American Period Discussion Post

My classmate Kristina P went on to discuss detail about the later American Era by talking about The Federal Period, the Shaker Period, and the Victorian Period. The Federal Period was known as the revival or neoclassical era. The Monticello House where Thomas Jefferson lived in Virginia is a prime example of the federal era design. During the Shaker Period interiors were sparse, clean, and well ordered. The homes were known to have round barn exteriors. Ladder back chairs were a significant item in this time period. Lastly, the Victorian Period was a time of mass production. Architecture was elaborate, romantic and emotional. The interiors reflected how wealthy the owners of the space were by the detailed interior. There were bright exteriors and known to have two staircases; one for the servants and one for the owners. Ironically for how bright and cheery the design appeared a lot of the design was Gothic inspired. 

My friend Dana commented on the fact that the Early American/ Colonial Period, Georgian Period, Post Colonial or Federal Period, Greek Revival Period, and Victorian Period are all apart of this one large American era. She stated that the different times had interested her because when there is a major shift, there are a bunch of different things happening in terms of government, interior design, social classes, and religion. Also, Dana had made a very good point, these homes are so interesting during this time because they are from the same period but represent entirely different things. Settlers from different areas brought in their own design styles from their country, and it was adapted into something entirely new!

Learn more about their blogs at:
http://www.history1kmp.blogspot.com/ -Kristina P
http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/americas.html -Dana

American Period

This period was separated into two main eras, before the 1800's and after the 1800's.During this period there were several different styles that emerged through time:
Georgian Period (1720-1790) 
Postcolonial or Federal Period (1790-1820)
Greek Revival Period (1820-1860)  
Victorian Period (1840-1880)
I will focus on Early American Style which was the Colonial Period. The first  permanent European settlement was at St. Augustine Florida 1565 settled by the Spanish. The land had offered many resources including hardwoods, softwoods, reeds, clay and stone. During this time I found it interesting that silver and gold were one of the main objectives of colonization. 

One of the settlements in America was the Dutch. Their design was popular during this time, they had dominated the Hudson River with their steep-roofed houses with crow-stepped gables, decorative brickwork, dutch doors, shutters and ornamental tiles.

Dutch house-New Castle

The Colonial Period also had French inspiration with wrought iron- balconies, full length porches, exterior stairs, raised homes to avoid floods and insects, and french doors.

Parlange- Louisiana plantation house

The German and Swedes also had an impact during this time with their sturdy homes with thick walls, exposed timber, a lot of stone, joints filled with clay, bark, or moss, and hand hewed beams.

De Turck German colonial house-Oley, PA

Spanish Influence during this time also used thick adobe walls which was an Indian craftsmanship smooth surfaces with heavy ornamentation on doors and windows, tile roof, floors and courtyards, ranchos or haciendas.

Gonzales Alvarez House

Interiors were not extremely lavish. Early homes were more primitive dwellings built by the settlers themselves from local natural resources using whatever skills they had. As the colonies prospered and trade expanded, craftsmen established businesses to serve and prosper from the growing market for their goods. The settlers adapted style into their own way of life, and in the process produced a unique and totally American colonial style.

American Colonial Period Themed Textiles

Modern Adaptations of the American Period Colonial style:

I think that this time brings a sense of antiquity to design. It isn't until the American Period in later design when particular furnishings and designers come about. I hope to cover that by reading through my classmates blogs.

Resources: American Colonial Period decorators: http://---chazz.squidoo.com/american-colonial-period-interior-decorating

English Discussion Post

This week I reviewed blogs from my classmate's Ariana and Rachael.

From Ariana I learned that the English style kind of became a "hodgepodge" of styles. They did start getting influence from the Italian Renaissance due to books and works of art brought back to England. Also, since international trade became easier, hints of oriental style was seen in English interiors. One of the main things that came from this time was the Tudor style home. It was built with timber framing, Ariana thinks that this style just screams England. I have seen many houses in neighborhoods today replicating this style, so it is interesting to learn where it originated.

Rachael took interest in the Middle Renaissance. She noted that for her the most interesting style was the Queen Anne design. During this time life revolved around social living, so all design and furniture emphasized the use of parlors and sitting rooms. With this style the use of Chinese design and mahogany wood was very common. Queen Anne brought back the curved lines and the style of the cabriole leg, which was used in all types of furniture.The English Renaissance was such a broad period of time it is interesting to see what my classmates take interest in, and have the ability to learn more about this interesting era.

Learn more from my classmates posts at their blogs:
Ariana- http://www.history1ah.blogspot.com/
Rachael- http://www.history1rap.blogspot.com/

The English Period

Chiswick House

There are many different ages during the English period including the early, middle and late Renaissance Neoclassic. From this extensive period I will discuss in depth about the Late Renaissance Neoclassic age from 1750-1830. During this time George II and George III were in rule. The Georgian styles included work from Robert Adam, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. These ages were known for mahogany and satinwood. There was a focus on the revival of interest in the arts of Greece and Rome, and reactions against the French Rococo period. One of the popular structures during this time was the Neoclassical Chiswick House. This house was the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement. I find that this structure strongly resembles so many other architectural landmarks that we have previously discussed. The dome, symmetry, and Doric columns of the Chiswick House makes a bold statement. Looking more into the history of this building I found it interesting that this neo-Palladian villa that is set on the historic gardens of west London has had a  £12.1 million restoration of their gardens which were unveiled in June 2010. These famous gardens have been the inspiration of many other monumental gardens of the past and today.

Lansdowne House interior

Adams, at first enjoyed the use of bold, masculine and large scale items. By 1770 his designs reflected more delicate and femininely. He liked classical columns and pilasters, entablatures, arch forms, domes and panels that were ornamented with classical motifs. Interiors featured delicately decorated panels and ceilings. His work with the Lansdowne House in London reflects his dedication to detail. The house was completed from Adam’s designs for Lord Shelburne in 1768. Another one of Adams works is the Syon House that has been recently restored.



 

Syon House after the 2010 Restoration

Ante Room of the Syon House

 

 Hepplewhite brought the Neoclassic style to the masses and he is the reason it is still being used today. Construction was weak, but urns, reeding oval paterae, ribbons, vases, fluting and festoons were incoorporated in design. His style included sideboards with many legs, and he inventer the washstand.

 Sheraton's style were elegant, crisp and light.He did not use complicated curves as seen previously. His furniture was composed of simple shapes with ornament that was restricted to inlay, marquetry or painted designs. He tried to think of furniture as multipurpose and used different fabrics in his work.

Modern applications of the English Period Late Renaissance Neoclassic era.

Extra Resources:
More about the Chiswick House: http://www.chgt.org.uk/
modern design: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1544149/list/Neoclassical-Design-Gets-Modern-Twists

The French Period Discussion Post

 I visited my friend Dana's blog and noticed that she had taken interest in the French Regency. Dana found it interesting how only 30 years separated this transitional style from Regency to Rococo. She stated that even though the Regency period wasn't a long period of time, there were a lot of trends and pieces of furniture that effect the world of interior design today and also made a large impact on the Rococo period. 

My classmate Flor took interest in the neoclassic period of the French Renessiance. She noted that during this time the most iconic building build were the Chateaus or "castles" that had started off as hunting places or getaways for rulers and kings during the time. Simpler materials, less ornamentation and preference for symmetry were common during the neoclassic period.

To learn more about my classmates thoughts visit their blogs at:
http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/french.html -Dana
http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/ -Flor

The French Period

Design and history of the French period is highly influential on today's society. During that time France was central to Romanesque and Gothic style-- yet they took it to a whole new level. Royalty always had to have a hand in the design process/ restoration through the years to have their own impact structures.Structures were amplified and personalized to who had been living there at the time. The french period was sub divided into different styles throughout the era: 

Modern French inspired dining room

• Early Renaissance (1484 - 1547) 
• Middle Renaissance (1547 - 1589) 
• Late Renaissance (1589 - 1643) 
• Baroque Style (1643 - 1700) 
• Regency Style (1700 - 1730) 
• Rococo Style (1730 - 1760) 
• Neoclassical Style (1760 - 1789)
• Revolution and Directoire (1789 - 1804) 
• Empire (1804 - 1820) 
• Restoration Styles (1830 - 1879)

Painting of Palais de Versailles

Palais de Versailles

Galerie des Glaces in the Palais de Versailles

Palais de Versailles

The Chateau was a famous type of structure built during this time.These structures were incredibly large and majestic.An ornamaniste, or professional decorator was hired, this was the beginning of where our field was developed. During the French Baroque period, the Palais de Versailles was created. Originally this structure was created for Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. The Loui's were all about themselves and had people doing all of their work. These structures were only for their Monarchs to appreciate, never the lower class, but they were occupied by thousands including the help. In class we watched the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxIzMr2Ekpo I can not help but be completely impressed with watching the digital recreation of  the Palais de Versailles. It is beyond me how large the chateau became and how immaculate the interiors were. One of the decorators was Master of Marquetry Andre Charles Boulle. His work is reflected in mirrored walls, the floors of wood mosaic, the inlaid paneling and the marquetry furniture in the Cabinet du Dauphin (1682-86).  The Baroque period was defined by classic design presented in a dramatic manner. Art, architecture and design were central to the political strategy of Louis XIV. Strength was shown through bold materials and vivid decoration. The interiors were not the only part of  Chateaus that was flawless. These amazing structures always help home to a series of beautiful gardens with fountains, sculptures, flowers, and decorative walking paths.

Modern French inspired foyer

My 3rd Exam Rendering Reflecting the French Period:

The Spanish Period Discussion Post

My classmate Paige found the Spanish Renaissance interesting and elaborate. She made note that there were other details incorporated into furniture that included tassels, fringe, braids, and decorative nail heads. The examples of courtyards that she had posted were beautiful, and I can see where modern courtyards have been adapted.

My other classmate Justine noted that there was another phase of decoration known as the Herrera Style. This style was influenced from the Italian Renaissance architects and had classic forms, plain surfaces and sparse decorations. This was different Plateresco and Disornamentado.

Learn more from Paige's blog at: http://www.history1peh.blogspot.com/

and Justine's blog at: http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/

The Spanish Period

It was said that the 16th century was considered the most brilliant era in Spanish history. During this time religiously and culturally there was a fusion of the Christian Spain society with the Moorish society. Moors were individuals from Africa that were supreme ornamentalist, fine geometricians, and did work that involved naturalistic representation, colorful, exuberant and fancy detail, along with wood detailing. Moors that converted to Christianity we called the Mudejar. Historically this time was influenced by the Moorish, Early Christian, Medieval, and Italian Renaissance.

Moorish influenced design, decoration and architecture is seen at Alhambra in Grenada Spain from 1354. Its numerous courtyards and memorable design is flourishing with beauty. Fountains and reflecting pools were common during this time.

Alhambra Court of Lions

Alhambra at Night

Carried over from the Gothic period, Cathedrals were still built during this time and they held very ornamental features.  Renaissance and Gothic vaulted ceilings, Rejas- or decorative iron grilles,  and Plateresco. The Plateresco phase consisted of minute and delicate ornament architectures that resembled the work of a silversmith. There was also the Desornamentado phase that wast large and powerful, but with less detail.

Modern Plateresco design at Balboa Park in San Diego California

Modern front door with Spanish inspired iron decoration

Spanish design inspired modern stair rail

 My favorite place during this time was El Escorial, 30 miles northwest of Spain. It is massive and a highly moral and royal place for monarchy. Interiors in Spain were prided upon their fine leather works known as cordoba leather, their colorful patterned tile work, and massive pieced of artwork in gold frames. Furniture, walls, floors and ceilings were lined with great detail, and bold decoration that completed a room.

El Escorial Library

One of El Escorial's Courtyards

Spanish design is a fusion  of many inspirations from different eras. Design elements from the Spanish period are used today, and can be seen residentially, and commercially. Spanish design is often the influence of hotels, and vacation destinations.

Spanish influenced entryway

Spanish influenced kitchen

For more information on Spanish art, history and architecture please look at http://www.spanish-art.org/spanish-architecture-renaissance.html

For more on the modern design of the Spanish period please look at http://www.houzz.com/modern-spanish-architecture-designs

Italian Renaissance Discussion

My classmate Flor describes the Italian Renaissance homes in detail.Walls were elaborate and rich with tapestry's that portrayed narrative scenes in the wealthiest of homes. Floors were elaborated with woods or tiles but rarely carpets. Ceilings were considered part of the architecture, beams, waffle grids and paintings were well thought into the design.

Another classmate John stated that the Renaissance was a time of "revival." A time where new ideas and points of view were being spread across Europe. John stated that the most similar idea to our discipline was the new focus towards design. There was less focus on the construction of grand churches, and more of a focus on residential dwellings. During this time, many individuals were skilled in many areas that people in today's society spend their entire careers mastering.


Learn more from my classmates posts:
http://www.history1fh.blogspot.com/ -Flor
http://www.history1jpe.blogspot.com/ -John

Italian Renaissance 1400-1600

The Renaissance was a time in history known as the "rebirth" in Florence Italy. This era was a revolution not an evolution; a time where Gothic and Romanesque styles were elaborated and reinvented. Classical forms were refined and adapted for new uses. There was a movement towards humanism through the writings of Dante. Everyone was interested in the arts and residential design became more popular outside the importance for churches. Comfort, convenience and beauty became a necessity rather than safety, strength and protection.

Palazzo Medici-Riccardi

Popular Renaissance chair called the Savonarola

A famous structure known as the Renaissance "palazzo" facade portrayed repetition, alteration and progression in three divisions with compound windows and a heavy project cornice. It contained a central courtyard like the Roman domus with no hallways, living spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors like an insula, and shops and businesses on the 1st.  The palazzo structure was very popularly used in many structures during this time including the Palazzo Dacanzati, Palazzo Farnese, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and  Palazzo Ducal.

Interiors during this time revolved around the arts. Fresco's, tapestries, fireplaces, and a huge deal was symmetry both inside and out. Interiors contained decorative moldings, doors and door frames, elaborate ceilings often coffered, painted wall and ceiling decorations, elaborate fireplace mantels, pilasters that were flat and decorated columns, and floors made of brick, Terra-cotta tile, or marble in geometric patterns. A new art called intarsia created an illusion of art in wood. Leonardo Da Vinci's works of art came to life during this time period as well and are still famously known today.

Palladio's Villa Rotonda

One of the most influential architects of the Renaissance, to some, of all time was Andrea Palladio. His writings, The Four Books on Architecture are considered to some as an architectural bible, containing the true theory of design. Interior designers today still refer to Palladios work as a set of inspiration.



 Modern Applications:

Modern Renaissance inspired sitting room.

Modern Renaissance inspired formal living space.

Extra Resources:
http://www.blogdolcevita.com/tag/Andrea+Palladio

Take a look at this design company that takes a spin on the Italian Renaissance
http://www.dallasdesign-group.com/gallery/

The Americas Discussion

My fellow classmates Samantha and Dana found The Americas just as fascinating as I did. Samantha went into detail about how the America's there were two classes, nobles and commoners.  The Americas is geographically now Central America and the upper part of South America. She spoke about each of the four civilizations: Olmec’s, Mayans, Aztecs, and the Incas and what makes them unique. She also made a comparison to a trip she has taken and how the ruins resemble something she has seen before. In person these places are remarkable. I can’t fight the urge to travel!

Dana had mentioned a strong connection to traveling, as well as, the Spanish cultures. I found out that she will be visiting the very famous site of Chiche'n It'za, and that makes me so jealous. Dana said that there was A lot of artwork during this period that had symbols and signs  which made them appealing to the eye. Artwork also contained images of butterflies, birds, and flowers which come off as delicate, yet strong because of the materials that were used.

Learn more from their blogs:

http://www.history1skf.blogspot.com/ -Samantha

http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/the-americas.html- Dana

The Americas: 2000 B.C- 1521 A.D

The term "Americas" consists of the following cultures during this time: the Olmecs 2000 B.C - 200 B.C, which was the first dominant culture of Southern Mexico, the Mayans 300B.C- 1521A.D - Toltecs in Central America, the Aztecs of Mexico, and the Incas of Peru. During this time frame, Mesoamerican settlement surrounded places of ceremonial significance. Temples, and pyramids shaped the towns and stood out for religious and sacrificial purposes. 

The Olmecs, who developed hieroglyphics, prided themselves in their realistic artwork and use with the jade stone. The first agricultural settlement was a ceremonial center named San Lorenso ca. 1200 BC. and it was destroyed in 900B.C, and La Venta was established. This period of time revealed how widespread Olmec culture, commercial, and artistic influence was.

Olmec zoomorphic jaguar sculpture, Mexico The Olmec is one of the earliest known American civilizations that began in Southern Mexico around 2,000 B.C. These stone heads represented a ruler and were sculpted from basalt boulders that weighed between 40-50 tons.

Jade Face Masks

Modern application: Olmec is the moniker of a Nashville based collaborative hip-hop group. They want to represent their music using iconic imagery from South American anthropology. The company knew Olmec artworks are considered among ancient America’s most striking, so using an image of a colossal head they said would prove that their music would be most striking as well.

The Mayans surrounded Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and parts of Mexico. Their life style brought about many architectural design aspects: the castillo, ball court and the chacmool. The castillo, has been represented in castles all over the world and was first seen in Mayan ruins that resembled pyramids. Word-press states that "The ball court Chichen Itza was a sacred central site of the Maya civilization called the “Great Ball Court”. It was 272 feet long and 199 feet wide with open walls. The hoop was 23 feet above the ground, making it an extremely difficult feat to put the heavy rubber fall into the hoop. The hoop was not only that tall but hands and feet were not allowed, they had to throw themselves on the ground and used their hips to hit the ball. The size of the court, about the size of a football field, and the height of the hoop, made this activity extremely challenges and difficult. Specifically, at this ball court, the acoustics are very impressive. Still to date a whisper at one end of the court can be heard in the center, and a clap from the center can produce 9 echos around the walls. This feature shows a high level of sophistication and architectural understanding."

Muyil - Maya ruins south of Tulum, Mexico

Charcmool

 

I found this modern application of a ballcourt in coorporated into a Mayan themed fashion show!

The Aztecs comprised approximately 200,000 citizens. During this time Aztec Human Sacrifice was something very well known. There was something also known as "Blood Offerings." Aztecs believed that the world was in a complex yet unstable balance susceptible to forces within their control.

 One well know area of architecture of this era is Teotihuacan. Apart from the pyramidal structures, Teotihuacan is also known for its large residential complexes, the Avenue of the Dead, and numerous colorful, well-preserved murals. This time is also know for the pyramids of the sun and moon and Templo Mayor, the two temples one for the god of was and the other for the god of agriculture

Teotihuacan

 Today Aztec is represented as a fashion style and common print. (Why a Starbucks Carmel Frapp is included in this style is beyond me...)

 The Incas also added many unique aspects to The Americas. Their location on the beautiful mountainous pacific coast makes a desirable site-seeing location.

Machu Picchu- Archaeologists working at the Chotuna-Chornancap camp in Peru found the remains of almost three dozen people that were sacrificed by the Incan civilization about six centuries ago

Their remains are wonderfully preserved in isolated chullpas (above ground burial chambers) and it still perplexes archaeologists as to how this community managed to access and bury their dead here.

Modern Application of the Trapezoidal door

  One fun design elements of this time was the trapezoidal door found in Machu Picchu.
















Resources:
http://cml.upenn.edu/costarica/eng/resources_database_archeology_timeline.htm
http://www.travelmerida.com/muyil.php
http://anth2589.wordpress.com/
http://www.infoniac.com/science/scientists-unearth-victims-of-human-sacrifice-during-the-incas-civilization.html
http://blog.cazloyd.com/2013/01/cultural-holiday-peru-lost-kingdoms/
http://www.happytouring.com/enormous-archeological-site-of-teotihuacan-containing-largest-pyramidal-structures-built-in-pre-columbian-americas/
http://kylenumann.com/projects/olmec-records/