It is impossible to design a structure without considering the architecture of the past, reacting to it, and interpreting the reaction. How we utilize and express our reaction, by embracing or breaking known rules, is architectural reverberation. There are only a few architectural forms on which all architecture is based (circles, groves, stacks), so all architecture is a reaction to that of the past.
When it became clear that Christianity had a stronghold, mostly in western Europe, it was important for the church to communicate a uniform message to its, mostly illiterate, congregations. Emerging from the Dark Ages, this was done in the basic building forms and decorations of the Gothic Cathedral. To unify various Christian sects, visual literacy in the form of physical, readable symbolism was employed in churches throughout Europe. The Gothic Cathedral was based on the basilica form but the absolute limits of dimension, scale, technology, and materials was pushed. Their size and expanse expressed a boundless universe from the inside and their community dominance from the outside. These cathedrals were built to be enormous and could be seen from great distances above their city's skyline; they were used as a geographical and spiritual marker, imploring people to always look to the church.
Cologne Cathedral~Example of Gothic Cathedral~Size
The Renaissance movement viewed Gothic as inappropriate design and it jumped back to classical architecture. The essence of the Renaissance was to achieve precision, balance, and symmetry, while emphasizing the importance of the individual and expressing serenity and control. It was during this period that the rules of architecture were first recorded. The philosophy of the Renaissance was that of enlightenment and reached across many cultural and scientific disciplines.
The Baroque is a reaction to the rules of precision in the Renaissance. During the Baroque lines became curvy; theatricality and excess was the rule. As many monarchs and aristocrats enjoyed great wealth, the architectural language of the period became more frivolous. The frivolity of the Baroque ignored the Renaissance ideals of simplicity and precision and created a style that is boisterous. The French Chateau is born during the Baroque and comes to epitomize the style, however, the decorative arts, fashion, food, etc, reflect the opulence of this period as well. The Baroque met its demise in the revolutions of Europe. The style symbolized the disproportionate wealth and resources of the aristocracy, and as Europeans demanded reform, architecture returned to classical roots throughout Europe and into the New World.
Colonialism expanded accepted European architecture throughout the world. In the United States, the architectural language was that of England, neo classical, and colonial America turned to the architectural lists and rules of the Renaissance as evidenced in homes, civic structures, and churches of the original thirteen colonies. After the American Revolution, the federal government adopted Roman architecture while most states adopted Greek architecture in government buildings. Greek architectural language helped establish states' governments by reinforcing the ideas of rationality, balance, and control.
Villa Designed by Palladio~Inspiration for Drayton Hall in South Carolina
Drayton Hall, Charleston, SC~Classical Design~Replica of Palladio
The independent development of the United States left a void in original American architectural language and style. But in the 19th century, American architects began to express themselves by innovative methodology and technology. Chicago became a hotbed of architectural ingenuity, mostly due to the Great Fire, which presented an opportunity for new city planning, design, and construction. During this period the skyscraper was born. New technologies using steel-frame construction contributed to the new heights of buildings, which utilized physical acreage to its greatest extent. Steel frames allowed facades to be less structural and more decorative. As they were seen as "skins" of buildings, they became a place to express designers' ideas about proportion and decoration, which led to and established an American style.
US Capitol Building~Roman Revival Architecture
NC Capitol Building~Greek Revival Architecture
Object: my wedding ring. My wedding ring is a replica of a victorian/art deco ring. I chose this setting because the roundness of the design was very appealing to me. Everyone who has seen it says that it "looks like me." I found taking pictures of a diamond to be impossible, so I used a close example.
Space: Food Hall at Harrod's. What does this say about me? I happen to love the tile and the arts and crafts/deco decor of the space, not to mention the bevy of food. It's a food orgy!
The Building: Hagia Sophia. I love the roundness and the enormity of this building. I am attracted to its history. I think history in design is very important
The Place:London. I have always loved England! I love the history, the monarchy, the tea. I guess I'm a bit of an anglophile.
