Reading Composition No. 4

[1] In the 18th century, many of the artifacts have the same characteristics. Geometric shapes such as circles on the canopy of the Osterley Park bed, and symmetry
and balance in the Windsor chairs were introduced and copied. Obviously not all artifacts are going to identical; they each portray their own style touching on naturalistic, minimalistic, and intricate characteristics, but there is always some characteristic that is carried on in all of them.

“The purest architecture, that most suited to fundamental human needs and basic human society was what had appeared at the dawn of civilization,” (Roth pg.443). I believe this refers to the beginning of architecture when the needs of human beings was the sole purpose of all buildings. delight, balance, harmony, scale, symbol, were never taken into consideration. The 18th century begins to incorporate these elements into their civilization, which then also effected the architecture. The Nathaniel Russel house exterior was created with the idea of great summery and balance in mind. The windows on the second and third floors were evenly spaced beside and on top of each other. It is very naturalistic, but delightful at the same time. The interiors begin to introduce surface decorations.

Surface decorations elaborated the space, some more extreme then others (Gunson Hall vs. bedroom of Marie Antoinette). All surfaces began to show more decoration, while the interior stayed modest and symmetrical. Surfaces such as window frames, walls, door frames, furniture, fabric, everything began to flourish. I believe this was society's idea of breaking out of their shells architecturally and adding interest to their spaces they created.

The civilizations all had their own meaning for their purpose of their architecture. America was demanding attention to the fact they were becoming more independent, while England uses the decoration as a tool for education. They used their resources well (Eastern influence), and just enhanced what had already been done. All civilizations are growing at this point and the architecture is only growing along with it.

[2] In the 18th century, architecture has become less vertical and gaudy, and has transformered into more simple, interesting design. In stead of building up, we begin to build out. Buildings ar less refined and more naturalistic. Stone is out, wood is in. Balance of plans is developed and the true focus of human needs becomes evident and becomes more practical. Upper class is no longer the focus for architects, but instead, the needs of the middle and lower class are most important.

For example, in Boston the idea of drenching the spaces and furniture with decoration is simplified by just simple circular shapes. Cheaper materials are used. Boston adapted English influence from the idea of overhangs. England used the over hangs to protect by passers from waste in early morning. Modest fabric is being used more commonly, but only as rugs. Furniture now has no upholstery.

St. Augustine was influence by the Spanish. Minimalistic patterns were derived from their excesively decorated ones. There is great contrast between the wood floors and the neutral walls. Iron as a material is introduced, and is used to create art in the doorways (Spanish influence). Spain has always influenced Florida (Spain discovered Florida), and it is very evident in their style of architecture.

New Orleans, in contrast to the other two American states discussed, veered away from circular shapes and focused more on rectangular. Wood and natural themes still occur. Storage is booming. Their cabinets adapt the double door, two story, compartment, just like the historical one we discussed in class. Verticality is still out, and they focus more on the horizontal way of building. Steep roofs are used more commonly, thanks to the French influence.

New York breaks up the pattern and decides to stick with verticality as key. They create an empire using scale and greatness, which has still made New York City such an impact today. Still today, all you see is LARGE skyscrapers. Balance and symmetry is still portrayed in these building though.

As you can see, each US State has carried a little bit of the cultures from the Atlantic over into the new world, whether it's the idea of simplicity, verticality, or naturalism, influence is definitely shown. All classical influence was not evident, just gaudiness and clutter. That is why it was good for the new world to refer back to civilizations from the 18th century not just for architectural influence, but government as well, just as Roth says to “To reinforce the nature of republication government” (pg.459).

[3]

The idea of balance and shapes is how I created this floor plan. It flows for human needs and keeps the center of the house sacred. Rooms for storage, sleeping, eating, reading, entertaining, and such are placed around the center of the home. Porches incorporate the nature and extend the symmetry beyond the walls of the home itself.

[4] The idea "Flaunting" and theater became ideal during the Baroque period. The dramatic architecture was flamboyant and made bystanders interested. The Catholic church was growing and the reformation happened during this period. The church was rather bland before the idea of drama was introduced. The church became infatuated with the publicity of this theatrical style that was abruptly being introduced. To bring society into the catholic church and turn them away from protestant religion, drama plays and skits were used in the catholics favor. The 'old fashioned' idea of love and manly chivalry was being brought back into the eyes of society through the drama plays. "Theater became a metaphor for social role-playing as well as a school where spectators learned to improve their own performance at Town or Court.” This new idea to influence society was an asset to the catholic church, thanks to the newly introduced idea of "theatrical architecture".