Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Changes in the Ancient Rome - Assignment Example

SUMMARIES AND REFLEXIVE JOURNALS By (Name) Course Professor’s Name University City (State) Date SUMMARIES AND REFLEXIVE JOURNALS Part 1: Summaries Week 1 This presentation talks about the developments that have taken shape from the Neolithic people who were mainly nomadic, to the adoption of the western architectural style. Looking at the construction of Ancient Mesopotamia in terms of urban planning, to the use of stone building in Egypt tombs and temples and the hydraulic developments of the Greeks and Romans, it shows that the process was clearly articulated throughout. There was then the Romanesque style, followed by the renaissance that led to the Baroque and the Gothic style that created a classical architectural way of self-expression. The beaux Arts, a French style adopted in America and Australia was followed by the Art Nouveau stylein 19th century just before the taking off of modernism in the 20th century relying on a pure form of architecture. The 20th and 21st century hence settles and identified the post modernism era that the architectural world is in today. Week 2 This week was an analysis focusing on the transition from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the changes effected in the ancient Rome. The area covers the ruins of the Ishtar, the replacement by the lighthouse of Alexandria and the division of dynasties that ruled the Egypt and Rome. Further, it looks at critical characteristics of the pyramid and how it was constructed before the invasion by Alexander the great who brought bigger changes to Egypt as well as introduced new culture. The organization and construction by the romans is also discussed in depth with a slight analysis of both ancient Greece and Rome. Week 3 This week analyzes the construction of the new capital of the Roman Empire under EmperorConstantine. Likewise, it addresses the rise of the Ottoman Turks Empire. The analysis also looks at of the early Christians and their practices and the transition of Hagia Sophia which was one of the largest constructions of the time. The influence of the Romans on Middle East architecture is criticized as well as the introduction of the renaissance era that brought greater changes to architectural designs. Week 4 This week looks at the industrial revolution age, the societal changes and the changes in practice that led to further classification of architecture and engineering. The differences between the ancient buildings and the interrelation to the new era are addressed. The scholars that came up as well as the painters romanticize this era as a time when the architecture of the past was intriguing and inspiration. Overall, it identifies the new additions to building constructions and the other building materials that are used in the course of construction. Week 5 The modernism and post modernism era are the key areas in this discussion. The building materials and styles are more sophisticated and the architects are portrayed as individual minds. The main thins in this analysis is the complete transition from the ancient ways to a high tech way of construction. This is because of the complexities, the higher skyscrapers, the better technology and better building techniques. This area addresses architecture of the 20th and 21st century in depth and shows the complete differentiation with the ancient times. Part 2: Reflexive journals Week 1 In my opinion, the construction of buildings by the Neolithic people was mainly temporary and solely for the purpose of housing and shelter. This means that the structures were adaptive to this lifestyle hence the lightness, durability and portability. Ancient Mesopotamia on the other hand started the earliest form of urban planning by the creation of a courtyard building that ensured utilization of space and resources. On the other hand, the Ancient Egyptians and their remarkable constructions of stone buildings in deserts ensured that the stone use could withstand any weather changes hence favorable to their culture for tombs and houses. Similarly, the Greek architecture largely influenced the romans to the constructions of open air theatres provided centers for entertainment such as the arenas for fighting gladiators. Romans are also the fore runners in the establishment of hierarchy and governance and hence superiority to rule most of Europe at the time. From my understanding, it is clear that however much the influence of the roman architecture was to the Middle East however,the Islamic religion disallowed certain architectural structures which were altered to adopt Arabic styles. Another common style still in existent today, is the Gothic style which is best seen in cathedrals to simulate certain cultures, believes and expressions.It is certain that the Renaissance in Italy itself encouraged tradition and the development of further advancement in art and architecture such as the ornate and theatrical Baroque style that cultivated supremacy of the church. These features are still present in many churches today and hence the revival of the Gothic era which was intended to fight against industrialization. The French culture through the Beaux Arts Style also has significant changes in Australia and USA which slowly inspired the onset of Nouveau Art that began the harmonization between the environment and the buildings leading to the pure modernization era. Post modernism era is where experts try out the most challenging and chaotic era that attempts to deconstruct buildings to unimaginable styles that would not have been possible without technological advancement Week 2 The in depth analysis of Egypt which goes deeper into the analysis is able to explain certain important aspects concerning the pyramids. First, the explanation that the stone pyramids such as the Mastaba Tomb was so as to ensure the comfort of the dead and the steps were to “assist Pharaoh’s spirit upwards.” In addition to this, the stability of the pyramids is explained by inclination of the angles, the redness of the pyramids by the oxidation effect of the limestone and the rough edges as the effects of it being hand structured. The Greek architecture brought about by Alexander the Great in some way fortified the graves. The Egyptian and Roman eras are closely related hence the analysis the architecture designs under the rulers of both. One of the greatest architectural designs in Ancient Rome was the construction of the arcs, the barrel vault, the more complex groin vault, the hydraulics, and the concrete. The Pantheon is one of such buildings that adopted some of these styles and has been an inspiration for many others Week 3 Istanbul, which is the capital of Turkey, replaced this name in 1923. The Romans faced challenges before the Turks took oversuch as the invention of the Horse shoe that made travelling easier, money lootingand lead poisoning that made the area very toxic.The building construction ensured that the early Christians who did not believe in cremation and other paganism practices symbolized by Roman churches were addressed. Looking at the Byzantine architecture, it is certain that it contains a mixture of Roman architecture fused with Middle Eastern influences. The changes to theHagia Sophia from when it was constructed, then it became a church, a mosque and later a museum in 1935 explains the styles in the structure. The geometric arabesque patterns are the Islamic approved styles as in theDamascus Mosque. Other buildings that continued to come up adopted theRomanesque and Gothic aspects and the greater furnishing of the Renaissance era. Week 4 This was the industrial age that created a clear distinction between and architect and a civil engineer as itwas calm and many people could travel, and learn different cultures. Schools were created and they made it possible to distinguish those responsible for infrastructure and building construction.The structures adopted were much simpler now, more stable and with a great view of interior design as seen in Rococco. As this was a period of ushering in societal reforms and other scientific factors, more effort was spent on inventions of items and incorporation of other components such as chimneys. From the article, it is clear that many scholars at this time began to visit ancient Ruins and publish about them, such as Pompeii and Egypt. Painters such as Giovanni drew a lot of. In some cases, many countries realized the interest that ancient buildings drew and resorted to constructing new buildings in the same manner. This freedom of the industrial era encouraged the revival of the old structures and the discovery of new materials for construction such as iron and steel as seen in the construction of the Eiffel Tower. Week 5 In my evaluationthis era was more environmental friendly and ensured sustenance and closeness to necessary infrastructure such as roads. The Prairie style was an example of such a style which incorporated the low pitched roof, the central chimney, an open floor plan, and overhanging leaves. The new churches departed from the old ways of using the cross formation to wider selection. The conditioning, windows and gates were made of newer materials and innovative designs of the era and other people such as Antonio Gaudi deviated from tradition to come up with his own style. Modernism on other other hand is completely different because, it is a new look at architecture with the help of technology and better knowledge on balance and stability. Due to industrial revolution, countries that adopted modernism faster in the construction of industries and business were much ahead, such as England in Europe. In post modernism,the skyscrapers became bigger, the house structures more complex such that it could be a building in the shape of anything. The high tech structures and styles overall are able to capture enlightening aspects of an area as well as showcase elegance in urbanization. Read More