ART APPRECIATION

Architecture

Definition: The art and science of designing and erecting buildings.

Art creating something aesthetically beautiful

Science systematic application; planning
Designing to conceive or fashion in the mind; make a plan
Erecting construction; execution of plan

Other connotations:
It is also connotes the style and method of design and construction that reflect the cultural and religious temper of
the era.
Style and construction design is influenced by
* the functional demands of nature and man - climate
* medium of construction available construction materials

- Cool/cold climate needs the building design to be warm heating provisions like fireplaces; small or few windows which
are tightly secured to prevent cold from entering; if snow area, steeply pitched roof to let snow slide off easily; massive
materials are also used such as stone or bricks
- Warm climate needs the building design to be cool wide windows for light and breeze; verandas are common flat roofs
are also utilized during warm nights. ; light materials like wood
- Typhoon-prone areas need buildings to be low and sturdy; living rooms are not in the winds path; basements are also
common
- Earthquake belt areas need construction to consider this condition; Japanese construction use rollers so that buildings
sway instead of crumble.

VITRUVIUS |
- Roman architect who believed that, like the Greeks, the human body is a source of symmetry and proportion and should
be the inspiration for architecture; mirrors the natural law of harmony and beauty
- architecture mimics life and nature
- architectural design should have 3 qualities:
1. functionality = usefulness
2. strength / solidity = permanence
3. beauty

Basic styles and construction

- different styles and construction are different in various countries.

Arch a keystone supports both sides of an arch; an arch must also be supported at its base
Barrel vault series of arches
Cross vault is the result of the intersection of two barrel vaults
Post and lintel prevalent in many middle and high-income homes in the Philippines; aka pillar and beam
Dome a series of intersecting arches; typically found in churches

STRUCTURAL MATERIALS
* Rock stone and clay, sand, gravel, cement
* Organic materials wood (plywood, lawanit, chemically treated lumber)
* Metal and synthetic materials glass and plastic, GI sheet, steel bars
* Hybrid materials adobe and bricks, tiles
Three basic materials needed for a building:
Roof
Walls
Floors

EVOLUTION AND TYPE OF ARCHITECTURE

The historical past depicts the religious as well as traditions which are vividly in the architectural artistry and design
inherent to the country or era of origin.

Religion and culture have directly influenced architecture throughout history.

Mesopotamian Architecture
- Mesopotamia land between two rivers the Euphrates and the Tigris (it is the modern-day Iraq and part of Iran, Syria
and Turkey.) It included Sumer, the Akkadian, Assyrian and Babylonian empires.
- Characterized by a tower called ziggurat built at successive levels having the form of a pyramid by successively receding
stories. It served as a temple. Unlike the Egyptian temple, the shrine was on top of the structure/ summit, making it open to
everyone.
- The Assyrians developed the arch and the barrel vault the most influential architectural design.

- Example:
HANGING GARDEN OF BABYLON, Babylon or Nineveh
Purpose: Nebuchadnezzar built it for his homesick wife, Amytis
Built: Around 600 BCE

Distinctive qualities:
- One of the 7 wonders of the ancient world
- Symbol of mans power over nature considering that it is a lush garden, grown and thriving in a desert
- Made of mud bricks (dried mud made more compact with straw), which is not the strongest of materials
- Built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, Queen Amytis, from Media/Medes around 600 BC
- Not really hanging but the literal translation from Latin and Greek meant overhanging which referred to the
way the plants hung over the terraces of the garden
- Used the chain pump watering system to water the garden, which siphoned water from the Euphrates
- The structure was made of mud bricks which were lined with lead on top to protect it from the water of the garden
- According to written accounts, it was 400 ft x 400 ft in area and stood 80 ft high.
- Is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
- Ruins were found of what might have been the garden, but this was found closer to Nineveh. This would support
the theory that it was King Senaccherib who built it, not Nebuchadnezzar
- Many theories on whether it actually existed because of conflicting accounts from historians. Recent conclusions
reveal that it did exist but not in such a grand scale.
- All photos of the Hanging Garden are re-imagined based on written accounts or descriptions
Egyptian Architecture
- Basic construction was post and lintel
- characterized by enormous pyramidal structures as seen in temples (pylon temples). Rows of columns support the
structure.
- two types of columns: bud shaped and bell-shaped (campaniform)
- Major effort was put on architecture for tombs and temples their strong belief that the afterlife was a continuation of
life here on earth
- contributions to architecture: clerestory and figure-as-columns

- Example:
TEMPLE OF RAMESES in Abu Simbel, Egypt
Purpose: Built by Rameses for the 3 gods and as a symbol of his power as pharaoh
Built: 1244-1224 BCE

Distinctive qualities:
- 4 colossi statues on faade
- 8 colossi figure-as-columns in the hypostyle hall in the image of Osiris, with the face of Rameses II. These columns
are reserve columns. This is the first time that this type of columns appear.
- Sanctuary had 3 statues of the gods to which the temple is dedicated together with Rameses II. In the Days of
Illumination (2x a year), sunlight shines directly into the sanctuary.
- The temple is a testament to Rameses ego and power. It was also built to commemorate his alleged victory in the
Battle of Kadesh and to impress his neighbors.
- The temple was hewn out of living rock or rock-cut. But worship was according to social class. Only the pharaoh
and high priests could enter the sanctuary.
- It was moved in 1968 because dams built along the Nile river caused the water level to rise and would submerge
the temples. There were about 20 temples along the Nile that needed to be moved.
- It took 20 years to make and 4 years to move

Greek Architecture
- uses post and lintel construction like in Egyptian temples but at lower height and of smaller proportion
- Architectural feats mostly temples
- Three styles or orders of Greek architecture - Doric, Ionic, Corinthian
* Greek temples faced outward, unlike Egyptian temples. Rites were performed in front of the temple. Public rituals
prevailed. Therefore, the exterior of the temples was where the architects focused their efforts to make it a suitable
monument for their deity.

- Example:
PARTHENON, Acropolis, Greece
Purpose: Built for the goddess Athena, the patron of Athens
Built:: 447-432 BCE

Distinctive qualities:
- Peripteral octastyle temple
- Parthenon means temple of the virgin goddess
- Built around 330 BC
- Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron of Athens.
- Architects Ictinus and Callicrates; sculptor: Phidias ; commissioned by Pericles, known to be the father of
democracy
- Served as a temple, a Christian church and a mosque
- Used the Doric Order of Architecture with Ionic features. It used the post and lintel construction.
- It is the perfect example of Greek architecture, using the Golden Ratio.
- Pentelic marble was used for the columns
 - Entasis: Floor was curved in the middle to prevent the sagging effect of massive vertical Doric columns. The
entire temple was optically accurate rather than mathematically accurate. There are no right angles. All the Doric
columns lean slightly inwards.
- Inside the Pantheon was a 40 foot statue of Athena, holding the winged Nike in her right hand. It was made of
ivory and gold (chryselephantine).
- Elgin a British national who took 75 marble sculptures from the Parthenon. Those stolen marbles are now called
after him the Elgin Marbles
- Pediment sculpture themes:
o Birth of Athena
o Battle between Athena and Poseidon for patronage of Athens
- Metope sculpture themes in high relief:
o Centauromachy
o Amazonmachy
o Gigantomachy
o Trojan war
- Ionic frieze inside the temple Panathenaic procession in low relief

Roman Architecture
- has similar Greek characteristics but with some innovations
- built not only temples but cities (buildings, baths, law courts, amphitheaters, aqueducts and bridges)
- used the arch and the first round dome (Pantheon)
- Important contributions: engineering designs in planning cities, developed concrete reinforced by embedded brick arches;
amphitheater (Colosseum) model for sports arenas. Originator of the stadium for the Olympic games.
- they added the Tuscan Order of Architecture. Similar to the Doric order but the column is usually without flutes and it is
more slender than the Doric column and the Composite Order of Architecture, combination of Ionic and Corinthian Orders

- Example:
PANTHEON, Rome, Italy
Purpose: a temple for the major gods of Rome
Built: 27-25 BCE, 98-117 CE, 125 CE

Distinctive qualities:
- First built by Marcus Agrippa whose name appears on the portico faade. Apollodorus was said to be its architect.
Emperor Hadrian was the last to commission the Pantheon into the structure that we see today. Under him, it
served as an ecumenical church.
- First a temple, then a Catholic church. Also serves as a tomb, one of the most famous, Raphael, one of the great
Renaissance masters
- the Pantheon (Greek to every God) was built as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. It has three major
parts: portico, vestibule and rotunda. The rotunda is a perfect orb, with dimensions 43m x 43m/ 142ft x 142ft
- The portico has Corinthian columns made of monolithic granite which were imported from Egypt
 - Bronze from the Pantheon was taken when it was turned over to the Catholic church. They were used as material
for St Peters Baldachin in St. Peters Basilica.
- Interior has 7 niches with a statue of each god. These were replaced with Mary and the saints when it became a
Catholic church. The marble floor with geometric patterns of squares and circles mirror the circular dome and the
square coffers above.
- the dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world and it is decorated with coffers. It symbolizes
the dome of heaven. The large opening on its dome is called the oculus and it is the only source of light.
- The Pantheon also contains the tomb of Raphael Sanzio, one of the great Renaissance masters
- The floor is installed with drainage; it also has circular and square patterns which are mirrored by the circular
dome and the square coffers that embellish it
- to support the dome
o its thickness gradually decreased as the height increased
o used heavier materials at the base and gradually lighter materials towards the top of dome
o coffers also helped lighten the dome weight

Eastern Byzantine Architecture

- 200 AD 6th century
- was the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity and the middle ages. Differentiated mainly from Ancient Rome by it Christianity
as opposed to Roman polytheism.
- Contribution: architecture is characterized by a great central dome supported by curved triangles (pendentives) and fitted
into a square area. This type of architecture is used in Russian churches, Mohamedan Mosques, Jewish synagogues and
Istanbul culture.
- Byzantine structures are mostly centrally planned. Greatest contribution to architecture are the use of pendentives.

- Example:
HAGIA SOPHIA, Istanbul, Turkey
Purpose: Built as a catholic church
Built: 360 AD, 415 AD, 537 AD

Distinctive qualities:
- Ayasofya means Holy Wisdom
- First built by Constantine the Great, then Emperor Theodosius II, then Emperor Justinian I
- Architects were Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus
- The only church that contains both Catholic and Moslem artifacts
- Materials used: ashlar brick
- Like most Byzantine structures, the exterior was very plain-looking but inside it is well-embellished by mosaics
- Floorplan is both longitudinal and central in plan
 - First use of massive pendentives. The four piers supported the main dome, transferring the weight of dome from
walls to piers. Hence, they were able to pierce the walls with windows, creating an ethereal light effect on the
interior.
- Interior decorations were primarily mosaics which are dominantly golden in color, to symbolize the heavenly.
Themes of mosaics are religious. During this period Christ Pantokrator was the common representation of Jesus
Christ
- Dome is reinforced with inner ribs and embellished with mosaics with arched windows at the bottom
- The Turks converted the church to a mosque and added minarets and roundels with calligraphy to the interior.
They also covered the Catholic mosaics with plaster during the time Hagia Sophia served as a mosque.

Middle Ages Early Christian, Romanesque, Gothic

- Basic plan for the Early Christian and Romanesque architecture is the Roman Basilica a rectangular building divided by
pillars into a central nave and aisles on both sides. The nave is higher than the aisle and the clerestory window gives
adequate lighting.

- Gothic architecture is characterized by

Characterized by height, majesty, light
pointed arches, making the building taller and larger
rib vaulting an arched ceiling or roof supported or reinforced by ribs
buttresses exterior support of the building
Decorations are more elaborate / ornate
Interior: stained glass windows
Exterior: stone sculptures
Gothic cathedrals usually have two towers
Spires

- Example:
NOTRE DAME DE PARIS (or simply Notre Dame), Paris, France
Purpose: built in dedication to the Virgin Mary and as a Catholic church worthy of
God and to expand Catholicism in Paris
Built: 1163 1345 AD

Distinctive qualities:
- Exhibits the basic characteristics of Gothic architecture
 - Commissioned by Maurice de Sully and took almost a century to finish. Building started in 1163. Main architects
were Peter of Montereau and Jean de Chelles
- West Faade contains
o 3 portals (portal of the Virgin, Portal of the Last Judgement, Portal of St. Anne)
o Gallery of kings
o 2 towers
o The great rose window
- Gargoyles also have a practical purpose: water spouts
- Stained glass windows are considered the most beautiful ever made. There are three rose windows: two feature
biblical stories, while one shows themes of human life

Renaissance Architecture
- developed in 15th and 16th century
- rise of arts greatest masters: Leonardos Mona Lisa, Michelangelos Sistine chapel ceiling, Raphaels Madonnas and
Donatellos David.
- Renaissance means of classical Greek and Rome.
- Characteristics
- highly symmetrical with a progression towards the center
- carefully proportioned
- Pilaster flat column
- Steeper dome and adopted in smaller buildings compared to classic Roman style
- In England it is known as the Gregorian style; in the US known as the American colonial style

- Example:
ST. PETERS BASILICA, Vatican, Rome
Purpose: As a Catholic church. Named after St. Peter, the first pope.
Built: 1506 1615 AD

Distinctive qualities:
- Known to be the place where St. Peter was crucified and holds his tomb
- A Renaissance structure with Baroque elements
- It was first known as Neros Circus where he persecuted Christians. The first St. Peters was mostly made of
wood and had 2 aisles each side of the nave. The 2nd St. Peters (which is the structure we see today) was first
planned by Bramante as a Greek cross. It was Madernos plan to make it into a Latin cross.
- 4 major architects were:
o Bramante
o Michelangelo
o Maderno
o Bernini
- The obelisk that stands in middle of St Peters square is called witness because it witnessed the crucifixion of st
Peter.
 - The faade was designed by Maderno. It has Corinthian columns made of travertine
- The dome was designed by Michelangelo. It is also called the Lantern. It is supported by outer ribs and is also the
viewing deck. On the inside is embellished with mosaics.
- The 4 piers that support the main dome are 5-sided and marked with sculptures of saints with holy relics
o St. Veronica
o St. Helena
o St. Longinus
o St. Andreas
- 5 doors that lead into the basilica
o Door of Good and Evil
o Holy Door opens only every 25 years
o Filarete Door
o Door of the Sacraments
o Door of Death exit portal of coffins after mass
- The church is built in the Renaissance style but has Baroque elements as construction spanned about a century

Baroque Architecture
- developed in the 17th century and early 18th century
- Characteristics
- Elaborate sculptural ornamentation
- high faade
- Columns and entablatures were decorated with garlands of flowers, fruits, shells and water
- Aka Theatrical Renaissance

- Example:
STS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH, Krakow, Poland
Purpose: As a Catholic church
Built: 1597 - 1619 AD

Distinctive qualities:
- Has the Latin cross layout, the altar is also placed underneath the main dome
- Architects: Bernardoni, Battista, Falconi
- The largest church in Poland and seats 300 people
- Elaborate faade made of dolomite
- The rest of the structure is made of brick
- sculptures of the 12 apostles on plinths in front of the faade made from Pinczow limestone designed by Kacper
Bazanka
- color theme of interior was black and gold. The acoustic sound is also noteworthy.
 - the apse and aisle ceilings are decorated with stucco relief sculptures. The theme of the apse depicting the life of
Sts. Peter and Paul
- theatrical effect of mass light from dome acts as spotlight on priest/altar
- It has a pipe organ right above the doorway, also embellished in the same style as the apse altar
- Foucault pendulum every Thursday activity in the church which exhibits the rotation of the earth
- The church also has subterranean crypts

Modern Architecture
- this characterized the 20th century structure which developed two new materials:
structural steel
reinforced steel gave rise to skeleton and cantilever construction
skeleton construction horizontal and vertical members and walls at floor-level are made of steel
cantilever construction a beam, supported at one end; allows overhanging structures without external
bracing
- the cantilever construction was used by Frank Lloyd Wright to supplement pillars for verandas.
* modern architecture: simple form that eliminates unnecessary details; form follows function; usually has strong vertical
and horizontal lines

- Example:
FALLINGWATER (Or Kaufmann Residence), Pennsylvania, USA
Purpose: Built as a weekend home for the Kaufmanns
Built: 1936 1939

Distinctive qualities:
- built by Frank Lloyd Wright on top of a waterfall
- materials: stone, reinforced concrete, glass and steel
- texture of materials show contrast of rough (stone) and soft (concrete created with rounded edges)
- uses the organic style in building - unity in planning, structure, materials and site; organic architecture
- design of interior and exterior is seamless integration with nature with the use of organic materials; materials are
also local to the area
- characteristic of modern architecture, it has strong, clean horizontal and vertical lines
- main entrance was small; the rooms were also small to encourage people to hang out in the living rooms and enjoy
the living spaces instead of being cooped up in their rooms
- the design integrates the structure with nature and mirrors the natural terrain and landscape
- a main central beam supports most of the structure and it uses cantilever construction
- interior design/layout was inspired by Japanese design. The house design itself was inspired by a deck of cards.
- Interior colors are light ochre and Cherokee red (the architects signature color and said to be the color of iron ore
which is the raw material of steel)
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

European Architecture
Rich with old and medieval architectural designs such as Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Gothic, Baroque and
Renaissance.
Evident in the temples, cathedrals, amphitheaters, civic buildings

American Architecture
Home design evolved from the log cabins of the early settlers with homes in the prairies
Log cabins are still used as vacation homes now built with logs and stone
Colonial designs and a combination of styles

Philippine Architecture
Architectural structure evolved from the nipa hut, commonly found in the countryside
Made out of a combination of organic materials nipa, palm leaves, wood and bamboo. The climate and the
materials available were the influential factors in the structure and design
Other influence is also the Spanish architecture use of wood and capiz shells; steep roofs made of tiles; wide
windows (see heritage houses in Carcar)
Modern day Filipino houses are influenced by western style architecture materials of cement, wood, marble
floor, tiles, GI sheets, glass and plastic for windows and doors. The post and lintel construction. Painting houses is also a
style that is adopted.
Great architectural achievement:
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to help develop culture and arts in the Philippines
Coconut Palace commissioned by Imelda Marcos for Pope John Pauls visit