Unit 6: Architecture
In this unit, we explore architecture, its history, and its relation to visual art. Architecture is the art and science of designing structures and spaces for human use. Architectural design is an art form realized through considerations of spatial design and aesthetics. Related to sculpture, architecture creates three-dimensional objects that serve human purposes and form visual relationships with the surrounding areas.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- explain how the form of architecture affects the use of a structure;
- describe traditional and modern styles of architecture and the effects of the Industrial Revolution on architecture;
- explain how architecture acts as a reflection of culture;
- describe how new "green" technologies are changing architecture and design; and
- describe recent periodizations of architectural history during the past century.
6.1: What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art and science of designing structures and spaces for human use. Architectural design is an art form in itself realized through considerations of spatial design and aesthetics.
- View
Since buildings support human functions, their forms usually demand different approaches to their design of structure. For example, in the past, cathedrals incorporated tall ceilings to maximize the amount of outside light penetrating their interior spaces to create a heavenly presence. Achieving this effect required new inventions, such as vaulted ceilings and flying buttresses. Similarly, central train stations, built with iron trusses and skylights, were designed to accommodate many tracks and trains for the thousands of passengers who use them on a daily basis. Their busy lives required convenient and frequent travel between cities. The forms of architecture typically serve the functions they accommodate, and designers seek out optimal structures that support their function.
6.2: Traditional Methods and Materials
Since prehistory, people have manipulated the materials in their local environment to create expressive dwelling places.
- View
Read this text, which introduces traditional architectural methods and materials.
6.3: Architecture in China and East Asia
When we travel to other countries, we are often impressed with how different buildings look based on their geographic location. These differences indicate the cultural backdrop that framed how and why they were created. While their general functions may be similar – for worship, military defense, education, work, or housing – the uniqueness of cultures means their architecture displays unique forms that are well-suited to their cultural environment – forms that distinguish them from those produced elsewhere.
- View
This article is an introduction to Chinese and East Asian architecture.
6.4: Cross-Cultural Influences
Comparative analysis of art looks carefully for similarities and differences in similar art forms across different cultures. For example, you might compare the art on temples in Hindu and Buddhist cultures or compare Christian churches with Jewish synagogues. We can analyze any cultural artifact for similarities and differences in various cultural contexts, such as textile patterns, paintings, sculptures, or films.
- View
We can make verifiable statements about formal qualities, such as materials and methods used or their perceptual effects. Moving beyond this, you might seek patterns, such as when one culture influences another through trade or migration. We often find common archetypes in images and narrative artifacts from a diversity of cultural sources. However, it is important to remain grounded in evidence and not leap to conclusions that may reflect personal or cultural biases.
This article presents several examples of how the migration and interaction of peoples from different cultures have affected architecture.
6.5: Architecture and the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution (1760–1840) prompted new needs and capabilities for architecture and infrastructure. During this period, workers adopted new techniques, and the ability to mass-produce building components created new possibilities for steel-based frames and concrete that would radically increase the scale of built structures. These buildings were inherently different from those that were previously built out of stone or wood and assembled with much less technological apparatus.
- View
Steel and reinforced concrete meant spans could be larger, loads could be heavier, and more forceful stresses withstood. Contemporary architects and designers wanted to fully embrace new materials and methods. For better or worse, many refused to remain tied to forms based on earlier technologies and deemed traditional styles of ornament and decoration unsuitable.
Read this text, which discusses the changes that took place in architecture during the Industrial Revolution.
6.6: Modern Architecture: A New Language
Modernist architects rejected the ornament and decorative elements past historical styles had adopted. Rather, they embraced the use of contemporary materials and methods to create a style dissociated from the past which addressed the present. A popular Modernist idea was that homes should be like "machines for living".
- View
Take your time to reflect on the concepts this article discusses.
6.7: Post-Modern and Contemporary Architecture
Postmodern architects rebelled against the austerity and rationality of modernist architecture. They believed architecture should use symbols and ornament that played with cultural ideas – implementing them with less seriousness and gravitas than earlier movements, such as neoclassical and neo-gothic architecture. This allowed them to reincorporate the world's architectural heritage into contemporary building design. They often fused ornamental and symbolic aspects with modernist design, so buildings could still fulfill their functional roles.
- View
Read this introduction to some of today's architectural movements.
6.8: Green Architecture
Green architecture incorporates ecologically and environmentally sustainable practices into site preparation, materials, energy use, and waste systems.
A building is a system. We may think of them as structures, offices, or homes, but they support human activity by assembling several functions that address a variety of human needs. Typical building systems include heating, cooling, lighting, ventilating, and powering, and may include recycling rainwater or supporting a living roof. Each of these systems involves methods and technologies we can trace to the origins of architecture. However, today's more ecologically-informed era would deem most of these systems unsustainable. Green or sustainable design looks for new ways and approaches that minimize the harmful environmental impact of traditional building systems.- Make forum posts: 1
Research and explain three examples of sustainable technologies and green architecture. These could include energy production sources, architectural design, engineering, or urban planning models.
What are your reactions to these examples? What is the context surrounding them? For example, how will they be used? What are the costs involved? Will they replace or interact with existing designs? Do you think there are good sustainable alternatives to traditional design?
Click on Discussion Topic 10 to post your thoughts. After posting your response, you can leave a reply to the posts of your classmates as well.
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.