Notes and reflection of Unit 1 of IAR221

Foundations within architecture

When did architecture begin? Is it still evolving? And, if so is it similar to the ways in which it evolved in the beginning? How are things expressed through architecture and what does it do for us?

All of these questions are answered in the first unit of History and Theory of Design 1. Here are our focal points and a summary of what we learned in each:

[looking in + outward, humans materially encounter the cosmos + construct inhabitable signs + symbols as objects, spaces, buildings, and places]

All the way back in the 3500 BCE we begin to take a look into the starting fazes of architecture, but it wasn’t until 2500 BCE that a more in depth beginning  and understanding was found. This foundation in understanding was found in Stonehenge and the pyramids at Giza. In looking both culturally (the true meaning of the object, space, building, place) and sub culturally (the hidden meanings through alternative expression) we are able to begin to attach architecture to purpose and the causes of why things were built the way they were. Stonehenge was built using stones in the shape of a circle to emphasize the importance of the moon and sun and that the location was a sacred spot.

[circles, groves, + stacks stand as humanity’s first elements + principles of design throughout a world populated by diverse human expression]

In looking at architecture and humanity’s first elements and principles of design we see a commonality within them in the use of circles, groves, and stacks.  Circles help one reach the heavens. It’s a sacred spot where importance is often laid. And lastly, it helps emulate the sun and moon. Stonehenge is a perfect example where the use of stones placed into a circle represents all three meanings. Groves or rather a repetition of a vertical object helps mark a location as sacred and special (the temples and the Parthenon). The grove form looks human like as well giving a connection and relationship to the two. Stacks represent mountains, the levels of hierarchy and importance; it places each one into its own category (Pyramids at Giza, Erik and Uridu).  We can see evidence of this approach in design here on the UNCG campus and practically everywhere one goes. Below are a few examples of these three concept in today’s world.

[the buildings atop the Athens acropolis serve as archetypes for all western architecture + design; elsewhere, humans expand groves +  stacks]

In looking at the Acropolis’ five orders and the system of proportion, we are able to extend our understanding of the uses of circles, groves and stacks. These three elements help one figure out the directionality and flow of a given space. For the acropolis, the viewer is directed