Around 4,000 B.C., larger towns and cities began to appear all over. With the confidence of secured food and shelter, humans were finally able to apply their energy to more complex inventions and the arts. One of the first places with this higher level of complexity was Egypt. Located in the heart of the Nile River Valley, architecture took on a completely new meaning. Instead of the basic structures to simply provide shelter, it now helped distinguish different classes of people, portray power and intimidation, and provide religious purposes.
Being located along the Nile River, the civilization was exposed to intense sunlight, minimal rainfall, and little variation in temperatures. This climate highly influenced the design aspects of the Egyptian architecture, like the flat roofs, outdoor spaces, window placements, and roof ventilation systems.
There was a limited availability of local timber, so woods like, ash, yew, ebony, and boxwood, were transported from Lebanon in addition to the scarce acacia, palm, and sycamore. Wood and stone were used in combination to create post and beams as mud to construct walls or brick. The vegetation of the Nile River was inspiration for decorative schemes and symbolic connotations. The materials typically represented were lotus blossoms, palm, and open papyrus plants. The carving of these natural elements provided a spiritual and aesthetic decoration.
All aspects of Egyptian life and style were heavily influenced by natural elements and religious beliefs. Ceilings displayed patterns of plant and wildlife while furniture was more generally based upon religion. Colors ranged depending on the area in which they were being applied. Floors were typically about much more subdued than those applied to the walls. Walls were painted with intense hues such as dado yellow and black and accentuated with religious figures. A common style that was also applied to walls were fresco paintings.
Some common architecture techniques found in Egyptian style were the house arrangements. Lower classes in the hierarchy were found to be living in a Craftsman's Residence which consisted of a reception, bedroom, and kitchen. Persons of higher status were most likely reside in a Country Villa. These homes contained the same basics as the Craftsman's Residence but with living rooms, bathrooms, store rooms, vestibules, and porches.
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All aspects of Egyptian life and style were heavily influenced by natural elements and religious beliefs. Ceilings displayed patterns of plant and wildlife while furniture was more generally based upon religion. Colors ranged depending on the area in which they were being applied. Floors were typically about much more subdued than those applied to the walls. Walls were painted with intense hues such as dado yellow and black and accentuated with religious figures. A common style that was also applied to walls were fresco paintings.
Some common architecture techniques found in Egyptian style were the house arrangements. Lower classes in the hierarchy were found to be living in a Craftsman's Residence which consisted of a reception, bedroom, and kitchen. Persons of higher status were most likely reside in a Country Villa. These homes contained the same basics as the Craftsman's Residence but with living rooms, bathrooms, store rooms, vestibules, and porches.
Current Applications:
Peer Reviews:
Additional Links!
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