history of architecture exam prep
What do you call a temple that has a colonnade that completely surrounds the cella?
Peripteral
How does the TWA Terminal by Eero Saarinen show its symbolic function?
The TWA terminal's roof has two ends that shift slightly upwards. They resemble wings of an airplane. This symbol functions because it is a terminal at an airport.
rhythm
Rhythm is a pattern on a building that guides the eye in a direction or creates a certain feeling in the observer. An example of rhythm is the alternating of columns and intercolumniations to create a striped pattern.
Name the building that was the largest unified space in antiquity until the Roman Pantheon.
Treasury of Atreus
Who is credited with the start of Gothic architecture?
Abbot Suger
If the Külliye is considered a neighborhood center, what is at the center of the Külliye?
Mosque
Which of the following is NOT an element seen in Mayan cities? A: Buildings with large interior spaces B: Precinct wall C: Monumental core D: Ball court
A: Buildings with large interior spaces
Which building on the Acropolis serves as an entrance into the complex? A: Propylaea B: Parthenon C: Erechtheum D: Temple of Athena Nike
A: Propylaea
Which program is NOT typically located adjacent to the cloister? A: infirmary B: chapter house C: refectory D: dormitory
A: infirmary
Describe the role of the popes in the development of Renaissance architecture. Identify a specific pope (and a work related to him) in your answer.
- Popes became the patrons and the sponsors of the Renaissance architecture. Pope Alexander VI (Borgia) attempted the political unification of the peninsula under a single rule. He sponsored Via Alesandrina, which was 1st straight street of the papal restoration, which required a lot of demolition and reconstruction. Along the road, it had the most advanced classical palaces in Rome Popes used architecture and patronage to symbolize piety during this time. Pope Julius II sponsored St. Peter's Basilica's renovations as a way to revive the Church during the rise of Martin Luther. Of course, this action becomes ironic when Julius II raises money for the renovations through corrupt means. However, because of this practice of popes sponsoring architecture, there were many grand religious structures built in this time period.
What are some of the basic Hippodamian Principles that can be seen in Greek colonial towns?
- Relatively uniform grid of blocks - Public buildings inset into the system - Plan adapted to the terrain
describe the experience of moving through a new kingdom temple, such as the temple of khons at karnak
- axial and symmetrical - the size of each room decreasing as a person moved further into the temple. - - light decreased, giving it a more mystical feeling -This was appropriate as fewer people were allowed in each room.
Describe the sensory experience of moving to the top of the Acropolis and into the complex.
- slowly get glimpses of buildings that start smaller and slowly get bigger - Buildings are positioned to intentionally block your view of other places so that you feel as if you are shrouded in darkness due to your inability to access. The Propylaea acts like a gate/barrier from the outside world, and because you enter into the darkness of the structure then emerge into the light again, it can also symbolize a sort of cleansing/rebirth. The path from the entrance to the top is a winding one without direct access/view to any buildings and without obvious order/hierarchy of buildings, which reflects the Greek value of free will.
Describe the mandala diagram that we see employed in Buddhist architecture (be sure to include what it represented).
-determined the layout of the temple -based on cosmic and metaphysical connections - number 8 symbolizing the Buddhist 8-fold path- subdivions called padas.
Describe Bernini's role in the development of the Baroque (in terms of art and architecture).
-director of spectacles for the Roman stage, writing, directing, acting, and designing sets. -He was a sculptor and architect and liked to incorporate didactic architecture. -Bernini's art and architecture is more 3D and has more action, like his sculpture of the Rape of proserpina. His architecture also has more action, like in the Baldacchino in St. peters with the spiraling columns
describe the components of a roman domus and how one experiences those spaces
-home for the wealthy inside of a city - street access -faces away from the street for privacy purposes -few or no windows - central courtyards -axial symmetry and a large, lush, colonnaded courtyard -The alternation between closed and open spaces creates a feeling of compression and release that creates a rhythm as one moves through the domus.
In some ways, Brunelleschi's dome carries on in the Gothic tradition. But, it is still a vast departure. Name TWO innovations that make such a large dome possible.
-used flat arches that binded ribs together - also built in 9 concentric rings using the herringbone structure as a compression ring. The ribs, some visible, some interior, push the weight of the dome out and down so it can be properly supported by the building structure below. The lantern on top "caps" the dome because the ribs would otherwise create a cylindrical shape.
What were TWO benefits that the Romans gained from using concrete?
-used the concrete to fill the inside of brick walls to not have to use as much brick and made the walls more structurally sound and resistant. -the concrete didn't have to be mined or quarried and was easy to transport to construction sites.
Identify TWO ways in which the French borrowed from the architecture in the Caribbean to adjust to the climate in Louisiana
1- Deep gallery with projecting eave to provide shade for the house 2- Roof Line is broad is shed the rain away from the structure
Name THREE reasons why Classicism is so late to England.
1- It is an island, physically hard to get things to an island 2-English court wasn't interested in massive building campaign 3- They do not have to worry about Pope and his orders Classicism started in Italy due to Greeks fleeing Byzantium after Constantinople was taken over. The revived ideas had to travel from Italy through France and Germany to get to England. Also, England in general liked to keep to themselves with their Gothic architecture. Even when they started to get influenced, they still incorporated many previous styles.
In the construction of the new St. Paul's in London, Wren explored three different plans. What was the character of each and speculate on why the final one was chosen?
1- centralized greek cross plan 2- Longitidtidinal plan, because that's what the clerics wanted 3- The final design is based on the original gothic plan with a wide nave with side chapels, short transepts with the extended choir, and flying buttress enclosed. This was chosen because it uses gothic ideas and plan but masking it classical wrapping.
Describe the sensory experience of moving through a New Kingdom temple, such as Temple of Khons at Karnak.
1- enter through the pylon which was the entrance gate, a large, flat surfaced entrance with battered walls on the sides. 2- enter into the fore-court which was open air and public for all to see. 3- would enter the hypostyle hall where there were lots of columns so the space gets smaller and becomes more private. The hypostyle hall was wider than it is long so it was not where a lot of people could fit inside. Each space as you move through the temple gets shorter and darker giving a feeling of compression, only lit by clerestory light above. Finally you would enter the sanctuary which was the most private space as it was only for the most important personnel in the society.
Discuss TWO ways in which the Greeks used optical refinements in the design of their temples
1- tapered columns because when one looked at the structure, your eyes make you believe that the building is bulging outward 2- flutes were added to the columns to make the columns appear taller and lighter
Name two ways that the Palace at Knossos reflects its culture and landscape.
1. Palace at Knossos was located in Crete. They had a very laid back society. This is reflected in the palace because it has a flexible stacking of stories, informality and it is not fortified. They were go with the flow and didn't plan it out very much and also did not need to worry about fighting. 2. The palace also worked with the landscape. It was located on an island and built into the mountain which provided a natural barrier. Additionally, the streets were determined by the topography.
name four characteristics of a bastide
A bastide is located on a major road or waterway, had a palace or monastery to bring traffic to the city, the plots were laid out with rope, and there was a central marketplace.
What best describes Çatal Hüyük?
A community whose primary method of defense was blank external walls.
What is a corbeled vault?
A corbeled vault is a way to create an archway to support the rest of the building where the stones are stacked progressively closer to each other until they reach the top. A corbeled vault is a ceiling that gets higher toward the center, achieved by layering many cantilevers so they balance on each other. This is an earlier form of a dome because early people didn't have the tools to shape the rough stone precisely enough to create a true arch.
Define "proportion."
A way to make a building more harmonious to the viewer by keeping all the measurements to the same scale or ratio. Proportion is the concept of deciding certain measurements by relating it to pre-established measurements, rules, and/or ratios. For example, the Greeks created rules and ratios for themselves to build by so that each part of a temple is proportionate to its other parts. Proportionate measurements, when following rules that have been proven to work, can generally produce the same psychological and symbolic effect in the new structure as it did in the old structure.
What is a westwerk?
A westwerk consisted of multiple stories between two towers. It started to mirror the transept and the crossing dome, helped to provide verticality and mark the entrance. In Germany usually, the west wall where the entrance to the church would be is exaggerated with a thick exterior "gate" reminiscent of a triumphal arch and tall towers on each side.
Baroque architecture is characterized by which following statements: A. An architecture of molded space and manipulated light that is a response to the period that came just before it. B. A rational and comprehensible architecture that celebrates the human intellect. C. An urban, public architecture that makes use of new technologies to create grand spaces. D. An architecture that exhibits the religious piety of the day and is composed of symbolic spaces that ascend to the heavens.
A. An architecture of molded space and manipulated light that is a response to the period that came just before it.
New Kingdom Egyptian architecture is characterized by which following statement? A: A highly ordered and axial architecture that reflects the political structure of the society, as well as the cycles of life. B: An architecture in which the stepped pyramid is the central focus. C: An architecture that primarily showed the power of the pharoah. D: An architecture that focused on serving a limited number of people.
A: A highly ordered and axial architecture that reflects the political structure of the society, as well as the cycles of life.
Renaissance architecture can be characterized by which following statement: A: A rational and comprehensible architecture that celebrates the human intellect. B: An architecture that exhibits the religious piety of the day and is composed of symbolic spaces that ascend to the heavens. C: An architecture of molded space and manipulated light that is a response to the period that came just before it. D: An urban, public architecture that makes use of new technologies to create grand spaces.
A: A rational and comprehensible architecture that celebrates the human intellect.
Greek architecture is characterized by which following statement: A: An architecture that is highly refined and where each building is judged against other examples of the same norm. B: A highly ordered and axial architecture that reflects the political structure of the society, as well as the cycles of life.
A: An architecture that is highly refined and where each building is judged against other examples of the same norm.
Roman architecture is characterized by which following statement: A: An urban, public architecture that makes use of new technologies to create grand spaces. B: A rational and comprehensible architecture that celebrates the human intellect.
A: An urban, public architecture that makes use of new technologies to create grand spaces.
Describe the difference between actual and perceived structure.
Actual structure is the physical layout and representation of the structure. Perceived structure is how one interprets the structure as they move through the space, how one understands the use, function, and composition of the structure. Actual structure is what is physically there while perceived structure is what looks like is there due to optical illusions and such. Examples would be how tall buildings are perceived to be straight when there is a bend incorporated in the top, or a column is perceived to taper linearly when there is in fact a bulge in the middle.
How does Hellenistic architecture reflect the culture of Greece after the Peloponnesian War?
After the war, and Alexander the Great's conquest, the buildings demanded a much more formal space, unlike the informal Athenian Agora. The buildings developed higher columns and thicker bases to make them more monumental. Hellenistic architecture that Alexander the Great spread throughout his empire reflected the general structure of the Greek temple with the columns, but Hellenistic architecture was generally more flowery than classical Greek. While Greek temples were colorful, Doric and Ionic columns are much more simple than the Corinthian and composite columns that were adopted in other parts of Alexander's empire.
Name the open space or marketplace that was the center of public life in cities of ancient Greece.
Agora
Egyptian Pyramids: A. Express the power of the pharaoh B. All of these statements C. Represent ascension to heaven D. Provide a monumental scale to match the vast landscape
All of these statements
Name the two architects of Hagia Sophia.
Anthemius of Tralles and Isidarus of Miletus
Name the THREE areas that can be found on the interior elevation of a Gothic church.
Arcade, triforium, and clerestories. Clerestories with huge stained glass windows allowed by flying buttresses and in turn curtain walls, the dark triforum (formerly galleries, but flying buttresses took away that need), and the nave and side aisles.
In the middle of the 15th century, we start to see the rapid spread of architectural ideas. What development led to that and give at least one example.
Architecture ideas spread quickly because more books were being published, like Palladio's four books on architecture. What led to the mass production of books was the typing press. The movable type printing press spread ideas quickly such as the Bible and Vitruvius's books on architecture.
How does Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple respond to the landscape? A. Built on a grand scale to compete with large landscape. B. All of these statements C. Mimics the vertical striations in the cliff face. D. Balance between horizontal and vertical.
B. All of these statements
Which of the following is NOT a building material used in Mesopotamia: A: Wattle and Daub B: Stone C: Rammed Earth D: Mud Brick
B: Stone (There was not a lot of stone in the area.)
Name THREE Roman precedents for Alberti's Sant' Andrea in Mantua (think in terms of the facade, as well as the interior).
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine; Triumphal arch; Pantheon The grand entrance framed by pillasters and topped by an arch mimics a triumphal arch. The pillasters and pedament also is a nod to the Roman temple front. The barrel vaults inside create apsal chapels along the side aisles replace the need for Gothic flying buttresses and also employ the Roman techniques of that type of vaulted ceiling and coffers.
We describe the tympanum of a medieval church as serving a didactic function. What does that mean?
Because most people could not read in 1000 CE, churches would show pictures, often carved in stone, to explain the stories from the bible. In Romanesque architecture, there is usually art over the doorway that tells the story of Jesus and the saints. This illustrates biblical stories to the illiterate congregation who would otherwise never know the stories.
One can argue that French and Spanish colonies in the New World developed similar urban patterns. British colonies were quite different. How is Boston more like London?
Boston is like London because its streets are like a web and unplanned. Cramped, disorganized lots and constantly growing as opposed to the clear arpents of French colonialism.
How is Brunelleschi important in the development on Renaissance architecture? Use ONE of his works as a primary example.
Brunelleschi was important because - use of light, proportions, and incorporating classical architecture Ospedale degli Innocenti, or Foundling Hospital - used Corinthian columns and the height of the column dictates how far apart they are -dictates the height of the entablature and the attic. - the collonade, he was able to let more light in.
what is the purpose of the ornament in byzantine churches
Byzantine churches employed ornament to hide the structure of the building and mystify the building. Like many religious buildings, the art is didactic to educate the often illiterate congregation, but the abstract patterns of the extremely ornate interior of Byzantine churches muddle the structure of the building, creating a mystic and religious effect on visitors.
How does Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple respond to the landscape? A. Balance between horizontal and vertical. B. Built on a grand scale to compete with large landscape. C. Mimics the vertical striations in the cliff face. D. All of these statements
D. All of these statements
Which is NOT an element of a typical Sumerian temple plan: A: An altar located in a central court surrounded by small rooms B: Rectangular in plan C: Elevated on a mud-brick platform D: A hypostyle hall as its central element
D: A hypostyle hall as its central element
Gothic architecture is characterized by which following statement: A: An architecture of molded space and manipulated light that is a response to the period that came just before it. B: A rational and comprehensible architecture that celebrates the human intellect. C: An urban, public architecture that makes use of new technologies to create grand spaces. D: An architecture that exhibits the religious piety of the day and is composed of symbolic spaces that ascend to the heavens.
D: An architecture that exhibits the religious piety of the day and is composed of symbolic spaces that ascend to the heavens.
Which statement is NOT true of Stonehenge? A: It is a symbol of communal purpose. B: It was built in several stages over 1,000 years. C: It may have been used to mark astronomical phenomena. D: Its form is entirely centralized.
D: Its form is entirely centralized.
Identify TWO ways in which the French borrowed from the architecture in the Caribbean to adjust to the climate in Louisiana.
Deep eave, high ceilings, high windows, dormers, wide intercolumnar distance.
How is the order stacked on the exterior of the Colosseum?
First level - tuscan half columns Second - ionic half columns Third - corinthian half columns Fourth - corinthian pilasters
Describe how Borromini makes use of, and modifies, classical traditions.
First off, he loves to use strict geometries as seen in his plans of San Carlo alle Quattro Fortune. There he uses triangles and circles to create the plan for the church. However, he starts to use the giant orders which takes the classical orders, and modifies them to span the space. He also loved creating very fluid rhythms, and he uses the entablature to do so. Rather than keeping the entablature very straight and linear, he creates concave and convex elements that constantly keep your eye moving through the space in a way we would not see in the classical traditions.
Match the following buildings to their time period: Flavian Amphitheater Erechtheum Temple of Hera I Altar of Zeus Maison Carree Mausoleum of Halicarnassas
Flavian Amphitheater -- Roman Erechtheum -- Greek Temple of Hera I -- Greek Altar of Zeus -- Hellenistic Maison Carree -- Roman Mausoleum of Halicarnassas -- Hellenistic
Name the structural element found on a building's exterior that allowed Gothic churches to open up the walls as much as possible to stained glass.
Flying Buttress
Name the device used by Michelangelo at the Campidoglio to unite two floors on the building facades.
Giant Order
Describe the differences between the Doric and Ionic orders.
Greek Doric 1- elevation of the temple platform- allows the building to be elevated above the landscape 2- consists of 3 steps, 3- columns (peripteral, necking on the top of the column before the capital) 4 -entablature (cornice, architrave, and frieze). The diameter of the base of the column as the standard for the proportion for the building. 5- Post and lentil construction was featured with a triangular pediment at the top. Ionic order 1-oriented towards math with rich decoration from the east (Persia). 2- creates a more slender column with a base, less entasis, and fluting that connects to the base and capital more delicately 3-no more triglyphs and metopes and there are 3 bands in the architrave where the top piece is deeper than the bottom two àreduce the visual impact
Discuss TWO ways in which the Greeks used optical refinements in the design of their temples.
Greek columns taper up and bulge in the middle, and they lean inward. Tapering up provides the optical effect of stability for the columns. The bulging, called entasis, corrects the eye to see the columns to be tapering up linearly; otherwise, the columns would look concave. The columns leaning inward toward the roof similarly makes the columns look straight; otherwise, the decorative entablature and pedament of the temple would look much bigger than the plain platform.
Who developed the plan of Miletus? Hippodamus Mnesicles Iktinos Apollodorus
Hippodamus
Who was the architect of King Zoser's Funerary Complex?
Imhotep
How is Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's "more Renaissance" than Brunelleschi's dome in Florence?
Michelangelo's dome is more Renaissance because it more directly references classical Roman domes by being more hemispherical.
In Asia Minor and the mainland of Greece, we examined the architecture in such cities as Hattusha, Mycenae, and Tiryns. How did they reflect the political conditions of their time
In the areas of Hattusha, Mycenae, and Tiryns had highly fortified walls and protective. The cities were defensive and had cyclopean walls, which conveys that the cities were threatened by war and an attack.
Who is the architect of the Süleymaniye Mosque?
Mimar Sinan
Name the two major English architects we studied from the Seventeenth Century. ______________ traveled to Italy and favored Palladio. ______________ was a man of science and traveled to Paris.
Inigo Jones traveled to Italy and favored Palladio. Christopher Wren was a man of science and traveled to Paris.
List 2 effects that are created by the flutes and arrises on the shaft of a doric column
It draws the eye upward which increases its verticality. It also visually unifies the different drums that make up the column.
How is Suzhou a contrast to the capital city of Beijing?
It's non-hierarchical unlike Beijing. It was much more indirect, and its spaces focused on nature by creating lots of gardens. These gardens had winding pathways that would create unexpected and non-axial spaces. In contrast, Beijing was very focused on hierarchy and axiality.
According to the Greeks, what is the "Measurer of all things?"
Man
Mannerism immediately follows the High Renaissance. Describe how it shifts away from the High Renaissance.
Mannerism shifts from the High Renaissance as architects start to break the rules of the classical orders. Since they've perfected the use of classical orders, they are now willing to break the rules.
What is a type of Egyptian tomb that is rectangular in shape and formed with sloping sides and a flat top.
Mastaba
Name the principal hall of a Mycenaean dwelling, which is thought to be the ancestor of the Greek temple.
Megaron
What is the system of construction in which two or more uprights support a horizontal beam?
Post and Beam Trabeation Trabeated Post and Lintel
Monasteries were designed as self-sustaining religious communities. Name TWO ways in which the monks were kept separate from visiting pilgrims?
One, the church is aligned on the monastery site so that it creates a subtle border between the areas pilgrims access and the areas the monks access. Two, the cloister is an inner courtyard connected to the church and the dormitory; only the monks have access to this space.
The ____ building exists to be admired in its splendid isolated perfection. The ____ building can only be grasped through one's experiencing it in its variety of effects." - Henry Millon (he's the Man!)
Renaissance, Baroque
Describe the components of the Roman domus and how one experiences those spaces.
Roman houses for the rich were called Domus and they usually had a colonnade court, a street facade, and richly decorated. The buildings were long and thin and had dense walls for security. The buildings had a lot of rhythm with compression and open air. The domus also had spaces for just the public, usually in the front, and the family had their own private areas. The Roman domus would have gardens, an atrium with an cistern to collect rainwater, and colorful halls covered in art. The walls would be relatively closed off from the outside to provide privacy in the urban environment. The art on the walls, especially next to a garden, would depict nature to create the experience of actually being in nature rather than in the city.
Name TWO ways in which Romanesque architecture looked to Rome for its inspiration?
Romanesque looked to Rome for inspiration with its semi-circular arches and the use of the basilica plan.
Match the following buildings to their time period. San Pietro in Montorio Ste. Chappelle Palazzo Medici-Riccardi Palazzo del Te St. Denis Palazzo Farnese Pazzi Chapel Campidoglio
San Pietro -- high renaissance Ste. Chappelle -- gothic Palazzo Medici-Riccardi -- early renaissance Palazzo del Te -- mannerist St. Denis -- gothic Palazzo Farnese -- high renaissance Pazzi Chapel -- early renaissance Campidoglio -- mannerist
What is the High Renaissance building by which all others are measured?
San Pietro in Montorio
Match the following buildings to their time periods: San Vitale Santa Sabina Palatine Chapel Alhambra Kailasanatha St. Michael's at Hildesheim Uxmal Todai-ji
San Vitale -- Byzantine Santa Sabina -- Early Christian Palatine Chapel -- Carolingian Alhambra -- Islamic Kailasanatha -- Gupta India St. Michael's -- Romanesque Uxmal -- Mayan Todai-ji -- Japanese
Which monastery becomes the model for the layout of all future monasteries?
St. Gall
Match the following buildings to their time period.
Süleymaniye Külliye- Ottoman Chateau de Versailles- French Baroque Queen's House- English Renaissance Villa Capra- Venetian Renaissance Kaisersaal @ Würzberg- Rococo Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza- Baroque
List THREE characteristics that are common throughout Palladio's villas.
Temple front, symmetric wings, practicality/usability,cubic, modual, used musical patterns for basis of structure ratios.
What is the purpose of the stoa?
The Greeks used the stoa to discuss economic, political, and/or social ideas.
Describe the nature of Islamic decoration
The Islamic decoration is rich. They had glistering mosaics and grand capitals, but they did not have any icons. They also had horse-shoed arches; the voussoirs often had alternating colors of stone. Additionally, they experimented with stacking the arches and crisscrossing them.
How did the landscape of the Nile influence Egyptian architecture?
The Nile flooded annually at around the same time which caused Egyptian architecture to also be disciplined. Examples of this discipline would be the axiality of the pyramids (the long causeway leading from the valley temple to the mortuary temple and pyramid) and the symmetry of the mortuary temples. Rock-cut temples of Middle-Kingdom Egypt also mimicked the cliffs in the background.
How does the Palazzo Rucellai use the Colosseum as a precedent?
The Palazzo Rucellai is the first attempt to apply the classical orders to a palace façade in the renaissance. The pilasters add a flatness to the façade. The precedent of the colosseum is seen in the stacking of the orders, with Tuscan on the bottom floor, Corinthian on the upper floors. The middle floor is extremely ornamental, but the top floor is more simplified. All elements in the building are built using correct proportions from ancient rome. The column orders are stacked Tuscan, Ionic, then Corinthian just like on the Colosseum.
In examining the Square Court at the Louvre and the East Facade of the Louvre, what are the compositional elements that are adopted as part of French Classicism?
The Square Court and the East Facade of the Louvre are both symmetrical and organized into five blocks. They also both feature paired pilasters, arched widows on the lowest level, sculptural reliefs, and a balance between horizontal and vertical elements. Both are very restrained compared to Italian Baroque architecture.
Describe the wangcheng model that was used for the development of Chang'an
The Wangcheng Diagram was used to layout the city. The diagram was a quadrangle with 3 gates on each side and the center element as the palace The cardinal directions had religious significance as the Imperial palace faced south towards the red phoenix (fire and summer) the east represented the blue dragon (spring and growth) the west was the white tiger (harvest and war) the north was the cold winter and marauding hoards. There are four sides, each side has three gates, and each gate had three passages that ran linearly to the gate directly across from it. The palace sits at the very center.
What are the primary differences between the Agora in Athens and the Imperial Fora in Rome?
The agora was more structurally loose than the fora, with less building which were also far apart. Romans, typically valuing axiality, hierarchy, and discipline than the Greek, also had a main temple and more organized passages in their public space than the Greeks'. The Roman Imperial Fora also became increasingly vast and disciplined with time.
How do you describe visually and symbolically the move away from the Classical architecture of the Baroque period (esp. at Versailles) to the more domestic Rococo architecture in Paris?
The architecture in the Baroque period is much more confident, and in Versailles, it is almost oppressive. There is so much ornament and decoration. It is a place that is characterized by ostentatious wealth that symbolized great power. We see a dramatic shift from this in French Rococo because the architecture was almost void of ornamentation on the outside. It was very simple which is the exact opposite of Versailles. There is more ornamentation on the inside but not to the extent that we see in Versailles. Rococo was more focused on the interior than Baroque visually. (Versailles had many gardens with fake "ruins" scattered across the landscape while German Rococo buildings had very plain exteriors by comparison.) Symbolically, the Rococo time period was more conservative and less concerned about displays on power to the general public.
Name TWO elements that create the texture of the facade at Palazzo Farnese.
The bottom level is rusticated, typical of the other palazzos of the time, while the top level has clear brickwork. The corners have quoins, and there are string courses running along the length of the building to clearly separate the stories. All of these things develop the texture of the fascade and create a rhythm as the eye moves across.
How are the different functions of the Palace at Knossos arranged?
The buildings within the Palace of Knossos were arranged very haphazardously. Though there were loose groupings by function, religious shrines and temples were sometimes placed next to residential quarters. However, all the buildings were set around a main courtyard used as a commons area.
Describe the core of a Mexican colonial city.
The center of a Mexican colonial city features a monastery and a large public courtyard or atrio.
Describe what is meant by a "double shell" structure in the Byzantine period.
The dome would have two layers. One internal layer that faced the inside of the church and the outer layer was for the outside of the dome.
Name TWO ways in which the Forbidden City achieves a sense of grandeur.
The emptiness of the large courts and the axial symmetry The gates have a vast space in front that forces the visitor to face the structure head on and accept its grand scale. The fact that it has three gates also add to this sense of grandeur. The double-eaved roof and columns add to the height of the structure, making it seem more grand.
Describe a typical exterior of Early Christian churches? What are the materials and how are they deployed?
The exterior of the churches were usually constructed with brick or stone placed in various patterns or ways to denote the different structural elements of the building. They were generally flat with sloping shed like roofs coming off the side elements. The sides were long and straight with a rounded end where the apse was. The windows were usually punched and they were vertical rectangles with semicircles at the top. The entrance included 3 openings in the triumphal arch style to bring significance to the structure.
Tenochtitlán is in a seismic zone. How does that change the design of their houses (in terms of massing and materials)?
The fact that Tenochtitlan is in a seismic zone means that they were unlikely to build tall buildings because they could fall over in an earthquake, and they used a wattle and daub construction method. The buildings are built very low, typically only one story. The building technique/material is wattle and daub (mud and rubbish) which is "flexible" enough to better withstand seismic activity.
Describe how light is used in Gothic churches. What does it symbolize?
The light is used to create a feeling that is divine and holy. They were also able to tell a story as the buttresses allowed the walls to have more window space and the stained glass windows were able to get bigger. The light helps to accentuate the structural elements within the churches. Gothic churches used stained glass, a recent technology at the time, to create a religious atmosphere because the colors are ethereal, and the light is coming from above. This is also accentuated by the incredible height created by the ribbed ceilings and the otherwise dark space of the nave. This light symbolizes the beautiful light and grace of God and the beauty of faith, especially because it's coming from above.
How did the landscape of the Nile influence Egyptian architecture
The narrow area around the Nile was densely populated as that area was the most fertile. The Nile influenced the long buildings and served as protection. The Nile was an ideal place to live because of the protection from the cliffs (which was granite and was a building material) and water.
Name TWO ways in which the staircase in the Laurentian Library creates a sense of tension with the space that it is housed in?
The stairs just barely do not take up the whole space of the room that they are in, which creates an awkward feeling to be so close to the walls while ascending these large stairs. The stairs also do not have a consistent step ratio the whole time up the stairs and therefore force the person to be more aware of the stairs as to not trip or fall. The wider steps at the bottom is separated by the railing which creates a sense of narrowing, especially when the two "side stairs" are completely abandoned at the top. There are also "pauses" on the stairs when there are steps that are longer.
List two reasons why the Ziggurat at Ur is elevated.
The stepped levels represented different godly and heavenly aspects such as ascension to heaven and domination over the waters. It is also elevated to represent the social hierarchy in society since slaves were forced to build the structure, yet it was only used for priests and gods. The Ziggurat at Ur was elevated to appear noticable and grand from a long distance, to protect against the frequent flooding in the area, and to symbolize being closer to the heavens and better communication with the gods.
In Early Christian architecture, name TWO functions associated with centrally planned spaces/buildings?
They were used for baptism, and they were centers of pilgrimage. Martyrium and baptistry
the citadel of khorsabad and the city of babylon are surrounded by tall walls. describe the nature and construction of those walls.
Those walls were made to protect the cities and make them more defensible due to the lack of natural defensive barriers. The walls were crenelated which created buttresses allowing for a thin wall between each buttress, thus saving materials. The walls were also made from mud brick. Both have fairly thick, defensive walls with rhythmic guard towers. The method of construction is crinolated. They used mud brick and wood.
List the three elements of the Vitruvian triad and define each:
Vitruvian triad- Firmitatis, utilitatis, venustatis Firmness- Actual and perceived structure Utility/commodity- Function (pragmatic, symbolic, psychological) Delight- Space, feeling, perception, scale, design
Why is Vitruvius' Ten Books on Architecture and De re aedificatoria (On Building) important?
Vitruvius' and Alberti's books are important because they discuss what good architecture means. They both defined the characteristics of good architecture for architects still today. The concepts of "commodity, structure, delight" and proportion providing beauty are still applicable to architecture today.
How did the shift to a farming society in the prehistoric era lead to the development of architecture?
With the new society of farming, life began to be more sedentary for the villagers. As a surplus of crops began to grow, there was room for specialization and more people were living there. Because of this and the idea of Gods causing floods and famines, the villagers started to build lasting buildings that could honor the gods and had special meanings
Match the following buildings to their time period: Ziggurat at Ur Carnac Funerary Complex of King Zoser Palace at Knossos Temple of Amon Persepolis
Ziggurat at Ur -- Mesopotamia Carnac -- Prehistory Funerary Complex -- Old Kingdom Egypt Palace at Knossos -- Minoan Temple of Amon -- New Kingdom Egypt Persepolis -- Persia
the ideal byzantine church has which of the following components? a. Centralized plan and a dome on pendentives b. Clearly visible structure c. Clearly visible plan and centralized plan d. Centralized plan e. Dome on pendentives
a. Centralized plan and a dome on pendentives
What is the purpose of the basilica in Roman society?
administrative/magisterial
Name the open space or marketplace that was the center of public life in cities of ancient Greece
agora
Who wrote De re aedificatoria (On Building)?
alberti
minoan architecture is defined by which following statement? a. A highly ordered and axial architecture that reflects the political structure of the society, as well as the cycles of life. b. An architecture that is not heavily fortified and depicts the carefree and luxurious nature of its culture. c. An architecture that borrowed from elements from previous periods, but developed a construction method that allowed for new forms to be developed. d. An architecture that is highly refined and where each building is judged against other examples of the same norm.
b. An architecture that is not heavily fortified and depicts the carefree and luxurious nature of its culture.
name the city in which the ishtar gate was located
babylon
What is the type of window that allows sunlight to enter the nave of St. Peter's?
clerestory
taking advantage of what stone is good at, does an arch work only in tension or in compression?
compression
In which cardinal direction is the apse of an Early Christian church typically located?
east
In San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane and Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, what does Borromini use to develop the plans?
geometry rational geometry overlapping geometry interlocking geometry
name the proportional system that is defined as 1:1.618
golden section phi fibonacci sequence golden ratio golden mean
In the Four Corners area of the U.S., we see a shift away from the pyramids of ancient Mexico and South America. What is the space that these Anasazi communities are developed around?
kiva
What is the name for a prehistoric monument in the form of a single, large, upright stone?
menhir
Name the major elements of the mosque: ______ summons the faithful to prayer ______ is the large open inner courtyard ______ is the covered prayer hall ______ is the wall that is oriented in the direction of Mecca.
minaret sahn haram qibla
Describe Sixtus V's plan of Rome
modernize the city. -widens out the streets and to attempt to get out of the medieval style core - links widely scattered buildings together with a series of major avenues that are created by tearing down buildings and flattened landscape -The avenues connect major gates, churches, and monuments and government buildings. -the Infrastructure of Rome is improved with an aqueduct and the enhancement of the streets.
At the Piazza at St. Peter's, what does Bernini say the plan symbolizes?
motherly arms of the church
the three main components of an early christian basilica church plan are:
nave is the longitudinal space where the procession of the faithful takes place; apse is where bread and wine were transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ; and atrium was an exterior space reserved for the catechumens.
Name the triangular element used in the Byzantine period to transition between a square plan and a round dome.
pendentive
who was the architect of the mortuary temple of queen hatshepsut
senmut
When looking at Mayan architecture, what major building form do we see that we also saw in other cultures earlier in the class?
stepped pyramids
Describe the unique feature in the Great Mosque at Córdoba that lightens the sense of structure and adds a sense of mystery to the interior.
superimposed arches stacked arches
In the Campidoglio, Michelangelo uses false perspective to make the piazza seem square. What is the actual shape of the piazza?
trapezoid
What was the one material available in Italy that made concrete possible?
volcanic ash/pozzolana
Mauryan India and ancient China originally built with which two materials?
wood and mud
__________ is a building material that resists tensile stresses well. ________ is a material that resists compressive stresses well.
wood/steel concrete/stone
