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/

Gothic Discussion Review

I have noticed that many of my classmates have found interest in the Gothic time period.

One of these is Justine, who noted that Gothic architecture created an airiness, weightlessness and earthly feel. Because of the strength of the religion during this time, one of the most important and influential structures was the cathedral, that possessed many common features, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, (there are examples of theses in both of our blogs). One of the more common cathedrals is Notre Dame, Justine noted that there is one in Paris and another in Chartres, France. I really loved the modern application spaces that she had found.

My friend Dana said that the reason the Gothic era is interesting for her is because churches in today's society are far from being the center of city life, yet back then it was. This shows how different the world is now in comparison to the Gothic time period. It is interesting to take that into perspective. Dana also enjoyed the two different versions of the Notre Dame, and mentioned how immaculate their exterior and interiors are. 

As we follow through with class and the timeline of interior design, it is persuading me to become a world traveler! 


Review these students blogs at:
http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/ -Justine
http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/gothic_20.html -Dana

Gothic Design

The era considered the Gothic time period existed between 1140-1500, yet the design is undoubtedly recognizable today. During this time Paris, France was know as the center of Gothic design, and its influence was spread to the surrounding areas. Ironically, this society were created a competition in construction of its own. Churches, that were the center of city life, during this time of the deathly plague, and extravagant, luxurious cathedrals were the focus to make this time a "heavenly experience."

eHow says... "One of the most beautiful architectural designs used in churches is the Gothic style. Intended to raise the spirit towards God, it is built in a vertical style that uplifts the eye and the soul. This style was a celebration of the Catholic Church's triumph over paganism and a declaration of the supremacy of the Catholic religion"

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_2044723_recognize-gothic-architecture.html#ixzz2tp8vIf1t

Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens

Main design elements of this time carried over from the Romanesque period:

Pointed Arch's- a design element that elongates openings and is more structurally sound, putting pressure towards the ground... (I'm quite the poet)
Ribbed Vaults- A design element in the ceiling typically between columns. Paired with a pointed arch really heightens a space. Resembles an opened umbrella.
Fly Buttress-  The picture that I have found explains itself!

Pointed Arch

Ribbed Vaults

Modern Applications:

Ribbed vaults in the park

Rose Window inspired fashion

Gothic inspired dinning room

Pointed Archs

Islamic Design Review

I reviewed my friend Dana's blog on Islamic design and I found it interesting that while praying, the culture at this time would pray on their knees facing the mecca. Those who practiced Islam prayed 5 times per day.Both Dana and I find the Taj Mahal such an amazing piece of architecture that you can be impressed with immediately. The detail, blood, sweat and tears that it took to make this piece is unimaginable.

My classmate Samantha had noted that the Islamic design period influenced an era of mixing and matching with textures and colors. She said that in this time the walls looked like carpet  due too the intense tile work and because they were also very good carpet makers.  They used many different patterns and colors that had not been seen before.

To learn more from my classmates blogs:

http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/ -Dana
http://www.history1skf.blogspot.com/2014/02/islamic.html -Samantha

Islamic Design

Around 600 A.C around India, Africa, Turkey and Spain, Islamic design consisted of geometric decoration, tiles, classic capitols with Islamic arches, horseshoe arches, domes, and minarets. Their goals were set around facilities for prayer and worship. 

One of these famous structures was The Great Mosque of Kairouan 670 C.E in Tunisia, North Africa. and its purpose was to be a place where many people could come and pray to God- kneeling on a carpet and facing Mecca.





Another impressive structures is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, Constantinople 1609-1617. This structure holds over 20,000 hand made tiles and 200 stained glass windows. (below)

I find my favorite structure of Islamic design in the Taj Mahal 1631-1648 C.C. (pictured below) Something about the massive white structure screams strength and wisdom representing the Islamic period. The detail is incredible, and the layout is symbolic for its uniqueness in architecture. I did a little research to find out that at this time amongst the over 12 years it took to build, 32 million rupees ( approximately $512,672 U.S dollars) to build.  Follow this YouTube video to learn more about detail in the structure of the Taj Mahal.

Below are current applications of Islamic Design:

Islamic inspired bathroom with rich colors and detailed tiling

Islamic inspired pool house with horseshoe archs

Islamic inspired entryway with bold geometric prints in decor

Islamic Hand Rendering with pencil

Resources:
http://www.tajmahal.gov.in/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal#Construction

Discussion on Romanesque

I looked into my classmate, Kristinas blog. She also noted that the Romansque time period was also known for their schooling and teaching of religion. This was a huge influence as to why architectural detail and wealth went into the churches of this time and not the homes. I really like the connection that she had made with the movie Harry Potter, and the design of their common dinning area. She compared Hogwarts as a whole to the Romanesque period with its dark stone and castle like features. I get a Gothic feel from this fiction tale as well, but I really enjoy the connection that she had made because I made a connection with her visualization.

Justine made note about the emperor during the Romanesque period in year 800; he had accomplished a lot during his reign. He encouraged the arts, technology at the time, religion and schooling. His influence definitely aided in the development of so many churches during this era. I really enjoyed one of Justines more modern applications of the Romanesque design features of the 1890 Romanesque Yonkers, NY with its rich colors and warmth with a sense of wealth.

To learn more from my classmates blog please visit their sites:

• http://history1kmp.blogspot.com/2014/02/romanesque.html-Kristina

• http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/- Justine

Romanesque

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

I like to think that the time of the Romanesque
period was the time of churches, and a lavish lifestyle. It was said that at least 1,587 churches were built between the years 1000 and 1100 alone. Rich colors, tapestries, stones and jewels were incorporated into this era of architecture and culture.  To the right and below are images of the Romanesque church, the Pisa Baptistery. This famous piece of architecture, which is much larger in person, is still a marvelous wonder of design. The church itself, is structurally very common among churches of this era and today, the cross shaped cathedral with cylindrical baptistery stands among among these three free standing buildings. The interior also is lavish and detailed.

Interior of Pisa Bapistery

 One detail I really enjoy if the vaults in ceiling. I looked up one of the common ones, and it is known as a groin vault. This detail seems quite beautiful to me when it is paired next to columns of the time period. Below-left is the aisle of the Abbey Church at Mozac with a groin vault supported on transverse arches.

Romanesque Groin Vault

Modern Adaptation of the Groin Vault

Modern Romanesque Application

Residential Romanesque house in Poreč, Croatia

 Surprisingly, residential living was much different, most were dank and dark homes made of the land (mud & twigs) provided shelter to the average person. There is not much left to prove of these homes because their durability did not stand the test of time. Nobility, however, lived in castles of stone. Through time, structures found were able to show the wealth of the family and the time that they lived in the Romanesque period.









Fun fact:While researching I came across an individuals blog (http://sbchic.com/2012/03/21/home-style-romanesque/) that found an old Romanesque church that was converted into a home. I find this super interesting to see the space in an entirely different way. Especially since I am huge on sustainability right now, seeing something old converted into something new is awesome!

Discussion: Pompeii

Reviewing my classmate Yo's blog I have learned a lot more about the interior style that I did not discover in my own studies. He explained that the arts from Pompeii has been the greatest achievement of their era.  Their art had four styles: painted stucco, mimicking the architectural construction, painted scenarios, and large scenes. All of this artwork has been incorporated throughout the decades and are well-known today. Yo did a nice job summing up this era and its history.

Rose also made note on the styles of artwork, she found that the four styles were called:
the Masonry Style- a painted stucco to seem as though the walls are covered with stones,
the Illusionistic Style- provides a reproduction with landscape scenes,
the Ornate Style- creates framed images in which the framing is actually painted on, and the fourth style combines all these elements.

Both of my classmates noted that Pompeii's architecture was very similar to that of the Romans, this helps us reconstruct the ruins in out minds to imagine what Pompeii looked like in its prime.

Learn more from my classmates blogs at:
http://www.history1ys.blogspot.com/ -Yo
http://www.history1rk.blogspot.com/ -Rose

Pompeii

Predicted Pompeii 79A.D

Current Pompeii Ruins

Pompeii was an ancient Roman town-city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania. The history channel's website describes this town as a treasure and wonder to the world. "Mount Vesuvius, a volcano near the Bay of Naples in Italy, is hundreds of thousands of years old and has erupted more than 50 times. Its most famous eruption took place in the year 79 A.D., when the volcano buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under a thick carpet of volcanic ash. The dust “poured across the land” like a flood, one witness wrote, and shrouded the city in “a darkness…like the black of closed and unlighted rooms.” Two thousand people died, and the city was abandoned for almost as many years. When a group of explorers rediscovered the site in 1748, they were surprised to find that--underneath a thick layer of dust and debris--Pompeii was mostly intact. The buildings, artifacts and skeletons left behind in the buried city have taught us a great deal about everyday life in the ancient world," (history).

Predicted Pompeii

I am very impressed by this remarkable discovery. At first when I learned that this town was buried, I was unsure why we would be researching this time period in interior design...From what I learned Pompeii was a flourishing resort for Rome’s most distinguished citizens. It contained elegant houses and elaborate villas that lined the paved streets. Tourists, townspeople and slaves occupied small factories and artisans’ shops, taverns and cafes, and brothels and bathhouses.

Ceiling Tile

Modern Ceiling Tile

The design during this  time period is hard to tell but from what was discovered we can tell it has been very influential. There has been a lot uncovered of counter-tops with holes inside the surface. It has been the thought that the holes had ice or hot coals in them and a platter would sit on top, keeping food hot or cold.

Island counter with stove top

.

Pompeii counter top

 I find this time period very interesting and I hope to learn more on the design during this time.

For more on this era and wonder of the world watch: "the mystery of people frozen in time" mini documentary at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QScagfQC5-w

Resources:
http://www.history.com/topics/pompeii