Society & Architectural Design

Architecture is defined as the complex or carefully designed structure of an object. In this case architecture can apply to a variety of different examples that are not just buildings, or objects, but as a reflection upon the thoughts and ideas of the time period in history. In this essay I will be discussing the dramatic impact that architecture has had on the major civilizations throughout time by being able to display them in their works, which not only was a clear representation of the time but as well helped mold and solidify the society’s thoughts through expression. By taking examples from ancient to modern times I will examine how the architecture of these eras clearly displays the thoughts and ideas of the culture in which it was built upon and as well the society in which it is placed. As well I will be examining how several major key architects played a dynamic role in these critical showcases that represented their time.
I will be taking architectural examples from; the ancient Egyptian time period, the gothic and medieval time period, the renaissance & pre-modern period and the now contemporary period. Each one of these unique periods of time in architectural design were clear representation of the dynamic time period in our history. Here, looking back at these time periods we can see the most incredible works in architectural design that still to this day help us understand the culture at the time.
As well I will be using several renowned architects throughout these time periods who were able to portray the culture, and society in their designs. These architects include, Michelangelo, Filippo Brunelleschi, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, Louis Henri Sullivan, and of course Frank Gehry.

Ancient Period Architecture:

The most incredible display of the rapid development of civilizations through architecture can be found by examining the building styles of ancient Egypt. Even though there is no select architect for this time period, we could think of the pharaohs & rulers of these kingdoms as the intellectual think tanks behind the amazing structures that have been left behind.

Features of Ancient Structures: * Symmetrical stone design * Large based platforms & columns * Religious structures * Stone & Sand carvings and sculptures * Great use of size and basic shapes

In Smith Stevenson’s book The Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt, he discusses how the massive structures that were built during this time period was a result of the religious and governing styles of the time. By examining the pyramids, Stevenson tells us “The pyramids were built not only to demonstrate the spectacular power of the Egyptian superpower, but as a symbol to their gods.” “The foundational, rise of the pyramids was to resemble the structure of power within Egyptian society.” By this exert Smith is explaining how the pyramids were built to reflect upon the might of the Pharaoh and their kingdom which helps solidify the idea that these massive structures were generated from the leaders of the time. Egypt has several astounding structures such as the Sphinx, which was built as homage to one of their many gods. The Sphinx is the perfect example of how Egyptian architecture was reflected by design, again going to Smith “The Egyptian sphinx was said to reflect the mighty power exuberated by the Pharaoh.” The massive labor in which was used to construct these amazing structures paved the way for future leaders to use the valuable resource of vast amounts of expendable labor to later construct several more architectural masterpieces. But more so than just that the Ancient time period of Architecture led the way for religion and rule to be the leading motivators in architectural design.

Renaissance Period :
Before the dawn of the Renaissance, Europe was dominated by asymmetrical and ornate Gothic architecture. During the Renaissance, however, architects were inspired by the highly symmetrical and carefully proportioned buildings of Classical Greece, Rome & Egypt. The renaissance period gave way to a rapid development in creativity in expression through architecture. Though following symmetrical standards the great architects during the renaissance period were able to create imaginative designs full of expression in the arts and sciences, this again supporting the thesis by having these architectural designs lead the way, adapt, and pioneer a new mode of expression through culture and the thoughts of society.

Features of Renaissance Buildings: * Symmetrical arrangement of windows and doors * Extensive use of Classical columns and pilasters * Triangular pediments * Square lintels * Arches * Domes * Art integrated * Religious sculptures
In Andrew Hopkins Book Italian Architecture “From Michelangelo to Borromini” Hopkins paves the way into understanding the concepts in which were vastly displayed amongst the structures of the time and their application into the dynamic culture of the time. With the start of the renaissance truly beginning with Filippo Brunelleschi’s adoption of the symmetrical structure from classical Greek and Roman styles, Hopkins comments “The Italian Renaissance was a revival of the old ways of style and thought, but was combined with a new age expression of creativity.” Through Brunelleschi’s first major work, the Florence Cathedral he was able to revive the ancient building techniques of the Pantheon in ancient Rome. Through influence from the church and the increasingly liberal lifestyle led by the Itlaian culture at the time, Brunelleschi was able to use few gothic standpoints (church) that were surrounded by the dome. (Italian Culture) Next, Hopkins examines one of the most famous architects of all time Michelangelo, whose works revolutionized not only the architectural world, but also society as a whole. Hopkins on Michelangelo: “Michelangelo was able to create a symmetrical way of thought between society, the church, and the arts. His ability to express the soul of the renaissance through his works pioneered the way to modern architecture.” Michelangelo who was commissioned to embark on the challenge of St. Peters Basilica Michelangelo employed radical principles to his design of the Laurentian Library, breaking rules of the classical style. For instance, he took practical elements, like brackets traditionally used as supportive structures, and uses them merely for ornamentation. This reflects Michelangelo’s ability to separate from the static ideas of church implemented gothic thought and employ the radical creativity of the Renaissance. Here, we see the first major splinter in the separation between the church authority and the cultural influences of the time. Though small, it was a major start to the freedom of expression through architectural art. This changed the dynamic from religion and rule to individualistic expression that was encompassed by the renaissance culture. Hopkins comments on the Renaissance’s effect on the modern period of architecture by stating: “The Renaissance was full of individual enlightenment and expression, this not only carried over in the arts, but into becoming the main drivers of the modern period of architecture by allowing a separation from the constrictive authorities that it was governed by.”

The renaissance paved a way into the pre-modern era of architecture. Following the Baroque period, which again inhibited the ideas of the church to create structures of grand design mostly throughout the major western European super powers of the time, it as well led to the adoption of the Beaux style of architecture which is heavily implanted on the roots of our countries greatest structures.

The Beaux Period:
The Beaux Arts (French for "fine art") style originated in the École des Beaux Arts in Paris. Many American architects studied at this legendary architectural school, where they learned about the aesthetic principles of classical design and brought them to the United States.

Features of Beaux Structures: * Complicated shapes * Large curved forms * Twisted columns * Grand stairways * High domes
Also known as Beaux Classicism, or Classical Revival, Beaux is a pre-modern expression of the renaissance ideas. It combines classical architecture from ancient Greece and Rome with Renaissance ideas. Beaux Arts is characterized by order, symmetry, formal design, grandiosity, and elaborate ornamentation. In the United States, the Beaux Arts style led to planned neighborhoods with large, showy houses, wide boulevards, and vast parks. Due to the size and grandiosity of the buildings, the Beaux Arts style is most commonly used for public buildings like museums, railway stations, libraries, banks, courthouses, and government buildings. The popularity of the Beaux Arts style waned in the 1920's, and within 25 years the buildings were considered ostentatious. Here, the Beaux style encompasses several similarities between the United States Renaissance and the Italian Renaissance. In the Timothy Madison’s Beaux-Arts Architects and Capitol Interiors he discusses the influence of the European renaissance in the structure and construction of several of our countries greatest structures such as the: Capital Building, and the Lincoln Memorial. One of the greatest Beaux architects and the so called “Father of American Architecture” was Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Madison describes Latrobe’s influences on American Architecture: “Latrobe pioneered the neo-classical & beaux style that was established in Europe, to the United States with his unique forefront of structure, and multi-level ornamentation.” Similar to the time of the Italian renaissance, Latrobe was able to bring the classical symmetrical structures of ancient Greek and Roman styles to the emerging superpower of the United States. “Through Latrobe, we see how the US, was a separate but still intact entity of the European world.” This due to emerging culture of the United States post revolutionary war, Latrobe was able to use both ancient and current European architectural styles to create a basis of what would lead into the modern and post modern architectural styles.

Modern Architecture Period:

Modern architecture is a set of building styles with similar characteristics, including simplification of form and the elimination of ornament. It was first received in the early 20th century and adopted by many influential architects. Its popularity strengthened after World War II and became the main architectural style in institutional and corporate buildings for three decades. These buildings and styles were a reflection of the post war period, and based on ideas of functionality, and structure with little no attention to ornament, and decoration.

The main characteristics of modern architecture as: * Rejection of historical styles as a source of architectural form (historicism) * Adoption of the machine aesthetic * Rejection of ornament * Simplification of form and elimination of unnecessary detail * Adoption of expressed structure
Modern architecture is a combination of functionality, brutalism, and high-tech influences. It is focused around the principle that architects should design a building based on the purpose of that building, as well the buildings are formed with striking blockish, geometric, and repetitive shapes, and often revealing the textures of the wooden forms used to shape the materials. Normally it is rough from unadorned poured concrete. The most influential individual in the generation of the modern period was Louis Sullivan. Sullivan who was called “the father of the skyscraper” took the ideas left by the beaux period and brought about a methodology of functionality rather than ornament. Sullivan was as well is credited as being the mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. In Donald Hoffman’s book Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan & The Skyscraper Hoffman discusses Sullivan’s influence on the creation of the major metropolitan eras as well as his leading into the post modern structure of architectural design. Hoffman: “Sullivan’s influence on the post war period helped the ideas of functionality influence the culture at critical time in American History.” Sullivan used efficiencies and organization as the main drivers of his architectural masterpiece in creating the skyscrapers as well has the organization of the living arrangements in commercialized metropolitan areas.
Here we see the culture, and political influence of the period of time of post war United States as the major influence in the necessity of organized and efficient architecture. Sullivan adapted the beaux era to a simplified organized procedural design that with the combination of the booming commodities industry of the time could be built rapidly. This architecture represented the time of a rebuilding period of the United States and the baby boomer era of American society of rapid growth and expansion. The skyscraper is a clear representation of this by its structure of growth through its base to the top. Sullivan capitalized on the expanding affluence of the time to create a more efficient structure that led the way to the postmodern and contemporary era of design.
Contemporary Period:
The modern period is the current stage of architecture that we are in. The designs have abstract shapes, sizes, meanings, and design. The contemporary period is a culmination of all the other periods that have come together to give itself pure freedom of expression in the means of abstractness. Post-Modern architecture derives from the extreme liberalness of society and separation from binding forces such as political, religious, and rule as seen in the other period of times in architecture.

Characteristics in Contemporary Architecture: * Abstractness * Unsymmetrical Design * Glass, and Metals * Sustainable Materials * Freedom of Expression * No Outside Influence On Design

The prominent features of postmodern architecture are mainly adapting diverse aesthetics, which gives emphasis on unique forms. Postmodern features are the striking counterpoint of traditional architecture and all its preceding movements. The principle of "anything goes" is applied in this type of architectural movement. There is no room for structural ideas and conventional designs when speaking of postmodernism. Diversity of expression defines the core philosophy of postmodern ideals. Buildings are designed not only to deliver conventional function but also combined with characteristics of meaning such as pluralism, irony, paradox, and contextualism. The leader in the contemporary movement is Frank Gehry, there is no mistaking Gehry’s works, as they are the most distinctive, and innovative architectural phenomena around. His deconstructive forms are iconic as tourists flock to all of his buildings worldwide to marvel at the architectural forms he creates. Named by Vanity Fair as “the most important architect of our age”, he has set the precedence for contemporary architecture. His ability to create spaces that manipulate forms and surfaces is his most notable feats and we all love his unique uses of materials that almost defy all logic in how they work together.
In Pavalo Favole’s book The Story of Contemporary Architecture, he describes Frank’s work: “Grehy has taken the modern culture and deployed it into his works though; thought, abstractness, and the free thinking. His works are masterpieces of the modern mind.” His works have replicated the new age thought of separation form reality. With the rapid development of technology, alongside the expanding paradigm of free-thinking Grehy has been able to engineer structures that encompass the entirety of this modern way of thought in todays culture.

This essay has covered the vast expansion of the development of architecture throughout the most dynamic periods of time in history and examining how their design and structure innovated through several of the most renowned architects was a clear resemblance of the culture and society at that distinct time in history. Not only has the architecture displayed the culture of the time it lead to the way to new ways of thought and innovation. Architecture has come from the ancient times in which is was ruled by religious dominance as well as the rulers of kingdoms to represent their might and power as well as dedication to their gods, to an abstract form of art in free thinking and development of imaginative ideas that provide a strong basis of functionality found in the beaux periods as well as the pre-modern period. Architecture now has provided a standpoint in which resembles our way of thinking and our societies culture at the time. Certain dominant forces such as rulers, gods, politics, economics, and culture ruled each period of architecture. In addition each period of architecture was derived from previous forms with innovative adaptations that helped develop new forms of architecture that as well helped shape cultural thought in society. Architecture is one of the most powerful points of art that we can examine throughout history. Unlike paintings and sculptures, we live amongst the ideas of architects and envelop ourselves into their creations. They are part of our lives and our culture and are rapidly developing alongside the dynamic ever changing ideals of thought and culture.

Favole, Paolo. The Story of Contemporary Architecture. Munich: Prestel, 2011. Print.

Hopkins, Andrew. Italian Architecture: From Michelangelo to Borromini. London: Thames & Hudson, 2002. Print.

"Iconic Legends: The 10 Greatest Modern Architects of Our Time."Freshome.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014.

Smith, C. Ray. Supermannerism: New Attitudes in Post-modern Architecture. New York: Dutton, 1977. Print.

"Defining Postmodern Architecture and Its Characteristics." Cockrams Surveying. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Feb. 2011.

Hoffmann, Donald. Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, and the Skyscraper. Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, 1998. Print.

Viegut, Al Shihabi Diane. Beaux-Arts Architects and Capitol Interiors: Transmuting an Aristocratic French Academic Architectural Tradition for an Egalitarian American Democracy. Madison, WI: U of Wisconsin--Madison, 2012. Print.