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