blog post 3

Reading Response 3: Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

         (ca. 70- 25 BCE)

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio was a famous  Roman architect, engineer and author of  De Architectura ,known today as the Ten Books on Architecture.The basic elements and principles described in the treatise have remained the elemental foundation of architectural design today( Roth,p.11). In fact, Vitruvius was responsible for suggesting that the three orders- Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian- form should be controlled by proportions unique to each ( Ching, p.164) see reading response 2: Orders for further information.

Firmitatis, Utilitatis, Venustatis

Vitruvius  proposed that all architecture must provide three basic elements: utility, firmness, and beauty( Roth, p.11).Vitruvius describes utility in terms of function, or it's intended use- in the essence of Vitruvius I will leave it at that. The term firmness was used to describe the use of proper building material, as well as, possessing a solid structural foundation(Roth, p.11). Beauty is used to describe the appearance as being visually appealing. Below are examples of stilts being used to suit the utility of the architecture.

To accommodate the uneven mountainous terrain the house was built on stilts

To protect the house from rising water levels the house was built on stilts.

To obtain the best view

Blog Post 2: Examing Circles, Groups and Stacks on UNCG Campus

There are three major elements that are commonly found in Buildings, Places, and Spaces which include Circles, Groups and Stacks. I have found examples of each of the major elements  represented on the campus of UNCG.





CIRCLES

Outside Jefferson Building


GROUPS

Weatherspoon







STACKS

 

Raymond Taylor Theater

 COMBINATION OF ALL 3: CIRCLES, GROUPS, and STACKS

FOUST BUILDING

FOUST BUILDING

WEATHERSPOON

Reading Response 2: Classic Oders Found in Greek Architecture

Some of the first stone columns were huge monoliths (Ching,p.122). A monolith is a monument or natural feature consisting of a single massive stone or rock(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolith).The rough stones of Stonehenge is a perfect example of a Monolith ( please refer to reading response 1). However, over time stone columns were designed in a cylindrical shape with varying heights and diameters(Ching,p.122). In Greece, these stones were brought to the building site in almost final form- such methods were seen as being significant in the evolution of the Orders(columns) because it allowed for increasing elaboration, proportion and form (Ching, p122). This progression can be seen in the development of the three major Orders: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian.

       DORIC                    IONIC              CORINTHIAN






DORIC

The Temple of Poseidon, Athens, Greece 600 BCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          
IONIC

The Temple of  Athena NIke, Athens, Greece 460-450 BCE

CORINTHIAN

The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, Athens, Greece 170 BCE

Reading Response 1: Stone Henge

Aerial View of Stonehenge

Stonehenge Salisbury, England 3000 BCE

Wooden Stonehenge Built 40 miles from original site     

 The  true meaning or purpose  of Stonehenge has never fully been proven. There are a number of exciting possibility such as marking a celestial moment, a death memorial and even aliens! Although the true meaning may never be known, one can still appreciate the vast amount of work and planning that went into construction. In fact, it is speculated that generations of families took part in the building of Stonehenge. As a designer, the contrast of the solid gray stone against the lush green grass is very visually appealing to the eye. Looking at the aerial view of Stonehenge you can't help but notice the strong centers that seem purposely formed and add a sense of importance/ significance.  Even with  erosion over the centuries, there is still a strong sense of balance that if felt. The alternating repetition of the stones further enhances the design. I find it incredible that the same principles and element of design that were applied around 3000 BCE are still being applied today!

A well designed object

     I find this 1940s wing chair to be beautifully designed because it is both a visually appealing chair, as well as, a versatile piece of furniture. The chair possesses a nice balance between modern and traditional style. The Queen Anne influence, with both the cabriole legs and the pad feet, give the chair a sense of elegance. The elaborate black and cream damask pattern provides an up-to-date appearance, as well as, provides an instant feeling of luxury. Detailed black nail-head trimming frames the front arms of the chair giving it a polished look.
    Depending on the decor of the room, the chair can provide either an elegant or an edgy feel. Like a blank palette, the black and cream color scheme allows the designer the option to choose bolder wall colors if desired. The fabrics neutral color scheme also allows the designer to coordinate the room easily by simply using matching or similar bits of color throughout the room such as throw pillow, blankets, rugs,etc. Moreover, the Waverly Essence Sun N Shade is an indoor/outdoor fabric which provides even more versatility.
     Of course, because U refurbished the chair myself, I may be a bit partial to the design of the chair!