ARC 213 - History of Architecture I Quiz

Course Information

• Course Title: ARC 213 - History of Architecture I
• Lecturer: Arc. Wole Alagbe PhD
• Course Aim: Acquaint students with architectural innovations and shortcomings of past civilizations. Use knowledge of past civilizations as a springboard to forge a better understanding of present challenges and their solutions.
• Course Objectives: Chronicle evolution of architecture from earlier civilizations to Modern architecture. Acquaint students with architectural innovations and shortcomings of past civilizations. Use architectural knowledge of the past as a springboard to learn about the present. Evaluate how environmental influences affect the architecture of a place. Development in age of learning positively enhances architectural possibilities and structural innovations. Building materials available & technology developed to utilize them largely determine the nature of the architecture of that civilization.

Understanding Architecture

• What is architecture? Art + science, design + build, demonstrate solutions to practical problems associated with the purpose of building.
• What is history of architecture? Chronological record of architectural events, based on critical examination of architectural sources, explained from ancient times to the present.
• Why do we practice architecture?
  • Fulfill both practical (utilitarian) and expressive (aesthetic) requirements
  • Produce unique indigenous architectural styles using various building techniques
  • Produce structures that serve man as a form of defense against the natural environment
  • Give man the benefits of a built environment (symbol of civilization development)

General Overview (Ancient - Modern Period)

• What is civilization? Stage of social development from a savage or ignorant condition to a refined or developed stage.
• Ancient Civilizations: Early human settlements and their evolving forms of shelter.
• Egyptian Architecture: Early remarkable architectural forms, huge structures using stone blocks, tombs for kings and temples for gods. (5000 BC to 30 BC)
• Babylonians, Assyrians, & Persians Period: Architectural growth and flexibility enriched by cultural exchange during conquest and adaptation. Assyrians - bulky columns for support and defense. Persians - refined column design (less bulky and less obvious support).
• Greek Architecture: Magnificent architecture reflecting their creative and resilient mind. Dominated by design. Used a systematic proportioning of columns, base, and entablature (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian).
• Roman Architecture: Developed public and entertainment buildings using arches for vaults and domes, pozzolana sand, mortar, plaster and concrete. (509 BC onwards)
• Medieval Architecture: Religious architecture (Christianity and Islam) during Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic periods. Byzantine - churches centered around domes. Romanesque - fortified, stone-vaulted buildings. Gothic - pointed arches, ribbed vaults supported by flying buttresses (framed structure).
• Renaissance Architecture: "Rebirth" of classical architecture. Revival of naturalism, proportioning as a key element of beauty.
• Modern Architecture: From AD1750 onwards. Includes vernacular (traditional) and designed architecture. Vernacular - minimal creativity or artistry, typically done by artisans. Designed - focus on function, form, and aesthetics.

Factors Leading to Modern Architecture

• Industrial Revolution: Changed traditional living styles.
• Wealth distribution: Shift to a new social elite.
• Building needs: Growing population and various needs for buildings (factories, schools, etc.)
• Futility of ornamentation: Realization of the lack of meaning in some traditional architectural styles and ornamentation.
• Economic depressions: Importance of functional planning in order to address economic concerns.
• Reinforced concrete: Development and use of reinforced concrete (RC) in construction improved economic costs and building efficiency.

Views of Modern Architects

• Architect as a creator who considers construction, economics, and aesthetics.
• Principles of good architecture (utility, strength, beauty)- Vitruvius, Louis Sullivan, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Architecture defined in terms of light and shade, form, function, and the utilization of materials - Le Corbusier.