The Americas

History:

Unlike most architectural and design styles that emerged in Europe, the American civilizations were not influenced by other previous styles. Since they were initially isolated from outside cultures, ancient American cultures were a completely new breed of design techniques and forms. The most common locations of these Mesoamerican people were the humid tropical low lands or the mountains where extreme climate shifts occurred.

While there were four main civilizations that made up the American design style, the Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, and Olmecs, they all shared a strong common belief in their polytheistic religions. Ceremonial centers were the pivotal point of a city. Temples were arranged throughout towns in order to provide spatial orientation. The pyramids weren't constructed for directional purpose or orientation, but to call attention to the gods and their powers. These pyramids were signs of praise and honor. With these religions, all came the heavily relied upon human sacrifice.

The Olmecs, also known as the "rubber people" were the first major civilization who reigned from 2000 B.C. to 200 B.C. They were highly renowned for their realistic artwork, jaguar symbolization, and sculptures created from jade. The people of this society were extremely intelligent that they created the first calendar in the western hemisphere as well as a hieroglyphic form of writing. La Venta was the first temple focused city. The town consisted of a ball court, the Great Pyramid of Earth, several smaller pyramids, burial grounds, and the giant stone head sculptures.

One of the most spectacular sites in the Olmec ancient history is Teotihucuan.  Meaning "place of the gods," a two mile stretch of street runs down the middle. At one end lies the Pyramid of the Sun and at the opposite, the Pyramid of the Moon. The stretch that runs down the middle was known as the Street of the Dead. The city was laid out in a grid system. There were no city walls which lead to believe that these were immensely powerful people with no outside enemies. This adds to the mystery of why the culture was a sudden disappearance.

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:
Jackson: I really like how Jackson broke down the America's into sub-categories and really examined each individual civilization. I thought her examples were super cool, especially the foundation system that mimics Machu Picchu.
Miryam: I thought that current applications that Miryam found were a good way to show a modern twist on the America style, specifically the twisting sculpture in the lobby.
Additional Links!

Gothic

History:

The Gothic style of design emerged from the city of Paris during the climax of the Black Plague and series of other world events in Europe. Churches began to become the center of daily life and therefore the competitions among the construction between cathedrals increased tremendously. Knighthood, chivalry, and artisans guilds also became increasingly popular.

With the fear of the Black Plague taking over Europe, the importance of the church and religion became ever more evident. The praise of the pope increased due to the promise of God's influence so wealth and authority was highly evident in the church. Worshipers flocked in order to seek protection from the horror's of the world. With the influx of new followers the size of churches also began to expand. Relics of saints were commonly replaced with adoration of the Virgin Mary. The heart motifs was strongly relevant throughout Gothic design styles.

Gothic designs were the production of the previously dominant Romanesque styles and the bridge to the creation of Renaissance. Some of the most important features that were taken away from the Gothic era were the pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress.

Most of the Romanesque's floor plans and structural components were evident in Gothic Cathedral designs, like the Latin cross path. There were chapels radiating from the apse and large stained glass windows upon the multiple tall walls. The heavily used vertical lines gave off the impression of modern day skyscrapers. High vaults commonly found in these cathedrals created new demands and therefore the ribbed vault was created. Arches were now pointed unlike the previous rounded style found in the Romanesque. One of the most defining features of the era was the flying buttress. All of this was meant to transcend a earthly experience.

Styles of the Gothic cathedral did vary from region to region. The French were the first to introduce the flying buttress with Notre Dame at Cartes. England's churches were lower and longer which was apparent in the Wells Cathedral. Germany was also similar to the French but with larger towers. Spain had wider and more complex cathedrals and Italy was well known for its use of polychromic decoration.

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:
Mackenzie: I really like how with each of her design characteristics that she mentioned, she incorporated a very supporting image to provide visual support. I also thought the additional link about the Gothic style home was a very unique way of showing how the style is still prevalent.
Emma: I like how she focused more on comparing and contrasting the Gothic style in several countries like France, England, Germany, and Spain.

Additional Links!
This a documentary about some of the greatest cathedrals in history ever built.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH3lymFaTwU

Romanesque

History:

The Romanesque style was initially created in 800 A.D. from Italy and Southern France. During this time Charles the Great was the reigning emperor of the Roman Empire. Some of his main focuses were the education of arts and learning of his people all while building schools and monasteries. Under his rule architecture grew astronomically, specifically because of the strong religious movements. He encourage the use of new technology when building his Roman structures. Nearly 1,600 churches were built between 1000 and 1100 A.D. The most significant style of these churches was the great abbey churches. With the influx in church structures, pilgrimages to Christian shrines were initiated. The Romanesque church design initially arose during the Early Christian era. While the basic basilica structure was still predominant, the nave, transept, and apse were simply modified in order to accommodate more people. These designs also began to incorporate semicircular arches and vaults.

Churches' lighting also improved drastically throughout the new churches. Colors like greens, blues, purples, and golds covered the interiors as well as richly decorated tapestries. Gilded statues were placed throughout churches underneath roofs constructed of masonry instead of wood. The bibles and chalices were made of gold, silver, or ivory and embellished with rubies, sapphires, pearls, and emeralds. 

In 1118, St. Bernard established a monestary at Fontenay in Burgandy, France. Some of the produced goods were wool and iron. It was a center of religious and economic forces. The appearance of the structure was Austere and the walls were predominately blank with slightly painted nave arcades. 

While most of the church buildings are still standing and most are still being used, residential homes are not. Churches were constructed to last because of their heavy and hardy materials wood, mud, and twigs. These floors did not provide very much warmth or light. The floors were typically made of dirt which contributed to it commonly being wet and drafty. These homes were also prone to catching on fire which many did not typically survive. 

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:

The first blog I read was Nicole's. I really like the one photo she found that shows a side by side comparison of all the major architectural components that define the Romanesque style. I really like the current example's, especially the bedroom one.
Next I read Jackson's blog and I thought it was interesting how she used her current applications as concert halls and mega churches. 

Additional Links!

This video examines the development and alternations that characterize Romanesque architecturla styles.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSiD5Jinpuw

Islamic Design

History:

Islamic design was focused around the teachings and ways of Mohammed. The style spread drastically over several regions in Africa, Europe, and Asia. What is most unique about this style is that there was a great variety depending upon the region in which is was found in it. Mohammed's farm was the first prototype for the Mosque, the Islamic's religious house of worship. The main features of a mosque were the perimeter wall, covered hall of columns, and a courtyard. Mosques' initial purposes were to come and pray for Allah.

One variation of Islamic design was Persian architecture. In Istanbul, Turkey, which was originally Constantinople, stands the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed. Constructed between 1609 and 1617, this structure also known as the "Blue Mosque," has a single main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The patterns found through this mosque originated from textiles. There are over 20,000 handmade tiles, 200 stained glass windows, and over fifty different tulip designs. Geometric and non-representational dominates the decor design.

In Delhi, India the Taj Mahal is the prime example of Islamic design in the region. The Muslims established Delhi as the Islamic capitol in the early twelfth century, so its location was more than appropriate. The ruler of this time was Mughal and he had a significant influence over the building initiatives including residential and secular buildings. The structure was completed in sixteen years between 1632-1648 C.E. as a resting place for his wife. It is one of the most iconic buildings and its highly recognized for white dome marble mausoleum. What isn't well known is that it wasn't built of solid marble, but in fact brick with a marble veneer.

Spain's Islamic design was a fusion between European and Islamic design practices. The Great Mosque of Cordoba reflects the design styles of this region. It used a hypostyle form of architecture.An even more renowned display of Islamic design is the Alhambra Palace. This large palace and fortress displays horseshoe arches, ogival arches, muqarnas-filled niches, and muqarnas domes. It was designed by Ahmar between 1250-1360 C.E.

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:
This first blog that I read was Cally's. Her blog was extremely well organized. I like how she broke down all the different areas and elaborated on them. The modern examples were phenomenal, especially the one with the Star of David design.
The next blog I read was Miryam's. She focuses more on the architectural components in her blog which is apparent in her current design applications.

Additional Links!
This video is a collaborative slide show of various Islamic architectural design applications.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv6NSjbrY6Q

Byzantine 330 - 1453 CE

History:

The Byzantine Empire was the longest political entity in Europe, standing from 330-1453 CE. The designs were still highly influenced by religion and secular leadership, but unlike Early Christian designs, it became more incorporated with Eastern Europe cultures than Western. There were also splashes of Greek and Orient characteristics found throughout Byzantine architecture and interiors. The sudden increase in popularity was due to when Emperor Justinian came to power. In order to follow in his successor's past achievements, Justinian began building series of churches all over the Empire in order to unify the empire. The basilica style church become more centralized and the architectural phenomenon of the pendentive was introduced.

The shining example of the Byzantine Empire was the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. Also known as the "Church of Holy Wisdom," was the fourth church on the exact site due to previous riot fires and demolitions. The Geometricians, Anthemis of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, were the brilliant minds behind the architectural design. There was a centralized plan with a pendentive that supported a massive circular with its square base. This dome was meant to give a sense of dominance from the exterior. In the dome there was a series of windows circling around the border. Encasing the windows were hollow tiles which made up a majority of the dome.

The Byzantine architecture of the time was an influential base for future styles such as Romanesque, Islamic, and Gothic. Flooring was often decorated in geometric designs with marble. The surfaces on the walls and the ceilings were typically ornamented with marbles, frescoes, mosaics, and alabaster. There was a sense of movement in the structures due to the materials that they used. These designs also created a sense of mystery, spirituality, and power. Another common technique was iconoclasm, or the lack of imagery and statutes in their design. This was meant to prevent the actions of idolizing anyone or anything other than God and Christ.

Furniture during this time period fell into two distinct categories: The common people's and that of the palaces and churches. The common peoples' furniture was typically light in weight and fold-able so that it could be easily transported and stored because of the very cramped environments that were lived in. On the other hand, palace and church furniture was usually built to occupy a specific space. The materials used were heavy timbers and woods. These pieces of furniture were meant to last. The most popular pieces of furniture were thrones and foldable stools. They also constructed tables with worktops and bed. Beds ranged in complexity from being strung on chords, fold-able, or simple mattress on the ground.

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:
Paige S: I really enjoyed reading Paige's blog because I like how she honed in the structure of the pendentive. I thought her current application takes on the pendentive like the homes in the desert.
Stephanie: The geometric application of the bathroon tile design in her modern day application was very interesting espeically cause it goes for a much cleaner look than that of the typical Byzantine style. As well as the small windows that reflect the desire for natural daylight, like that displayed in Hagia Sophia.
Additional Links!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWhGeDUSu-s
This link gives a more in depth look into the architectural marvels of the Byzantine Empire.

Early Christian 330-800 CE

History:

As a result of the death of Christ in Judea, Christianity was established as a religion. While Rome tolerated most religions, the emperor felt threatened by the presence of this religion and therefore many early Christians were persecuted. Even with the threat of persecution, there was a huge support for the religion and it began to flourish underground. Many adherents of the religion were of a lower class since it allowed a direct access to God through Jesus Christ. This belief heightened levels of hope in these people.

In order to protect themselves from the Roman empire, the monotheistic followers hid their religion within the safety of their homes and underground in what would become the Roman Catacombs. The Catacombs were a series of underground passageways and burials for the Christian's people. They stretched an impressive sixty to ninety miles. There were even multiple levels, some of which were as deep as five levels.

Through the Edict of Milan, emperor Constantine declared Christianity an official religion, with all rights and privileges of other state religions in 313 CE. Previous emperor's had not supported the concept of being "divine" but since Constantine believed he had received a vision from God he became a full supporter of the Christina church. Before going in the battle of Milvian Bridge he had envisioned a shield with the Christian cross upon it.

Before the legal establishment, most religious services had been held in people's so there was suddenly an immediate need for a new place of worship, especially with the rapidly growing number of Christian believers. The solution to this need was the creation of the Roman basilica. They were centrally planned buildings with separate baptisteries.  There was also a separation of a of interior churches into nave and flanking aisles. The entrance of the church was opposite of the apse with clerestory windows and towers flanking exonarthex. The sole purpose of the design was to glorify God.Some of the most exemplary models of these structures were Old St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome built in 330 CE and Sant' Apllinare in Classe in Ravenne from 535-538 CE.

Another popular style of the Christian church was the centralized design. An exceptional example of this was St. Vitale in Rome. Unlike the basilica structure, the ambulatories and seats circled around the nave of the church where sermons were held.

There are very few examples of Early Christian furniture that actually exist today. Storage was a very important aspect of furniture of this age though. Pieces that remain though are very richly and elaborated decorated with jewels and carvings. The decorative arts of this age were also religiously oriented. The paintings, murals, and frescoes typically depicted images of Christ, the good Shepard apostles, and Mary. Motifs also contained references like the dove, cross, fish, grapevine, and lamb.

Current Applications:

Peer Reviews:
Alex R: I read Alex's blog and I really like her current day applications of church designs. The influence of the basilica and style is very apparent throughout all of them. I also found it interesting how she able to connect this style to a real life situation by comparing her previous church when she had school mass in every week.

Katie: I also read Katie's blog and were really drawn into her second two examples of current day applications because they varied so greatly when compared to one another but had the same influence. The video she posted was also very insightful, especially because it began to compare and contrast future architectural styles like Romanesque and Gothic to the early Christian basilica and centralize church plans.


Additional Links!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1HVlFQ-t3M
This link looks into the design of early Christian basilica style churches.