think there might possibly be validity in what he is trying to lay out, the Greeks did think of some amazing things, but I do not know that I would go as far as making these parallels.

[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)

Misinterpreting evidence can cause people to believe something that is not true. If that is all we have to go on, then we really have to get down to the nitty-gritty facts of the matter to discern what is right. The problem with that as well is that everyone has different interpretations. So, especially with the internet, we have to research and research some more until we come up with the best possible answer. We should not rely on only one source to tell us, yes, this is right. If we are just using the internet as the primary source then we should travel to multiple sights and find the common agreements. But it would definitely be best to utilize books as well. Like you said in class today, books have been looked at and edited over and over again to make sure they are accurate. They are most definitely the better source for correct information.

[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)

There are definite differences between Hatshepsut’s temple and the Pharaohs pyramids. First of all, the pyramids are extremely tall. Like in class, we learned that they are a statement in the middle of this flat desert. They stand out of the landscape with much contrast unlike Hatshepsut’s. Hers fits into the landscape. It is a representation of how the women were looked upon during this society. They are more of a pretty picture with not so much importance. I think Hatshepsut chose this design because she wanted to be different than the other Pharaohs before her. It provides a different statement than the giant, powerful pyramids. It is more graceful and elegant than the pyramids. Roth talks about the temple showing more of a decorative exterior (delicate faceted columns, porches, myrrh tree garden), with more of a woman’s touch than the more masculine pyramids. The temple was also an earthly paradise for Amon. The flat design of the temple could be because Queen was already, possibly subconsciously, level with the Gods. She didn’t have to reach as high as the Pharaohs. Also the stairs are believed to be a symbol of climbing the social ladder of power. It represented women in this culture and Hatshepsut’s aid to them becoming slightly more important.

[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)

These two forms are quite important to each civilization. They both have columns as the main support, but the design is different and their purpose varies slightly. The Hypostyle Hall was built for the purpose of the high priests and the religious experience received as they walk through the structure. The columns are many and placed close together. The Parthenon on the other hand, is for the worship of Athena. There is a huge statue of her at the end of the room. That means there is a colonnade here (as well as a row outside) to provide that view of her. In the Hypostyle Hall, there is not a statue as the focal point, so this design is not needed.

http://history.memphis.edu/hypostyle/images/hypostyle_karnak_35.jpg

http://www.hotelbackpacker.com/images/parthenon.jpg

[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)

Considering that the furniture and pyramid design languages are so completely different from each other, I think that there needed to be that contrast of heavy and light. If you were to utilize the pair of understanding of unit to whole, there would need to be a contrast. If heavy (pyramids) and heavy (furniture) were to be together it would be too much. The same at the other end of the spectrum; light and light would be lacking something. It is just the right amount of contrast between the two styles. Also, I see that there is not as much decorative features on the furniture as there is on the pyramids; for the exception of the throne of Tutankhamen. I suppose they thought that the actual architecture was much more important than the furniture that goes within.

[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)

There are two concepts I get from these urns. One, I see the man in the picture depicted as being waited on, sitting down and resting while the women is standing. He is lounging in his comfortable chair. This shows the men’s relationship to the women as being much more important. Also, the artifacts the men are holding are angled upward, while the women is holding gentler, flowing, circular objects and reaching to touch his. This is definitely referring to sexuality between the two (three in the second urn). I do not believe this is the only ‘fact’ you could go on to tell about society between genders in that time. If it was literally the only artifact in existence from that time, I think it would be safe to say you could come to these conclusions. But it would be best to research the other objects we are blessed to have in our presence to truly come forth with a valid meaning.

http://knowledgebox.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/greekurn.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/cornucopia-greek-urn-photo.jpg

Unit Theory Point

During this first theories unit, there were many fascinating ideas presented. I loved that we began with the definition of architecture, and exactly why it was the ‘unavoidable art’. I learned that there were numerous interpretations of that specific definition. Comparing building to architecture was quite thought provoking. It is an interesting concept to think that there are significant differences between the two. One of the most important topics (I think) covered in Judith’s class was touched on in class as well: how the architecture world has the past constantly on its back (like the nautilus), drawing from the history to gain inspiration.

http://www.bmyersphoto.com/BWXRAY/animals2.html

I appreciated how we separated that theory into three parts; containing integrated and finished interiors, continuing same use in existing structure, and changing use in existing structure. Now I have a foundation for looking, really looking, at all architecture and buildings (along with commodity, firmness, and delight; can’t forget about those!). Even that foundational concept was further expounded on during class with the ‘pairs of understanding’, as I like to call them. I will probably rely on these pairs to help guide my looking process towards architecture. I have actually utilized these words since class began in August. They have been applied to studio (the projects we have) and towards my two general classes as well. I found the readings so far this semester, not just in this class, have somehow related to each other. I have to continually remind myself which class the reading is specific to. In English I read about the same concepts Hall had written about; how “man has shifted evolution from his body to his extensions” and how man’s use of space is interrelated to his culture. I love that all of my classes are slowly mixing together. It makes me feel (in my general classes) that they actually mean something and I will be able to use this information in the next few years to come; I am not simply just regurgitating it through class and forgetting after it is over. This inspires me in a way and gears me towards being quite enthusiastic about my classes. Another subject included in this unit was the design cycle. This was interesting to learn about and can definitely be applied to various subjects. While watching a TV show, someone talked about clothes and how the mom had been alive so long her younger clothes were coming back into style. The design cycle! Like I said before, these facts are so absorbing; I really want to find out more. One more subject we covered that I found fascinating was the Stonehenge. All of those theories you shared with us were fantastic and extremely thought provoking. I came home and talked to my roommate about it for about half an hour. These ‘ways of looking’ truly have us thinking differently about the world; why is this the way it is and what does that tell us about those people at that point and time? You really have to use your thinking cap, going back to kindergarten for a moment, to experience all these ideas and to (in the end) gain so many new ones. I value this quote now, “You can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” This is a quote that I believe summaries fairly well what this class will continue to expound on throughout the next few months. Cannot wait to learn about the pyramids in Egypt!

Reading Comprehension 1

[1] Select an object or a building from any time period that you believe meets Wotton’s definition (as cribbed from Vitruvius) of commodity, firmness, and delight. With an annotated image, take care to EXPLAIN the ways in which you see the definition realized through the object or building. Use design language and concepts discussed in class for dealing with precedents.

I believe that the Sydney Opera House meets all of these concepts. Commodity is right in the name. It houses Operas as well as other performances. The repetitive and unique design of the exterior relates to the acoustical abilities of the building. The structure of the building is strong, with a series of tensioned steel cables holding the shape of the shell which is comprised of many Swedish tiles. It has been standing now for forty years, which says much about the way it was built. It has withstood many environmental situations and hopefully will continue to do so. As faras delight goes, the gesture of the curves communicate gracefulness and are seen as a symbol of Australia. The light here, whether it be artificial or natural, it brings even more depth towards the whole effect of the structure. Being adjacent to the water, the Opera House's location adds even more to its beauty. Reflections coordinate with the lighting and the curvature of the structure provide a stunning effect as well. Overall, I do believe this structure meets commodity, firmness, and delight.

http://oursurprisingworld.com/category/australia/http://www.textiledesigning.org/textile20design2000079.jpg

[2] Working from Harwood et al’s concept of cultural precedents, select one of the contemporary textiles illustrated above and PINPOINT the influences you see from the eastern world on the production of fabric in the west. Concentrate on motifs and patterns provided in Harwood’s text.

In the Eastern world, motifs are used for symbolism. For this case, in the Western fabric shown, the chrysanthemums are referring to long life. You can tell there is a definite cultural precedent here, but it has been slightly manipulated to become new and fresh. You can also point out that elements of Feng Shui are being represented here: the blue showing water and the flowers showing the earth, which lends itself even more to the Eastern world philosophy of achieving harmony. This pattern does not form contrast, it is geared toward balance because water and earth go together nicely opposed to fire and water.

http://allfreed.ru/uploads/posts/1111/13071208612479_495009.jpg

[3] When considering perceptions of personal and social space, Hall and others suggest that different cultures have different space needs and attitudes. Most consider that citizens of the U.S. generally feel a need for more space. How does this play out in the classroom in which we gather for iar222?

We know that Ferguson was built in the late 60s - early 70s. Back then the culture was extremely different than today. People were okay with being close to one another. Those were the hippy days; it was all about spreading the love and peace. However, in our day and time, our personal spaces, or bubbles if you will, are slightly larger than those of the ‘hippies’. We actually have significantly larger bubbles. Therefore the space where we meet does not truly accommodate our bubble size, that of the 21^st century. The seats are a bit too close for comfort. You really have to want to know your neighbor, because at some point you will touch them (of no fault of your own), whether you like it or not.

[4] SPECULATE about whether or not there can be an architecture of happiness, as de Botton writes in the work by the same title. Provide a juicy quote that helps give evidence to your views from the passage that you read. Include an annotated image of a happy object, space, building, or place and specify WHY and HOW your example exudes happiness

I believe that there is an architecture of happiness; just not one particular thing for everyone. Within Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students, Ed Sharon Crowley implies that your identity is comprised of your opinion and ideologies which are influenced by your community. People all around the world have different cultures and lifestyles, which means ultimately they will have different views of ‘happiness’. As Botton does not allude to this concept, I will utilize a quote that provides the opposite side of my argument. Botton states that “Even when we have attained our goals, our buildings have a grievous tendency to fall apart again with precipitate speed. It can be hard to walk into a freshly decorated house without feeling pre-emptively sad at the decay and impatiently waiting to begin: how soon the walls will crack, the white cupboards will yellow, and the carpets stain.” I have never been to a place and said, “It’s gorgeous but it will be broken down and ugly in a few years.” That is negative thinking. Life would be so immeasurably dull and depressing if that was the case. I would not want to live that horrible life. This is just my opinion though. The people that Button mention, the religious figures that locked themselves away or would not look at the beauty around them had those beliefs. Their community helped to form those opinions which led to the cementing of their ideologies. They would have looked at that freshly decorated house and thought the same things Button mentioned. This is one room for me that exudes happiness. The overall feel in this room is comfort and richness. The lavish textures along with the warm neutral coloring truly bring peace to my mind and soul. The light is not harsh here; it has a soft glow that aids with the mood. That is what makes me happy; feeling comfortable in my surroundings.

http://clssic-furniturestore.blogspot.com/2010/01/modern-design-decorating-bedrooms-ideas.html