Foundations Unit Summary

(Foundation) The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.

In this unit of Foundation it was essential that we learned the first forms of architecture by mankind. In every established structure a foundation must be set firmly for it to flourish. We began with studying Stonehenge which lead to Egypt where the concept translation and scale arose. Following Egyptian architecture was Greek and Roman structures, in which we studied hierarchy and presence. Through commodity firmness and delight all three must be present for a structure to be good architecture and not only art. Within the foundations unit the main themes set a base for the next units to come.

During our study of Stonehenge the development of structure was the first recognizable form of architecture. Using patterns of circles and finding a way to lift tons of weight vertically was amazing for their time. Which clearly shows why Stonehenge is still a world wonder. The translation of the message Stonehenge is sending us can be interpreted in many ways. Stonehenge sets the base for the proceeding development of design.

Egyptian architecture is renown for it’s massive scale. The Pyramids of Giza are great examples of masculine architecture. The scale of the pyramids gets the concept of power across clearly. Their visibility beyond the vast flat land shows their importance. These perfectly symmetrical forms engulf the land around them setting boundaries. These boundaries are done through scale, the lustrous finish is blinding, and in conclusion they are designed with traps on the interior. Another prime example of boundaries within Egypt are the guards lined up against the Temple of Hatshepsut. The temple is considered feminine architecture being more flat, and incorporated into the earth and backdrop.

Greek architecture is developed among the landscape. Its beautiful structures are perfectly placed among the Acropolis. The hierarchy of the Parthenon is clearly visible being it is the center of attention among the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Athena Nike. Order is another rule of the Greeks. This is shown through their development of structure and columns. Starting from the Doric, to the Ionic, and leading into the Corinthian the columns are a prime example of Greek progression. They found a way to make the structure visibly appealing by spacing and curving of the columns.

Roman architecture is a beautifully developed style. This is because it’s architecture had a foundation to build from, pulling ideas from the East and West in the development of the Empire. A prime example is the Pantheon it’s façade has columns on the outside, on the interior is a central dome with an oculus at the center. This importance of light and visibility of the sky and god plays a major role within the design. Later developed was the Gothic style cathedrals. The beautiful hierarchy and verticality illuminated throughout the church. The strong presence of the spirit of Christ among the commoners echoed through the beautiful stained glass windows down the nave onto the altar.

Throughout time the architecture developed at a steady rate. The great foundation of it all brought us to the development of new ideas. How to build better, higher, stronger and faster. Commodity, firmness and delight is a guideline for these structures. The function of the building, how well does it withstand and how appealing these structures are. Learning about foundations during this unit I was able to understand the process of creation for architecture. Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture truly support the three main rules they all served a purpose, they outlasted thousands of generations and they are all greatly appealing even in the 21st century.

Picture found at http://www.city.quintewest.on.ca/photos/boulder2.jpg