تاريخ العمارة

I. Why Study Architectural History?

• Architectural history isn't just a record of buildings, but an analysis of their evolution in form and purpose.
• It studies building design, forms, purposes, and most importantly, its evolution.
• Architecture reflects the society and culture that created it.
• Asking "why?" about architectural forms is crucial to understanding and creating good architecture.
• The built environment significantly impacts health, productivity, cognitive abilities, and emotions.
• Environmentally harmful buildings cannot be considered good.
• Analytical and comparative methods are used to study why various cultures produced the architecture of their time.
• Several forces shape buildings, including technical aspects, government regulations, professional design, surrounding environment, geographical location, geological materials, climatic conditions, religious beliefs, and social/political dynamics.

II. Ancient Egyptian Architecture

• Ancient Egyptians saw themselves as "God's stewards," influencing their architecture.
• Geography was fundamental; the Nile River provided resources (food, water, transport) while the desert offered protection. The fertile 'black land' (Kemet) and 'red land' were central.
• Lack of forests meant relying on mud bricks, limestone, sandstone, and granite as building materials.
• Availability of building materials influenced architectural characteristics (style/size).
• Mud brick houses were simple, often one or two stories tall.
• Mud bricks offered thermal insulation.
• "Batter walls" (inclined walls) were used due to using mud bricks.
• Columns were inspired by plants (papyrus, lotus, palm).
• Hieroglyphics were important decorative elements on buildings. Tombs and pyramids evolved from earlier structures. Earliest burials were simple holes in the desert.

III. Ancient Greek Architecture

• Rugged mountains and islands led to independent city-states (polis) and reliance on the sea.
• Greek cities were centered around a fort (acropolis) and a market (agora).
• Stone (limestone and marble) was the primary building material.
• Buildings emphasized public spaces (temples), due to absence of royal palaces.
• Temples used standardized design elements and construction methods.
• Temples were symbolic of the gods. They used the "peripteral" style (columns around the sides) and an even number of columns.
• They used the post-and-lintel system.
• Their architecture reflected a connection to wood styles.
• Proportion and symmetry were important design considerations.
• Significant decorative elements and elaborate capitals were also present.

IV. Roman Architecture

• Roman architecture prioritized practicality and improving lives through engineering innovations.
• Romans adopted elements of Etruscan, Greek, and Egyptian design.
• The use of arches and vaults, as well as concrete, were important innovations.
• They created large, durable structures.
• They constructed structures like aqueducts to transport water.
• The Roman Forum (central marketplace) contained significant buildings such as temples, law courts, and the basilica.
• Important materials included tufa (volcanic stone), travertine, and marble, particularly for facing purposes.
• Pozzolana sand contributed to the durability of their concrete.