Early Architectural Systems Practice 100%

Explain the difference between the shell and the skeleton in architecture.

The shell is the exterior of the structure. The skeleton is the main interior support and is made of a sturdier material than the exterior.

Why do you think the Parthenon is the most well known, and most studied piece of architecture? Explain your answer in a few sentences.

Many view the Parthenon in Greece as the finest example of ancient Architecture especially in the Doric Order. As a monument with more than 2,000 years of history, the building was made from pure marble and had a number of beautiful sculptures. Over the years, the building has been used as a mosque, a church and even an ammunition depot. It directly inspired the Romans and eventually the architects of the Renaissance. The building's style, columns and workmanship still inspires people int he 21st century. The Parthenon sheds light on the cultures and arts of the antiquity, the local customs and traditions of the time and how, with such limited technology, the Greeks achieved so much.

______________ is the art of building. a. Architect c. Architecture b. Design d. Construction

a. Architect

What is a dome? What is another term used to describe a dome? How is it similar to an arch?

A dome is essentially a half sphere that improves the load bearing capacity of a ceiling piece. It is an arch that has been spun around on its verticle axis

What is a post-and-lintel system of construction? What problem can occur with a post-and-lintel system? Provide an example of an ancient structure that used a post-and-lintel system.

A post-and-lintel system uses vertical posts which are separated to support a horizontal beam. The main problem that can occur with a post-and-lintel system is cause by the weight is unevenly distributed and the center is unsupported, which can cause sagging over time. Stonehenge is an example of an ancient structure that used a post-and-lintel system.

Define these two types of construction: truss and suspension. What are the benefits of using each type of construction? What do these two types of construction have in common?

A truss is a structure made up of one or more triangular units that are connected at the joints by long beams. The triangles of a truss structure keep the structure from sheering and collapsing. A suspension is a type of bridge where the main load-bearing elements are hung from suspension cables. The load is distributed to the cables, which continue beyond the structure. Both types of construction are most commonly used in bridge building.

Define the terms, architecture and architect. What is required of an architect to produce great pieces of architecture?

Architecture is the art of building or constructing. An architect is a person who designs pieces of architecture. An architect must understand the technical skills of design and construction, as well as what is required to make a piece of architecture functional and/or aesthetically pleasing.

Explain the importance and attributes of three Greek Orders.

The Doric Order was the oldest and most stable because of its wider style that was not fluted or adorned. Its capital consisted of an abacus and a curved, trapezoidal echinus. The Ionic Order was much more slim and elegant than the Doric Order and had a more decorative capital with spiraled volutes atop the echinus. Finally, the Corinthian Order was the most slender with the most decorative capital, featuring smaller volutes and acanthus leaves.

Define and explain the term, load-bearing, in construction. Describe a typical load-bearing construction. What potential problem exist with load-bearing?

The load-bearing element of an construction is the location where the weight and force rests. A typical load-bearing construction would have thick walls and a wide base, made of materials such as stones or bricks, which are stacked. The potential problem with load-bearing is that the stacked materials have a limit on the amount of weight they can hold, and therefore that puts limitations on the height a structure can be.

According to the article, what are the three greatest achievements of Roman architecture and how are they applications of the same concept?

The three greatest achievements of Roman architecture are the arch, vault, and dome. They also used concrete to create large buildings. The Romans developed the stadium and the triumphal arch. They were also great road, bridge, and aqueduct builders.

Describe the architecture of the image above show? (Be sure to clearly define the type of construction used) Why was this type of architecture common amongst Medieval castles?

This castle is built in a square form, with the sides cornered off. At the top, there is a platform for soldiers and guardsmen to stand on. Surrounding the platform is a type of wall construction known as crenellation. Crenellation is rectangular spaces cut out of the top of a wall. This provided spaces through which weapons could be fired during medieval times, when attacks from opposing kingdoms were common.

What type of construction is this an example of? Why might this type of construction be chosen?

This is an example of a vault, specifically a barrel vault. This type of construction is very stable because of its weight bearing capacity. Therefore the structure is likely to be long-lasting.