Book

This is a group book that shows a compilation of our work we

acquired during a precedent study. My portion of the book is the

section about the Tree House, by Mount Fuji architects starting on

page 28.

Power Point Presentation.

For Design Visualization class we were asked to construct a powerpoint that helped tell a story about the building we have been studying. My building is the Tree House by Mount Fuji Architects. I focused my powerpoint around telling how the house functions and how it is navigated through. The main themes discussed were the vertical, upward spiral construction of the house and how light and ceiling height helps distinguish between different rooms and the functions of the rooms.

Reading Comprehension 6.

[1] A common theme of the early twentieth century found in Roth, Harwood, and Massey set the tone for an understanding of styles in architecture and design influenced by fine art. Selecting either Arts + Crafts or Art Nouveau, TRACE the influences of the selected style in more than two nations. In your answer, you should include evidence from the readings and at least two annotated images as support for your analysis of influences. [15 POINTS POSSIBLE]

- Art Nouveau designers were concerned with not only the exterior, but the interior and every characteristic within the space as well. "To create a fully integrated and contemporary environment was the pivotal aim of the movement" (Massey 32-33). One huge characteristic of this period was the use of the free flowing line and curves. Additionally, new technological advancements such as the use of exposed metal framework in interiors defined this movement.

The influences of the Art Nouveau movement can be seen all over the world. In Brussels, Belgium the influence can be seen in the interior of the Tassel house. The use of slim iron columns in this space are something that has not been seen in Belgium until now. The glazed roof and the use of the small columns allow light to flow into the flowing space. The designer Victor Horta uses the free flowing line to create a continuous fluidity that connects the floors, walls, ceilings, and iron work.

France soon became influenced by the Art Nouveau movement as designers visited Brussels and became exposed to this new wave of design. The Castel Beranger apartments designed by Hector Guimard is a by product of Belgium Art Noueveau influence. Although much of the building was designed prior to meeting Victor Horta, designer Guimard was inspired by Horta's work and still incorporated as many details as he could that were reflective of what he saw in Brussels. The apartment complex contains the same fluid, continuous free flowing line. Additionally, throughout the building the use of thin iron is present as well as asymmetrical characteristics and ornament that is reflective of nature which are all elements of Art Nouveau.

Berlin, Germany is another place that Art Nouveau spread to. The Havana Tobacco Company cigar chop was designed by Van de Velde. The store is characterized by Art Nouveau influence but it also adapts a German style that differs to that seen in France. The store contains the similar curvature in a much more dramatic manner, and focuses on symmetry rather than France's asymmetrical approach.

Tassel House

Castel Beranger, Massey pg. 38

Havana Tobacco Company, Massey pg. 43

[2] Originating at the Bauhaus and in the work of LeCorbusier, the so-called Modern movement deeply influenced design and architecture of the twentieth century. The great debate raised by this new approach to design involved the presence of the machine in the design process and final products. SPECULATE about the implications of “machines for living” and the famous dictum “less is more” on design today. Use at least one ARTIFACT, SPACE, or BUILDING in your answer, providing a salient image (cited) and annotation to help bolster your argument. [10 POINTS POSSIBLE]

- The modern movement beginning in the 20th century was a turning point in history as architecture turned completely away from symbolic and religious meaning. This new point in time was seeking a whole new expression. The goal was to reduce architecture to something utilitatian that reflected the spirit of the machine age. Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe reflected on what architecture should resemble as he said, "...architecture being an expression of technical power" (Roth 526). There became a celebration of the machine, and factories even became a model for design. The simplistic, logical factors behind factory construction were viewed favorable as it satisfied the idea that "less is more." Spaces began to be designed with a purpose in mind, holding on to the idea that machines are for living.

The Apple store in New York City designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is a present day example of a building and space that was influenced by the ideas of the beginning modernists. Gropius had stated that architecture should be "...radiant and naked, unencumbered by lying facades and trickeries" (Roth 524). The Apple Store stays true to the beliefs of Gropius. The glass cube that sits above ground is made possible by the advancement in machinery and the use of glass. It speaks a message of transparency and honesty. The plan of the store is open, free flowing and highly functionally. The minimal use of materials and lack of ornamentation shows that less is really more and additionally it allows the apple products to speak for themselves. The products in themselves additionally are reflective of the idea that machines are part of everyday life.

Apple Store

Apple Products

[3] From the assigned pages in Roth, Harwood, and Massey, SELECT an image that you believe explodes the notion that Modern interiors and objects were black and white. Fully RENDER your own design exploration of that image through color, material, and light and appropriately annotate and cite the image to prove this point. [5 POINTS POSSIBLE]

- The Laroche House in Paris, France designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret is an example of an interior that is depicted as being black and white. The first two images are of the same place, and it appears that the environment is designed to be very clean with white washed walls. I was surprised to see how the interior actually is with walls exploding with color and very bright artwork.

Laroche House 1928, Harwood pg. 630

Reflections Summary.

Austin's essay flows smoothly as he discusses the different revolutions that take place across Europe and America as well as different competing design languages. I believe his choice in the image he provided gave me a new clear way of how to think of the reflections unit. He summarized the different 19th century design languages and how they were all different reflections of a similar language. He illustrated this analysis by comparing it to an Olympic diver and said, "Although his impact with the water is the same each time the journey from the diving platform to the water is never identical to the one before."

Justin additionally discusses the plethora of design languages that emerged during the 19th century. He discusses how design languages emerge so rapidly and they fade just as fast as each new language is competing with a whirlwind of others in order to establish some dominant voice. The image he chose for this unit additionally is a good visual representative for what was going on at this point in history. I actually had to enlarge the picture to be able to understand what the image really was of, and I think that the fog like Justin mentions, is exactly how people felt back when all these different design languages were blending together. All the languages merged together to form this mask that is hard to see through. He also relates this picture back to the influence of the Industrial revolution by saying, " Yet in the midst of this blended chaos, there is the dominance of the industry in the background, never letting go of its influence on design."

Daniel does a really great job comparing the Crystal Palace of the 19th century to the present day modern Guggenheim museum. He makes the connection that both buildings are considered modern for the time period in which they are built, yet what they house inside speaks very different languages. Both buildings are innovative models of their time, but they are also a vessel that houses artifacts that showcase all the different design revolutions of their times. By studying the buildings and what is inside, one can see all the revolutions and innovations that took place.

Alternatives Summary.

From reading Kacie's post on alternatives, she did an excellent job tying in the concepts from the unit and applying it to her personal life and the present day. Sometimes it can be easy to analyze past history, but being able to analyze how the past ties in with present day can be a little less obvious. Something else that I gained from her point was that designers can look to the past and create something new by altering, but even the alteration of the original design goes through alterations itself before the final product. So there is a continuous cycle of reflecting and altering. Her image of the walkman and present day ipod is a good illustration of reflection on a past design, but alternating it to better suit present day's societies' needs and wants.

Kayla also did a great job of using present day examples that tie in the idea with alterations. I also like the way she described how alternatives occur. Instead of intentionally altering something from the get go, she addressed that things eventually get altered across time when people copy something but tweak it just a tad. And if someone else copies the minor altered one, they too can alter it some, and eventually the alterations will be much different than the first. The image of the Digiorno's pizza is a great example of how pizza differs from its original form in Italy, and now how it has been altered as a frozen product made for convenience.

Blakeni does an excellent job summarizing the unit by showing how alterations occur over time by people manipulating the preexisting forms, and altering them to better suit the story they are trying to tell. She beautifully summarizes the alternatives units as she wrote, "And without rebellion and the option of other alternatives, architecture would not have evolved into what it is today." Her essay supports both the idea's of Kacie and Kayla that are without people taking risks and making alterations to tell a different story, we still would be stuck in the past and not have the technological advances that we do today.

Point: Reflections.

The reflections unit is about revolutions, revivals, cycles and reforms. Throughout various countries there was a period of time where there was an initial stepping out of the current design phase and suspending the rules for a while. After experimenting with different approaches to design, most of them faded out and would transition back into reflecting what was already a success in the past. People continue throughout time reflecting design languages of the past and reviving them. Beginning with Baroque, then moving into the American revolution, and ending with Japanisme and eastern influence, these different sections of time were all revolutions in themselves, yet each movement still echoed reflections of past designs.

The Baroque period was a major revolution. Not only was architecture influenced, but dress, music, furniture, art, and culture all echoed the qualities of the baroque. This period can be described as dynamic movement filled with emotion, drama, fluidity, rich ornamentation, applied surface decoration, layering, repetition, elegance, harmony, geometry, extravagance, emphasis, and holistic environments as well as many other characteristics. The Baroque period, although was different than anything prior, it was still a dramatic reflection of the renaissance. It was a rebirth of culture and focussed on using fluid movement and drama to evoke emotion. The Baroque period is a about a holistic environment where everything worked together to create this atmosphere of drama. The Baroque style had great influence on design and spread to Versailles where this style was used to create the holistically designed environment known as the Hall of Mirrors. This space embodies the characteristics that speak the message of power and authority. The hall of mirrors in Versailles uses filigree, mirrors, chandeliers, and light to reflect nature and light throughout the space to create an even more dramatic and dynamic environment.

Continuing with revolutions around the world, the American revolution of 1776 was also a revolution in design. America was divorcing from the homeland of England and trying to establish a voice of their own. When establishing the nation's capitol at Washington DC, it was imperative to exemplify that the country was capable of demonstrating knowledge and power. It was none other than classical Greek architecture that they chose to reflect in the nation's capitol. Even when the White house was burned down, and there was a chance to establish a design of their own, they still chose to revive that of Greek origin. State capitols all over America similarly are reflective of Greek revival. So although it was a major revolution and a separation from their homeland, they were still looking back and reflecting on the past.

Moving through time new building forms were emerging. Emphasis was not only put on tombs, churches, and residences, but now train stations, arcades. greenhouses, factories and exhibitions. The industrial revolution and the production of iron and glass aided in the ability for these new forms and shapes to emerge. Not only were new building forms emerging, but multiple design languages as well. The Crystal Palace housing the world's fair in 1851 was a reflection of classical Greek, but it housed goods that spoke languages of all sorts. The Crystal Palace held an exhibition where people could come and see products from all over the world. Objects from the east were easy to transport and were becoming very common in the west. A movement known as the Japanisme movement had a major influence on western art and architecture. The problem with the period subsequent to the Industrial revolution was that too many design languages were competing for a voice in the world, and interiors were becoming cultured with items that all spoke a different language. Because of one revolution, there was a need for another.

Through studying this section, I became much more aware of the cycle of revolutions and revivals. There was always a time where there was a new innovative idea, and the rules were suspended for a while, but eventually it would revolve back around into a similar starting position. A common theme that threads all of these different periods of time together is that all revolutions end up turning to what they know which is classical Greek and roman architecture. There were alternations to these foundational elements, but they still were reflecting back to the past.

Hall of Mirrors

White House

Crystal Palace

I believe the Crystal palace is a good summery for this unit. It was a product of the materials made available because of the industrial revolution. It was an innovative design and still reflected classical Greek architecture, however the interior spoke many different languages as it housed goods from the east. This is an example of a movement within a movement.

Clock.

I chose to do 2-D space for my clock. I felt the Laurentian Library Vestible by Michalangelo Buonarroti is an exceptional space that adapted classical Greek architecture and transformed it into a space that speaks a language of knowledge and exploration.

Reading Comprehension 5.

[1] From the Roth, Harwood, and Massey readings, select an ARTIFACT you believe to represent revolution in design. SPECULATE about the type of revolution this artifact symbolizes. Supplement your answer with a beautifully hand renderedimage of the artifact you selected, citing source and page on your image. [10 POINTS POSSIBLE]

- The Industrial Revolution is an incredible turning point in history. With the use of machinery, materials and products were now widely accessible. The Industrial Revolution was a stepping out of the box. Although the industrial revolution was an undeniable powerful contribution to society, the design language or rather, lack of a specific design language led to interior spaces that were crowded and spoke too many different design languages. The availability and connivence of products resulted in interiors that were cluttered with goods. Out of the frustration of the cluttered design language that was being spoken at the time, John Ruskin along with Carlyle and Pugin began another revolution in response to the Industrial Revolution. Ruskin's desire was to bring back a focus on hand craftsmanship. "Ruskin's rejection of mass-produced furniture and his advocacy of design from the past influences a whole generation of writers and designers, most notably the socialist, designer and founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, William Morris (1834-96)" (Massey 10). William Morris "...believed strongly that good design could only be produced by men and women working creatively with their hands" (Massey 12). This movement stripped away and simplified design and celebrated the use of hand crafting. Although perhaps the arts and craft movement did not have much of an influence in America or Europe, it sparked an awareness and a need to determine what exactly qualified as good design. The Arts and Craft movement was a starting point from which Art Nouveau would emerge.

The artifact I chose was a craftsman armchair. The armchair is simple, rhythmic, rectilinear, and the joinery is exposed to acknowledge that the piece was crafted by hand. It reclines as well and is often referred to as the Morris Chair, as it "...is based on the English Arts and Crafts version produced by William Morris and his firm" (Harwood 474).

[2] Using the internet, LOCATE and ANALYZE an image for an ARTIFACT, a SPACE, a BUILDING, and a PLACE, drawing the idea of eastern influences as understood by nineteenth-century minds (China, Japan, India, Middle Eastern) on western design and architecture. Each answer must include an appropriately annotated and cited image in addition to a well-crafted essay to defend your choice of each image and the ways (more than one) that the material item responds to design influences from the east. [20 POINTS POSSIBLE]

Western art was greatly impacted by the eastern influences of Japan. Trade during the 19th century allowed for Japanese artifacts to circulate throughout America and Europe. Now that these artifacts were locally available, artists began looking to them for inspiration and drew many influences and techniques from these artifacts. This artifact by the American artist Bertha Lum, resembles many characteristics native to Japan. Not only is the paper she used Japanese, but the technique as well. The print making technique known as color woodcut is used here. Additionally, this painting embodies other characteristics

of Japanese influence like the lack of perspective, more flat surfaces filled with color, and the focus of the painting is off center.

Rain by Bertha Lum 1908

The Royal Pavilion is characteristic of Indian design influence. India and China had close relationships with Britain and therefor Britain was greatly influenced by eastern countries architecture. This exotic, fantasy structure is built in the Indo-Saracenic style which is characterized by influences from Islam, Indian architecture. The Royal Pavilion that was built during the 19th century as a royal residency is truly breathtaking as it bares striking resemblance, both inside and out, to palaces found in India.

Royal Pavilion *

The Peacock Room is all inclusive of China's eastern design influence. The designer James Whistler was consumed with the culture and sought to bring the eastern culture within. Woodcut paintings are featured on the walls, framed by delicate gold framework. The framework that aligns the frame also holds porcelain ceramics he had collected over time from China. Whistler was an advocate for the aesthetic movement in which he believed the interior should be filled with beautiful things and as a result, life would be beautiful as well. Every surface of the room is carefully thought about. All decoration and ornamentation comes together in unity to create an interior that is reflective of Chinese influence.

Peacock Room *

All over America and England are gardens and landscapes inspired by Japanese influence. The Garden at Hillwood is an example of a place that adapted eastern influence. Elements seen in Japan like stuppas, lanterns and statues become the focal point of the garden as it is surrounded by shrubbery that would be found in Japan. This garden, as well as any other garden influenced by Japan, is very tranquil and every element of nature works together to create an atmosphere of peace and enjoyment.

Garden at Hillwood *

Collectively artifacts, spaces, buildings, and spaces underwent transformation beginning in the 1900's when Eastern products made their way to the west. The World's Fair in London held an exhibition in which people could come and experience culture from all over the world under one roof. With products readily available, eastern influence spread throughout the western world and that influence is still carried out through the world today.

*other resources

Perspective

For my perspective, I chose to use the term perspective pertaining to a view or prospect. I chose to show the architect of Amien's Cathedral and portray his ideas of what the cathedral would look like and symbolize; heavenward, verticality, geometric shapes and repetition.