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.