Tuesday, October 5, 2010

point: foundation

In this chapter, I have learned many country’s architectural method, history and culture and I realized how great human being are. Long time ago, people lived in cave and only they could do was painting on the wall but now, people challenged impossible thought and try to make it happen in real life. While I read textbooks, I could not imagine how they build such a big cathedral or pantheon. At that time, they did not have modern technology. I felt no matter culture or region, ancient people were just great!

In the class we explored Teotihuacan, Mexico where the Pyramid'Sun was found. This city was representative of life and death coexisting in that area. Ancient Egypt brought this idea to the first the Mastaba, and then the Great Pyramids at Giza, the monumental Wu-Wu structures was created by the male pharaohs of Egypt, they preserved bodies for the after-life. The Acropolis in Ancient Greece showed stacking in their temples like the Parthenon.Compare to Roman and Greek architecture more, both Roman and Greek architecture are considedered classical, although the Romans invented new building material such as concrete and cement, while the Greeks used limestone and marble. The Romans developed new method to build more efficient. Showing the beauty that was skillfully achieved by Greeks and adding their own practically and ingenuity, the Roman style was more seen in public dwellings and social gathering areas, such as basilicas and forums, than in their temples. Although their buildings are beautiful on the outside and the inside are equally beautiful, with many-colored walls and paintings. The Greeks people built beautiful architecture for the worship of their gods. The gods were the driving force behind any major architecture of the Hellenistic period. Another major difference between Greek and Roman architecture was the design purpose. Greek architecture was made for a piece of art that would give pleasure to the gods. Exteriors of the buildings designed buildings as a sculpture in a sense, with all of the beauty.

I tried to read lots of cathedrals and Gothic architecture through books and internet. Because when I was in Korea, I got a chance to go to Germany and visited Cologne city to see Cologne Cathedral. While I entering the city, I thought the cathedral was Disney castle. I could see only the building. My first impression was “Wow” I was daunted by the mass. The cathedral was amazingly huge and decorated unbelievable hand-made sculpture, story-telling like mosaic windows and so much detailed work. Textbooks reminded me the memory and I felt sorry I was not educated enough to look at it. If I had architectural knowledge at that time, I could more enjoy and admire it. Now I understand that why ancestors wanted to build higher and what is the meaning of it. In Cathedrals, verticality stands for many things; strength, Christianity, and heaven. They wanted to feel like they are connected to God.

I did not have a chance to take Western architecture history that deals with Egypt, Greek, Roman and so on.This image is representing my thought. I had something unclear or i cannot sure about ancient architecture period but this chapter made me make sure information that i was unclear or questioned to my self. I had a good opportunity to take a look architectural time period and know more deeply. Every time, I got knowledge that I did not sure and rearrange it in my head so question mark and exclamation mark!

5 comments:

  1. It's great that you talk about the cathedrals so early on but that is part of the Alternatives unit. For the foundations, there was definitely more than just Greek and Roman design ideas. I would include a bit more information about the early Mesopotamian, Chinese, Japanese, and Egyptian societies that were also very important to the foundations unit. You're right on point with the word count but the image doesn't really relate to anything you mention in your writing. There is great potential here!

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  2. I enjoyed your elaboration on the similarities and contrast to Greek and Roman design features but I don't feel there is a strong concept that binds all of your thoughts together into a cohesive whole or an overall theme. Also, I would steer clear of words like 'great' and 'beautiful' simply because those are objective terms that are not clearly defined. Furthermore, instead of choosing a question mark for your image maybe choose an image that represents your new understanding of architecture in context to the readings in which you absorbed information. I believe you have a good analysis that just needs some refinement. Lastly, your word count if fine and keep exploring further...you have a great start! :)

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  3. Good job meeting the word count requirement. You tended to talk more about the current unit we are studying rather than the foundations unit… remember “line, stacking, circle, Egypt, Greece, China, Mesopotamia, even the Ohio river valley?” all these places and their architecture are important because they act/ are the precursors to future architecture (like what we’re learning now… renaissance, baroque, etc) I understand the image you used but only because you explained it. Try using an image that that makes sense with the foundations unit and then explain that image in response to what lessons you learned form the foundations unit.

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  4. I would suggest you keep exploring further to broaden your understanding but also make sure youre talking about the material that was covered in the correlating unit of the assignment. Look back at your notes. Expand to other places that were covered more than just Rome and Greece. You image was not a good choice. Your image shouldn't have to be explained rather it should explain the unit. Just keep checking to see that you are covering the main topics and places of the correct unit. Also try to tie in lecture, readings and your other classes.

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  5. I agree with Justin, and think you have a great start with your analysis. Although, you covered a different unit. Everyone had good points and I do not feel I need to repeat them. I suggest you use what you wrote here as a draft, expand on it some more with what we're learning now (and the above comments), and use it for the next point essay. I also find your picture very interesting and it represents your state of mind to what you have learned but it doesn't represent the topic you talk about.

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