Test 2: Chapters 17-19
Why was a "high-tech" construction system used in the glass and metal buildings (train stations, exhibit halls) that served London or Paris? How were these buildings evaluated by architects of the period?
Engineers explored designs that were purely structural About vision; seeing is a key part
Japanese art and architecture --especially of the Edo period--became a major source of inspiration for reform minded westerners in the years after 1870. What visual and formal aspects of Japanese architecture did they admire and why?
Post-impressionism, the symbolism with it (the character of something generating a specific response) Planar qualities, asymmetry, spareness, "Tokonama" (a couple objects grouped together to decorate) Spareness and Tokonama was the opposite of what was encouraged at the time Art was becoming more a part of decoration
What role did the disciplinary techniques of architecture and architectural history play in the colonial project in India and North Africa? In other words, how did the documentation and classification of indigenous buildings contribute to colonial governance?
Architects and artists were fascinated with indigenous cult Study trips were common and traditional casbah of Algiers was well known in Paris Few efforts to employ knowledge in new design before 1900 But it informed a romanticized "orienntalist" view of muslim world that prevailed in French culture
How does Schinkel's Altes Museum show a philosophically informed historicist approach to architecture's role in society?
Art museum built in collaboration with a philosopher (Hambault) Greek Art; intended to educate the public on the beauty and role of art in society; Seen as most beautiful Became an educational collection; Elevate their sensibility, Forging a shared identity and culture based on art, Take in a historical process with a creation of a panoramic view
What were some of the main characteristics of British governance in India after 1857? How does the invention of the "Indo-Saracenic" style relate to the goals of the British colonial regime?
Dissolved the East India Company, British took advantage and dominated sub-continents, British rule became more extensive Indo-saracenic synthesized the traditions of Indian architecture; Hinduism and Islam- it unified India under British control
How are the principles of the arts and crafts movement reflected in the work of Morris, Webb, or Voysey?
Morris: left his career as painter to focus on textile and furniture design, wanted to bring art into people's lives Webb: moved away from elaborate forms of high style gothic and emphasized simple forms designed from vernacular traditions Voysey: known for houses and applied artwork; spare forms that emphasize simple geometries, simplicity
What are some of the defining characteristics of the Queen Anne and Shingle styles of house design?
Queen Anne: series of decorative fads that form the group style we call Victorian: Attempt at domestic reform, Less formal way of life Hearth, wall, platform, roof; grouping of windows, irregular and picturesque massings of gables and chimneys, varied material (brick and wood), shingles (expensive feature)
How does Viollet-le-Duc's appreciation of Gothic differ from Ruskin's? What implications does this difference have for his views on the "right" style of architecture for the 19th century?
Ruskin viewed Gothic architecture as the best because it allowed room for improvisation and showed individual craftsmanship; possessed the "wildness" he wanted Viollet-le-Duc believed architecture should be focused on methods and materials as well as having a connection to the goals of society; Gothic did this with the structural visibility and link to religious goals of the time Viollet believed the modern world should have its own modern style rather than becoming a hodge podge
What did Louis Sullivan mean by the phrase "Form follows Function"? How does it apply to his designs for office buildings? How is his thinking related to the principles of Gottfried Semper?
Showing the life of the building to the people; not just the mechanics In office buildings; divides function visibly, categorized by purpose Semper: move away from historical architecture and create a form relevant to the culture
What is eclecticism? What is a good example of a building's style being chosen according to eclectic principles?
The choice of what style to use for a particular building depends partly on the wishes of the client, but even more on the symbolic and historical associations attached to the style Ex. A Gentleman's Club; social space for the ruling class of society
What were the main characteristics of Ruskin's ideal of "truth" in architecture? How is his theory a critique of industrial society and industrial methods of production?
The suggestion of a mode of structure or support, other than necessary: Unless needed-not used, Structure shown Painting of surfaces to represent a material: Decorate with art- not other forms of architecture Cast and machine made ornaments: Human labor and care is lost Causing authenticity to be lost With industrial production: Lost care of creation, Over ornamentation, No creative expression, Missing the "wildness"
