Unit summery 1

Unit Summery:
The First week of this unit we took a look at looking inward and outward, humans materially encounter the cosmos and inhabitable signs and symbols as objects, spaces, buildings and places. The example to reference this idea was the book of the motels of mysteries. The book demonstrates how an outsider can come into a culture and take our common ever day household utilities and interpret them to be something so far off of what they really are. We also watched the “Powers of 10” video to emphasize the difference in perspective and to show how that difference in perspective can change an opinion. We were also introduced to Stonehenge to open our eyes to the knowledge of those who lived back then and show how strategically each rock was placed.
On our second week we learned about circles, groves and stacks and how they stand as humanities first elements and principles of design throughout a world populated by diverse human expression. We learned that most elements of design consist of at least one if not all of these principles. Circles are symbolic of a sacred spot reaching to the heavens; they emulate the sun and the moon. Therefore we find many circles in places of ritual such as churches. Groves are also said to be sacred but more in the humanlike way, special. You can find many natural groves that are easily imitated through architecture. Stacks can also be found in nature a perfect example is a mountain, stacks upon stacks of rock. All three of these elements are found in the older architecture and what is modern or today, a concept that cannot be left behind in use.
The third week we learned of the buildings atop the Athens Acropolis and how they serve as archetypes for all western architecture and design and other places humans expand groves and stacks. We learned of proportions and the different types of columns such as Doric and ionic and the different details that went into each temple. We also learned of the xianyang and the terracotta warriors, how not one of them was like another and the mass of them as one. We compared the xianyang palace and the acropolis with the use of several different terms and elements such as the use of space and the influence of power within the areas. To learn more of the relativity between two entirely different atmospheres, they are still so much alike through not only their similarities but also their differences.
In the fourth week we learned of the diverse building types abound in the west. Empires and how they stand tall throughout the world, and how trade routes bring goods, and ideas into proximity. We learned of surfaces, arches and domes and how these can be found in different sizes and forms all though out the word. Exemplifying there boldness and influence through out history. We also saw the changes over time to these extravagant buildings and the influences of different cultures upon them. Gradually bringing us to what we know of today and the impacts on our daily views of our surroundings.