Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Lorraine L. Lacuesta
Grade 10 - Molave
Submitted to:
Mr. Jerwin Icocruz
Teacher
Architecture
Architecture is probably the oldest fine arts. Certainly it is the most
useful and in some respects is a prerequisite for the other arts. The word
itself is from latin words:Latin architectura, from the Greek
arkhitekton, from - "chief" and "builder, carpenter, mason". Most
early sacred texts associate buildings with deities; architecture was not
only considered the highest art form, to which other arts were adornments,
but some buildings were viewed as representing another, higher realm. In
medieval illuminated manuscripts, God was frequently shown armed with
compasses and a masons square, as Architect of the Universe.
Architecture can be defined in at least four ways, all valid, all
interrelated, and none truly satisfactory. It is the art and method of erecting
structures; it is a planned entity, the result of a conscious act; it is a body
or corpus of work; it is a way to build. A good definition was provided by
the Roman architect Vitruvius in the 1st century AD and was translated
from the Latin into English during the 17th century by Sir Henry Wotton
(1568 - 1639). Vitruvius said that architecture was a building that
incorporated utilitas, firmitas, and venustas, which Wotton translated as
commodity, firmness, delight. This definition recognizes that
architecture embraces functional, technological and aesthetic
requirements: it must have commodity (utilitarian qualities), firmness
(structural stability and sound construction), and delight (attractive
appearance).
In relation to buildings, architecture has to do with the planning,
designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect
functional, technical, social, environmental, and aesthetic considerations.
It requires the creative manipulation and coordination of material,
technology, light and shadow. Architecture also encompasses the
pragmatic aspects of realizing buildings and structures, including
scheduling, cost estimating and construction administration. As
documentation produced by architects, typically drawings, plans and
technical specifications, architecture defines the structure and/or behavior
of a building or any other kind of system that is to be or has been
constructed.
History
Architecture is most readily grasped by studying its development in
successive historical periods, noting the general characteristics of each,
developmental of building techniques from one era to the next, and noting the
evolution of each successive architectural style. Following are brief summaries
of the ten major cultural epochs in Western architecture from ancient Egypt
and the Near East to the present time.
Because the history of architecture concerns buildings substantial enough
to survive (at least in part ) or important enough to be recorded in some way
(by drawings or written description), in practice it has been the history of
significant buildings-Castles, cathedrals and churches, temples, and major
institutional monuments.
The Study of Architecture
Just as the architect as a professional is a recent phenomenon, so too is
the evaluation of architecture itself. Not until the late 18th century did ancient
Greek and Roman architecture cease to be regarded as an unassailable criterion
of excellence throughout the Western world. Only when the hegemony of the
classical styles began to consider the whole of the subject. The traditional
approach was based on a closely observed study of architectural style, with
considerable emphasis on the differences of detail treatment from one country
to another.
Medieval Times
Gothic Architecture (1100 to 1450 AD )
Pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, flying buttresses, and other
innovations led to taller, more graceful architecture. Gothic ideas gave
rise to magnificent cathedrals like Chartres and Notre Dame.
Modern Era
Neoclassicism in Architecture (1730 to 1925 AD)
A keen interest in ideas of Renaissance architect Andrea
Palladio inspired a return of classical shapes in Europe, Great Britain
and the United States. These buildings were proportioned according
to the classical orders with details borrowed from ancient Greece and
Rome.
Art Nouveau Architecture (1890 to 1914 AD)
Known as the New Style, Art Nouveau was first expressed in
fabrics and graphic design. The style spread to architecture and
furniture in the 1890s. Art Nouveau buildings often have
asymmetrical shapes, arches and decorative surfaces with curved,
plant-like designs.
Beaux Arts Architecture (1895 to 1925 AD)
Also known as Beaux Arts Classicism, Academic Classicism, or
Classical Revival, Beaux Arts architecture is characterized by order,
symmetry, formal design, grandiosity, and elaborate ornamentation.
Neo-Gothic Architecture (1905 to 1930 AD)
In the early twentieth century, Gothic ideas were applied to
modern buildings. Gargoyles, arched windows, and other medieval
details ornamented soaring skyscrapers.
Art Deco Architecture (1925 to 1937 AD)
Zigzag patterns and vertical lines create dramatic effect on jazzage, Art Deco buildings. Interestingly, many Art Deco motifs were
inspired by the architecture of ancient Egypt.
Modernist Styles in Architecture (1900 to Present)
The 20th and 21st centuries have seen dramatic changes and
astonishing diversity. Modern-day trends include Art Moderne and
the Bauhaus school coined by Walter Gropius, Deconstructivism,