Ch.2 Ancient Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt & Nubia

The period of ancient civilization was a time when people were able to adapt more resources in the structure of architecture and construction. Interior design of these structures became more important as well as colors and patterns. Space, location, craftsmanship and religion were taken into consideration. Residential structures became more unique and held rooms with different purposes. Common in a residential homes, I found it very interesting that some structures were built with underground rooms knows as cellars. When considering the space and climate of a structure the people began to understand that keeping things cold keeps your foods last longer. In order to keep food cold, creating an enclosed room underground where it is cold may do the trick. Villas were also common during this time and were structurally large, spaced out and had outdoor areas within.

The Mesopotamian culture used sculptures to complement the architecture. This culture also had large animals carved of stone to guard the entryways of important Assyrian palaces. The sentries marked an entrance that guarded the pubic domain and showed the seriousness of the structures.

The all powerful Egyptians incorporated the natural environment by representing it in their structures and emulating it. The decorative styles that they had were incorporated in structures by painting on the wall, artwork, sculptures and even furniture (artwork left). Some of this artwork has been incorporated in more contemporary homes of today (right).

The Nubia mirrored the style of Egyptian temples, religion, style and dress. In all three regions, columns, monumental sculptures, and the use of animals in art were a decorative and symbolic addition that made their era stand out. Below is the interior of the Great Temple of Rammessees the Great at Abu Simbel.

The interior of the Great Temple of Ramesses the Great at Abu Simbel, looking down the central axis. - See more at: http://www.artsatl.com/2013/04/qa-6/#sthash.CnvHJ3Xr.dpuf

The interior of the Great Temple of Ramesses the Great at Abu Simbel, looking down the central axis. - See more at: http://www.artsatl.com/2013/04/qa-6/#sthash.CnvHJ3Xr.dpuf

 
An example of these columns in today's interiors is below. This example may be for more decorative purposes rather than to just hold up the ceiling like in ancient civilization

My review to fellow classmates has been posted below in the COMMENT section.

Resources:
http://darpics.startlogic.com/interiors1.htm

http://www.e-architect.co.uk/awards/stirling-prize

http://www.crystalinks.com/egyptart.html

http://www.artsatl.com/2013/04/qa-6/

Chapter 1: Prehistoric Periods: Lascaux, Neolithic & The Bronze Age

I found it very interesting that during this time period, the people creating their homes focused on rituals and religion. The nomadic lifestyle was based off of hunting for food to survive. Depending on their location, they traveled with the weather and followed the food. Most dwellings were therefore temporary. Furniture was rarely used because when traveling, you were unable to bring much along to the next location. The remains of this time period prove built in furniture that adapted into their lifestyle for storage sleep and cooking purposes. Skara- Brae 2000-1500 B.C.E, a neolithic village in Scottland is a wonderful example. A corbel or false arch is a masonry technique in which each layer of construction cantilevers over the preceding layer, this is seen in this architecture in the layering of the walls in conjecture with the built in furniture. Our textbook shows an over head picture of this architecture closer to current day; below I have provided a reconstructed version of the same home to show you what it would look like in their domestic community during that time period. You may notice additions of furs to signify where these people may have slept, and the interior hearth to keep their home warm, as well as for cooking purposes.

A corbel arch is commonly used in todays architecture in uses for decorative purposes and for suspending architecture to create arched walkways between rooms.

The Bronze Age 4000-1000 B.C.E was a era in the preshistoric time period following the Neolithic time period. During this time people were no longer crafting their homes and objects out of stone but stone was still used. Metal, copper and bronze were introduced and were used for weapons, jewelry and tools. More architectual remains have been found for this time period, than anything prior. 

Below is a picture of A view of the Pella Migdol Temple in 2001. On a website I found, an artist took this image and redesigned the blue prints and how this architectural space has changed through the Bronze Age.

Top Left: Composite of all three phases  

Top Right: Phase I, Middle Bronze Age Phase 1600 BC
Bottom Left: Phase II, Late Bronze Age Phase 1350 BC
Bottom Right: Phase III, Iron Age Phase 900 BC

 While this temple was built the people had to think of how to adapt this structure through time and how it has evolved through time. I found it very interesting to compare it to the structure that was found in 2001. This piece has room division, as well as built in spaces. This piece is comparable with Skara- Brae, but appears to take a step further in functionality. In research of this site, recovery of artifacts, as well as the structure of the building has been examined.

Resources:

www.gumtreehomes.com.au
designergirlee.wordpress.com 

www.danny.oz.au 

http://www.astarte.com.au/html/pella_s_canaanite_temple.html