Islamic Design - Discussion

I read Emily's blog post on Islamic design. I liked her image of a current application of the design concepts. She showed an entrance and pointed out the use of geometric patterns.

Here's her blog post: http://www.history1evp.blogspot.com/2014/02/islamic-design.html

I also looked at Ali's blog post. She talked about the strong focus there was in designing domes and the many different types, along with the beautiful arches.

Read about it here: http://www.history1and.blogspot.com/2014/02/islamic.html

Islamic Design

       Religion was the major basis of art and design within Islam. Mohammed was the head of the Islamic religion; he lived from 570-632 C.E..

Great works of architecture

• Dome of the Rock - Completed in 691 C.E.. A shrine located on the Temple Mount in the old city of Jerusalem. This site's significance roots from religious traditions regarding the rock, known as the Foundation Stone at the heart of the building, which is of great significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Muslims believe the location of the Dome of the Rock to be the site of the Islamic miracle of Isra and Miraj. The rotunda form was thought to have been made to rival those in Christian churches. The architecture and mosaics were patterned off of nearby Byzantine churches. The structure is octagonal with a wooden dome mounted on a drum circle of 16 piers and columns. It was during the Ottoman Empire when the interior of the structure was covered in mosaic tiles, faience, and marble; work that took 7 years. Ablaq light and dark stone arches are clearly visible. 

• Great Mosque of Kairouan - built from 670 A.D., it is one of the most important mosques in Tunisia. The mosque was destroyed in 690, but was rebuilt in 703. One of the oldest places of worship and became a model for later mosques. Vast area of 9,000 square meters, has a hypostyle courtyard and a massive square minaret. This mosque was located at the heart of the city of Kairouan at its time. 

The original Kairouan

Kairouan today

• Sultan Ahmed Mosque - Was built between 1609-1617. It is also known as the Blue Mosque for all of the blue mosaics covering the interior. After an unfavorable outcome with a war against Persia, Sultan Ahmed the First decided to construct a great mosque in Istanbul to calm god. It would be the first imperial mosque for over forty years. This mosque has one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The overall design combines elements from both Byzantine architecture and tradition Islamic design. This mosque is considered one of the last great mosques of the classical period. The interior is lined with more than 20,000 hand crafted ceramic tiles. The floors are carpeted and the walls have many windows to create a spacious feeling. The most important element of the interior is the mihrab that is carved of white marble and surrounded by many windows.

• Taj Mahal - Built from 1632 - 1648 C.E. by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This massive white marble mausoleum is regarded as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, which combines styles from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architecture. This structure is seen as an earthly replica of the house of Mumtaz in paradise. In the words of Shah Jahan, himself, he describes the Taj Mahal: 

"Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory."

• The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex, and a symmetrical design is based upon this tomb. The base structure is a large, multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners, forming an octagon. The marble dome that is above the tomb is the most spectacular and notable feature. It has a similar height and base length of 115 feet. The dome sits on a 23 feet hight cylindrical drum. Due to the shape of the overall dome structure, it is often called an 'onion dome.' Four smaller similar domes surround the central dome. The onion shape is repeated in the vaulted stacked pishtaq openings surrounding the iwan walled entrance. The four large minarets help to keep the overall symmetrical design of the area. 

Current applications we see today

Romanesque - Discussion

I visited Dana's blog and loved seeing images on her post. She found homes that took much architectural inspiration from centralized basilica plans.

Here's her blog post: http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/romanesque_13.html

I also visited Justine's blog this week. It was nice how she mentioned that even with such grand churches, people back then lived in homes built with sticks and that had mud floors. The people were easily sick from cold drafts and such.

Here's her blog post: http://www.history1jvs.blogspot.com/

Romanesque Times!

       Medieval architecture shaped by Roman and Byzantine ideas. The term Romanesque describes a gradual evolution of building techniques that were developed. When the Romanesque period started in the early 800s with the crowning of  Charlemagne, the first holy emperor of Rome, the continuation and advancement of previous designs was encouraged. The Roman influence on design was unique to the different local regions, which explains why many Romanesque buildings may not look the same. Although many castles were built during this time period, the number of churches being built was much greater. After 1000A.D. the growth of church buildings had spiraled up with over one thousand churches having been built within only two hundred years.

Romanesque Church Design Characteristics

      Building plans from the early Christian basilicas were taken and transformed. The nave and transept were modified for spacial reasons. Churches were built larger in general to allow for more worshipers. More aisles, side chapels, and choirs were several additions to come. Semicircular arches and vaults were used in building support. Most roofs were now made of masonry and only smaller churches continued using wood.  

Some architectural characteristics....

-Semicircular arches and vaults

-Arcading - rows of arches supported on piers or columns, one of the most significant features!

-Alternation of piers and columns - piers are rectangular in shape while columns are cylindrical

-Groin vaults - developed to be used for buildings with a wide nave

-Pointed arched vaults

-Facades/Portals - grand entrances

-Towers - single towers or facades with one or two towers 

     The interior would be decorated with tapestries and plastered walls with rich colorful murals in deep, bold colors. Occasional mosaics. Gilded sculptures and gold and silver worship items were some of the elaborate items inside of the church. The use of stained glass became more prevalent with the 11th century.

Ornamentation

       Buildings made of stone most commonly had gorgeous carvings. Life scenes with portraits of Jesus would depict teachings to the many who were illiterate. Ornate decorative mouldings and capitals were also carved.   

Buildings of significance

• Fontenay Abbey - Located in Burgandy, France. Was established by St. Bernard in 1118. Was a religious and economic force at the time. Had an overall austere appearance. Pointed nave arcaves were a design feature. 

• Pisa Baptistery - Located in Pisa, Italy. A compilation of three individual buildings. A cross shaped cathedral, a cylindrical baptistery, and a tall canpanile (the leaning tower). These buildings are made of marble found locally. 

• Cluny Abbey - Also located in Burgandy, France. With a powerful monastic rule and created during the Benedictine movement, it was the most famous abbey of its time. Helped the spread of Romanesque art. Only a small part of the original building remains. 

Romanesque Furniture

       Furniture really only consisted of pieces created for church use. Altars, shrines, throne chairs, tabernacles, storage, tapestries, etc. 

Residential Design

            Homes were made of wood with dirt floors and had primitive design features. Many people died in fires. Nobles lived in stone castles. Living environments were often damp, cool, and dark. 

Designs we see today...

Until next class!

Hand Rendering of the Classical Roman Orders

Here's my rendering of the 5 Classical Orders. Keep in mind that Roman Doric columns had a crepidoma, while Greek Doric columns did not have a crepidoma.

Pompeii - Discussion

Dana had a great blog post on Pompeii, she talked about the furniture, her favorite being the tables. They were very intricate and detailed.

Her blog post: http://www.fcs338dthomas.blogspot.com/p/pompeii.html

Emily's post on Pompeii had me intrigued when she showed an image of a countertop-like area that had large holes in the surface to insert coals, and then place pots and pans on top to keep warm. It's almost like how we burners and warmers in our own kitchens today!

Her blog post: http://www.history1evp.blogspot.com/2014/02/pompeii.html

Unearthing Pompeii!

      The city of Pompeii was an Ancient Roman town near modern day Naples, Italy. Founded in the sixth or seventh century B.C. and captured by Romans in 80 B.C., sadly, Pompeii was mostly destroyed and buried in up to 20ft of ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 75 A.D.. At the time of the eruption, Pompeii was a prosperous place a complex water system, a port, amphitheater, and a population of around 20,000.

Rediscovering Pompeii

    In 1599, when digging to create river channels, ancient walls with paintings and inscriptions were found. These findings were disregarded due to the erotic nature of the paintings found. Excavations slowly started and stopped again several times in the 1700s and 1800s. In 2000, the excavated sites of Pompeii were finally reopened.

Pompeii Ruins

Famous Homes

• House of the Faun - Built second century B.C. and was one of the largest and most impressive private homes. Luxurious house from the Roman republic, contains many art pieces. Highly sophisticated, 3,000 square meters, and consists of many rooms. The entrance is decorated with the Latin message "HAVE" which comes from the Latin word "Ave" meaning "Hail" and translating to "be well." Much use of stone building materials and decorative mosaics.

• House of the Vettii - Luxurious residence owned by two successful freedmen. The wall frescoes are very well preserved. The house was build around two compluviums which open up to the sky. There were many rooms such as the entry portico, dining room, living spaces, guest room, servant quarters, etc. The entire home decor is unified with bold outlining colors such as yellows and reds with contrasting black backgrounds of large frescoes.    

Influence on Today

       Stone mosaics and bold contrasting trims and colors.

Until next class!

Byzantine - Discussion

After reading Hannah's blog post, I really enjoyed what she had to say about the different time periods within the Byzantine reign. I enjoyed learning that in Middle Byzantine, much church restoration took place after the Iconoclasm.

Here's her post: http://www.history1hje.blogspot.com/2014/02/byzantine-527-1453.html

I also looked into Yo's blog post. He mentioned how the pendentive style of architecture can be considered sustainable design for that time. It allowed for windows and natural daylighting.

Check out his post: http://www.history1ys.blogspot.com/2014/02/byzantine.html

Learning from the Byzantine Empire!

         Byzantine was a Greek speaking continuation of the Eastern half of the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. After the Western half of Rome fell, the Eastern half succeeded on for another thousand years. Today we now know this place as Istanbul. The Byzantine Empire lasted from 324-1453 until it fell to the Ottoman Turks. During their time, they were the most powerful in military, economic, and cultural forces.


       The Byzantine Empire had its first golden age under the rule of Emperor Justinian who ruled from 518-527. As Justinian's empire conquered much of Western Rome's land, monumental structures were being built. One being the famous Hagia Sophia.

Emperor Justinian

Hagia Sophia

     First construction began in 537. The most renown architectural characteristic taken from the Byzantines is the use of pendentives. New circle domes were being supported by regular square bases. 

Pendentive method

Byzantine Architectural Charatcterisics...

       Brick was a main material source used in construction. Central planning, domes, vaults, round arches, and pendentives were widespread designs. Church interiors began separating the church and nave within a structure. Gold mosaics and colorful stones adorned walls. Flooring was tiled marble in geometric patterns, while walls were also covered in marble, mosaics, and frescoes. 

       Even today we still see the pendentive method of building arches and domes. Even more prominent is how much we use mosaics and the rich colors and patterns.

Fun Fact!

          It is said that Byzantine got its name in 660 B.C. from a Greek citizen named Byzas who consulted the oracle of Apollo at Delphi as to where he should start a new colony. After finding the area, he named it after himself.

Until next class!

Early Christian - Discussion

We know that the Christians used the Roman basilica as a template for their own basilicas. I like how Ariana describes in her blog that the Roman basilicas were used for more governmental and civic purposes. These days when we hear the word "basilica," we immediately think of religion and worship.

Her blog post: http://www.history1ah.blogspot.com/2014/02/early-christian.html

The second blog I looked into was Katrina's. She talked about how the Christians used much detail in their designs and craftsmanship. She explained how those things have all stuck with time and we still use them today.

Check out her post: http://www.katrinawoolridge.blogspot.com/2014/02/middle-ages-early-christian.html

Early Christian Exploration!

The death of Jesus and the birth of Christianity 330-800 C.E.

       After the death of Jesus, Christianity was a new religion. Although Rome was tolerant of most religions, Christianity posed a threat to the emperor and those with power. Christians did not believe the emperor to be divine. With this, the persecution of Christians began. Christianity had to be an underground religion, practiced while in hiding. Physical remaining structures such as the catacombs prove to show how vast Christianity had spread with its many believers.  

        An example of hiding and secrecy. One fish was drawn by a Christian, the second fish would be drawn by another Christian, symbolizing the trust that can be had between each other. In between the two fish is the symbol of a cross, which could not be drawn on its own.  

Emperor Constantine 

       Constantine ruled Rome from 306-337. In 313 he declared that Christianity was a valid religion and, through the Edict of Milan, he made Christianity an official religion with rights and privileges. He made it known that an Emperor has no divinity. Even after his reign, all but one of his successors were Christians. 

Building up Christianity...Early Christian Architecture

      After meeting and practicing in homes and abandoned buildings, the widespread growth of Christianity called for new buildings of their own. Christians needed a building that could accommodate many worshipers and the constant movement created when receiving of the Eucharist. Thus the Roman basilica plan was developed. It took common basilica forms and added trancept areas on the sides, which also mimics the symbol of a cross. Buildings were centrally planned and had separate bapistries. The main goal of the design was to have a structure that glorifies God.

• Old St. Peter's Cathedral - Built 330 C.E. in Rome. It is the monumental church of Christianity, the tomb of St. Peter. Plain exterior and intricate interior with many frescoes. Masonry walls and wood roof, had the highest nave of its time. The groundbreaking for the new St. Peter's basilica wasn't until 1506. 

• Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe - Built from 535-538 C.E. in Ravenna, Italy. This building is defined by its geometric volume. The interior includes a semi-vaulted dome and 24 marvelous Greek marble columns.

Furniture

         Very few examples remain, however pieces reflected the roman style and were very elaborate and detailed. Lots of reliefs and carvings, motifs and scenes of life. Storage is considered one of the most important pieces of furniture used during the Early Christian times.

Inspiration reflected in today's designs

Fun (yet gruesome) fact!

       At the time of the Edict of Milan, the Roman Empire was at war with Persia. Rome was considering that the Christians in Persia were allies. Because of that, the Persian Empire persecuted their Christians and in result, thousands were martyred. 

Until next class!

Classical Discussion - Greece and Rome

I looked at Lindsay's blog post on Ancient Greece. She explained motifs of the time and how we really do still see them today.

Here's her post : http://www.history1lcb.blogspot.com/2014/01/ancient-greece.html

Emily's blog post on Classical Rome delved into using architecture for lighting a space. It was a fun read.

Check it out here: http://www.history1evp.blogspot.com/2014/01/chapter-3-classical-civilization-rome.html