Material Culture Test 1 Study Guide F24 PDF

Material Culture Study Guide: Test 1 The following is a study aid – it is not an exhaustive list of the material covered, but a guide in your studying for the test. You should know what the following key shifts in material culture refer to,...

Material Culture Study Guide: Test 1 The following is a study aid – it is not an exhaustive list of the material covered, but a guide in your studying for the test. You should know what the following key shifts in material culture refer to, and be able to give examples. Focus on your lecture notes (on the details raised in the lectures). Lecture Outlines are a resource, as are the course readings (both are on Blackboard). Topic One: Dwelling Spaces Readings: Witold Rybczysnki, Home: A Short History of an Idea, pp. 19-43 Clifford Edward Clark, The American Family Home 1800-1960, pp. xi-xii, pp. 9-16; Dolores Hayden, Redesigning the American Dream, pp. 21-24 The Medieval Hall House: Key spatial features / design: The hall house typically consisted of a single large chamber called the hall, which was open up to the rafters. The main floor often included a shop or work area facing the street, with living quarters behind or above. The design was characterized by long, narrow buildings due to restricted street frontages in fortified medieval towns. Material objects: Furniture was sparse and simple, including chests (used for storage and seating), benches, stools, and demountable trestle tables. Beds were often collapsible, though more important individuals had large permanent beds. Other objects included tapestries, stools, cushions, and steps. How the design shaped everyday life: The multifunctional hall was used for cooking, eating, entertaining, and sleeping, reflecting a communal lifestyle. Furniture was moved around as needed, indicating a lack of permanent arrangements and a flexible use of space. The lack of privacy and the communal nature of the hall influenced social interactions and daily routines. Who lived here: The hall house was typically inhabited by the bourgeois, including merchants, tradesmen, and artisans. Households were large, often including the immediate family, employees, servants, apprentices, friends, and proteges Everyday activities: Activities included cooking, eating, entertaining guests, transacting business, and sleeping. The hall was a public space used for various functions throughout the day and night. Relation of hall house to street The hall house had a restricted street frontage, with the main floor often serving as a shop or work area. The living quarters were usually located behind or above the commercial space, integrating work and home life. The French Hotel (Bourgeois Mansion) in Paris: Time Period: Seventeenth century 1 Key spatial features / design: Courtyard: The house was arranged around an internal courtyard. Multiple Floors: Typically four or five floors, reflecting the price and availability of land in Paris. Large Rooms: The main rooms, such as the salle (hall) and chambre (bedroom), were large and multifunctional. No Corridors: Rooms were connected directly to each other, with doors aligned enfilade for an unobstructed view. Decorative Elements: Richly decorated with frescoed ceilings, painted, paneled, and mirrored walls. Some of the different zones Salle: A large room used for dining, entertaining, and receiving visitors. Chambre: A bedroom, often used for social gatherings as well. Garde-robe: A wardrobe or dressing room, sometimes large enough to be used for sleeping. Cabinet: A storeroom or a small private room for activities like writing. Who lived there The mansions were typically inhabited by wealthy bourgeois families and sometimes nobility. These households included the immediate family, servants, and sometimes tenants who rented rooms on the upper floors. How the design displayed a shift to Comfort Furniture: The introduction of more elaborate and comfortable furniture, such as padded and upholstered chairs, and four-poster beds with side curtains for warmth and privacy. Heating: Improved heating with fireplaces in most habitable rooms. Lighting: Use of candles and oil lamps, although still limited compared to modern standards. to Privacy Separate Rooms: The creation of separate rooms for different functions, such as the chambre for sleeping and the cabinet for private activities. Private Bedrooms: The introduction of private bedrooms, such as the Marquise de Rambouillet’s conversion of a garde-robe into a small private bedroom. Separation from Servants: Greater separation between the masters and their servants, with servants often sleeping in adjacent smaller rooms. The Early North American Home: Who lived there The household typically included parents and their children. Additionally, non-kin such as orphans, laborers, apprentices, and other children “bound out” under conditions of fosterage and designated as “servants” also lived in the house. Town officials sometimes placed convicts and indigent people in private homes for supervision. Spatial Features / Design: The early North American homes had multifunctional spaces. For example, the main room, often called the hall, great room, or dwelling room, served multiple purposes such as cooking, dining, household handicrafts, and amusements. Furniture was light and movable to accommodate different activities. The layout evolved to reflect the cooperative nature of family life, with rooms serving various functions and furniture being repositioned as needed. 2  In this era, the household was considered a _____________ unit Economic unit. The household functioned as a basic mechanism for survival, producing food, clothes, and medicine for its own use, and training children in trades and education. It also served as a school, church, charity organization, hospital, orphanage, retirement home, and welfare agency. The Mass American Suburban House: e.g. Levittown When this development took place Levittown was developed in March 1949 Key spatial features / design Identical Cape Cod houses with white picket fences and green lawns. Living rooms with built-in television sets. Kitchens with built-in Bendix washing machines. Curved roads to lead the eye around the corner, lined with identical houses. Few parks and public swimming pools for recreation. Who lived in this structure Families consisting of a male breadwinner, a female housewife, and their children. The development was not integrated; it was predominantly white families due to the Federal Housing Administration’s policies at the time. How the design of the mass suburban house shaped family life Room divisions and their consequences: The design emphasized separate spaces for different activities, reinforcing traditional family roles. Living rooms and kitchens were central to family life, with built-in appliances to facilitate household chores. Design and the gendered division of labour: The design reinforced the role of women as housewives, with kitchens equipped to make household tasks more efficient. The layout and amenities were aimed at supporting the male breadwinner and the female homemaker model, limiting opportunities for women to engage in work outside the home. Topic Two: Sites of Production (Work) Readings: Richard Sennett, Together, pp. 56-57; 109-113 Tom Lutz, Doing Nothing, pp. 109-114 David Raizman, The History of Modern Design, pp. 133-136 C. Wright Mills, White Collar, pp. 189-198 The Medieval Hall House / the Workshop: Key spatial features / design The Medieval Hall House typically featured a large central hall with a high ceiling, often with a hearth in the middle for heating and cooking. Surrounding this central space were smaller rooms used for various purposes, including storage and sleeping quarters. The workshop framed work as sustained cooperation and mutual obligation. Who was there The hall house was inhabited by the family of the owner, which could include extended family members. Servants and workers might also be present, especially in wealthier households. 3 Ways the design shaped how work was done The open central hall allowed for communal activities and gatherings, facilitating a sense of community and shared labor. The hearth served as a focal point for both domestic and work-related tasks, such as cooking and heating. How the design set up the relationship between work and family The integration of living and working spaces meant that family life and work were closely intertwined. Family members often participated in work activities, and the presence of workers in the household blurred the lines between family and labor. Ways the design set up how work was done here The central hall’s openness allowed for flexibility in work activities, accommodating various tasks from food preparation to craftwork. The design promoted a collaborative environment where family members and workers could easily interact and assist each other. What distinguishes pre-industrial production Pre-industrial production was characterized by its integration into the household, reliance on manual labor, and the use of simple tools. Production was often seasonal and influenced by natural cycles, with a focus on self- sufficiency and local resources. The Medieval Guild Hall was A building used by guilds, which were associations of artisans and merchants who oversaw the practice of their craft/trade in a particular area. Its design prioritized The guild hall’s design prioritized communal space for meetings, training, and social events. It often included areas for storage and display of goods, as well as administrative offices. The Shift from Pre-Industrial to Industrial Life: A different relation to Time The shift to industrial life introduced a more rigid and structured approach to time, with work hours dictated by factory schedules rather than natural cycles. The modern work week (Lutz) was The modern work week evolved to include a standard number of hours, typically 40, with set working days and weekends off. This structure aimed to balance productivity with leisure time. The Factory: Key spatial features Factories were large, open spaces designed to accommodate machinery and assembly lines. They often featured high ceilings, large windows for natural light, and a layout that facilitated the flow of materials and products. The 1st factory in Britain is credited to the one built by Richard Arkwright, who patented it in 1769. Initially employed 300 people, and by 1789 employed 800 people. Changes in material forms = Conceptual and practical shifts. Work roles Work roles in factories were highly specialized, with workers assigned to specific tasks on the assembly line. This specialization aimed to increase efficiency and productivity. 4 The ways in which the design shaped How work was done: The factory design promoted a systematic and repetitive approach to work, with tasks broken down into simple, standardized steps. Role expectations: Workers were expected to perform their tasks quickly and efficiently, adhering to strict schedules and procedures. The Taylorization of Time refers to The application of scientific management principles to optimize work processes and increase productivity. This approach, developed by Frederick Taylor, involved detailed analysis of tasks and the implementation of standardized procedures. Frederick Taylor’s research focused on Taylor’s research focused on time and motion studies to identify the most efficient ways to perform tasks. He aimed to reduce wasted effort and increase output by standardizing work practices. The consequences for industrial work The consequences included increased productivity and efficiency, but also led to more monotonous and dehumanizing work conditions. Workers had less autonomy and were often subjected to strict supervision and control. Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times (1936): (available through kanopy.com) His concern with modern times Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” is a poignant critique of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and modernity. His primary concern is the impact of mechanization on workers, reducing them to mere cogs in the industrial machine. Examples from the film that illustrate his argument Factory Work: The Tramp’s job at the factory, where he is subjected to monotonous, repetitive tasks, symbolizes the dehumanization and alienation of workers in an industrialized society. Feeding Machine: The scene where the Tramp is force-fed by a malfunctioning feeding machine highlights the absurdity and inhumanity of prioritizing efficiency over human well-being. Nervous Breakdown: The Tramp’s nervous breakdown due to the relentless pace and pressure of factory work underscores the psychological toll of such environments. Strikes and Unemployment: The film also depicts strikes and the struggles of unemployment, reflecting the broader social and economic issues of the time. The Office Why Mills saw the office as the ‘The Factory of the Middle Classes Mills viewed the office as the “Factory of the Middle Classes” because it functioned as a central hub for the coordination and management of various business activities, much like a factory does for physical production. The office produced and managed the “paper webwork” that organized modern society, making it a symbol factory that shaped daily life through bureaucratic processes and administrative tasks. Key spatial features / design Skyscrapers: Offices were often located in skyscrapers, symbolizing the vertical integration of business operations. Rows of desks and clerks: The layout included rows of clerks, IBM equipment, dictaphone transcribers, and receptionists. Centralized control: Offices were designed to centralize control and coordination, with various departments and divisions linked together. 5  How those shaped how work was done Coordination and Command: The spatial design facilitated the coordination of various business functions, allowing for efficient management and control. Specialization and Division of Labor: The office layout promoted specialization and division of labor, with clerks and other workers performing specific, repetitive tasks. Use of Machines: The introduction of office machines (typewriters, adding machines, etc.) streamlined tasks and increased productivity, much like machinery in a factory. Roles Executives and Managers: Responsible for overall coordination and decision-making. Clerks: Handled routine administrative tasks, such as filing, typing, and record-keeping. Stenographers and Typists: Managed correspondence and documentation. Receptionists: Managed the flow of visitors and communications within the office. Topic Three: Sacred Spaces Readings: Patrick Nuttgens, The Story of Architecture, pp. 86-91 (Ancient Greek); pp. 108-111 (Ancient Roman); pp. 116-121 (Early Christian) Robert A. Scott, The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral, pp. 153-164 The Ancient Greek City (Athens): Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world, has been continuously inhabited for over 5,000 years. It became the leading city of ancient Greece in the first millennium BCE and played a crucial role in the development of Western civilization. The city is renowned for its contributions to democracy, philosophy, science, mathematics, drama, literature, and art. Key Features of Athens: Acropolis: The Acropolis, a high city or citadel, is the most famous part of Athens. It was the religious and ceremonial center, housing important temples like the Parthenon. Agora: The Agora was the heart of public life in Athens, serving as a marketplace and a place for citizens to gather, discuss politics, and engage in civic activities. City Layout: Athens was strategically located near the sea, which facilitated trade and military expeditions. The city was surrounded by hills, providing natural fortifications. The Parthenon: Key spatial features: Built on the Acropolis. Dimensions: 230 feet long by 98 feet wide. Column arrangement: 8 columns on the front and 17 on the sides. Housed a 40-foot statue of Athena. Notable for its lack of straight lines; surfaces are subtly curved to correct optical distortions. How the design oriented citizens to the sacred: The Parthenon’s design, with its harmonious proportions and detailed friezes, served as a storyteller, reminding citizens of their gods and heroes. The placement on the Acropolis elevated it physically and symbolically, making it a focal point for worship and civic pride. The Greek Orders: The Greek architectural orders are styles of building characterized by their proportions, profiles, and aesthetic details. The three main orders are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. 6  The Doric order is the oldest and simplest, featuring a plain capital, a fluted shaft, and no base. It is associated with strength and masculinity and was commonly used in mainland Greece. Examples: The Parthenon in Athens is a prime example of the Doric order. The Ionic order is more slender and elegant, with a capital that has scroll-like volutes and a base supporting the column. It is associated with femininity and grace and originated in Ionia (modern-day Turkey). Examples: The Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens features Ionic columns. The Corinthian order is the most ornate, with a capital decorated with acanthus leaves and volutes. It was developed later than the Doric and Ionic orders and is known for its elaborate design. Examples: The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens is an example of the Corinthian order. Ways the design tied those here to the cosmos: The Greek orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian) reflect a deep connection to the cosmos through their proportions and harmony. The relationship between the base, shaft, and capital of columns “mirrors the human body,” symbolizing a microcosm of the universe. This architectural language conveyed a sense of order and balance, aligning human structures with the divine order. The Ancient Roman City (Rome) The creation of the Center of the city: Rome, founded in 753 BCE, grew from a small settlement on the Tiber River into a vast empire. The city’s center was meticulously planned and symbolized the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire. Rome itself was designed as a Christian City in the 1500: Pope Sixtus V’s master plan (1589) wanted to turn Rome into a single holy shrine, and created roads to link the seven main churches. Spatial details: The center of Rome was meticulously planned with main streets (cardo and decumanus) aligned by observing the sky. The city was consecrated through sacrifices at its center, emphasizing its sacred nature. How the design oriented citizens to the sacred: The design of Roman cities, with their grand forums and temples, constantly reminded citizens of their connection to the gods and the cosmos. The spatial organization and monumental architecture reinforced the idea of Rome as a divine and eternal city. The Ancient Roman Temple: Key spatial details: Temples were often part of larger complexes, designed to impress and demonstrate imperial power. For example, the Pantheon in Rome, with its massive dome and oculus, created a sense of vastness and connection to the heavens. How the design oriented citizens to the sacred: The design of Roman temples, such as the Pantheon, with their grandiose and awe-inspiring structures, made the divine presence palpable. The use of light and space within these temples created an environment that encouraged contemplation and reverence. The Pantheon: Key spatial details: The Pantheon features a massive dome with an oculus at the top, allowing natural light to flood the interior. The dome’s diameter is equal to the height from the floor to the oculus, creating a perfect sphere. 7 How the design made a connection to the cosmos: The oculus and the dome symbolize the heavens, with the light entering the space representing the divine. This architectural feature made the Pantheon a microcosm of the universe, connecting the earthly realm with the celestial. How its design connected Emperors and gods / Emperors as gods: The Pantheon’s design, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian, linked the emperor to the divine by creating a space that embodied the cosmos. The inscription attributing the building to Agrippa reinforced the continuity and divine favor of the Roman emperors. Connected citizen and the Roman Empire: The Pantheon served as a reminder of the emperor’s divine authority and the unity of the Roman Empire under the gods’ protection. Its grandeur and innovative design symbolized the power and stability of Rome. The Roman Basilica: Key spatial details: Roman basilicas were large, rectangular buildings with a central nave flanked by aisles. They featured high ceilings and were designed to accommodate large gatherings. How it shaped movement: The basilica’s design directed movement along its central axis, creating a sense of order and hierarchy. This spatial organization facilitated civic and judicial functions, reinforcing the authority of the state. The Christian Basilica: Key spatial details: Early Christian basilicas adapted the Roman basilica form, adding features like the transept to create a cross-shaped plan. They often had a central nave with side aisles and an apse at one end. How the design set up a relation to the sacred: The Christian basilica’s design emphasized the separation between the sacred and the secular. The nave served as a gathering space for the congregation, while the apse and altar were reserved for the clergy, symbolizing the divine presence. The Medieval Cathedral: The Romanesque Key spatial details: Romanesque cathedrals featured thick walls, rounded arches, and sturdy piers. They often had barrel vaults and small windows, creating a fortress-like appearance. Material objects: The use of stone and the incorporation of sculptural decoration conveyed a sense of permanence and fortitude. How the design set up a relation to the Sacred: The massive, solid construction of Romanesque cathedrals evoked a sense of awe and reverence, emphasizing the power and stability of the Church The Medieval Cathedral: The Gothic Key spatial details: Gothic cathedrals are characterized by flying buttresses, vaulted ceilings, and pointed arches. These features allowed for taller structures and larger windows. Flying Buttresses, Vaulted Ceilings, Pointed Arches did the following: These architectural innovations distributed weight more efficiently, enabling the construction of higher walls 8  and larger windows, which filled the interior with light. How the design sets up a relation to the Sacred: The soaring heights and expansive windows of Gothic cathedrals created an ethereal atmosphere, drawing the eye upward and symbolizing the ascent to heaven. The restructuring of the senses: Gothic cathedrals engaged the senses through their use of light, color, and sound. The stained glass windows and acoustics enhanced the spiritual experience. The importance of light ‘built in stone’ (Scott): Light was a crucial element in Gothic cathedrals, symbolizing divine presence. The use of stained glass transformed natural light into a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a heavenly ambiance within the stone structure. Topic Four: The Street Readings: Joseph Amato, On Foot, pp. 157-163 Ken Greenberg, Walking Home, pp. 1-8; 21-25; 31-33;36-39 The Pre-Industrial Street / the Medieval Street Key spatial features: Narrow, winding streets Mixed-use buildings (residential, commercial, and craft) Lack of formal sidewalks or curbs Streets often cluttered with market stalls, craftsmen, and vendors What was made normal to ‘street life’: Pedestrian movement and interaction Street vendors and craftsmen working in the streets Social gatherings and public events Presence of animals and carts The 18th C London Street Changes to the street’s physical form / design: Introduction of pavements for pedestrians Wider streets to accommodate increased traffic Improved street lighting and drainage systems Normal activities, groups: Increased pedestrian traffic Presence of street vendors, hawkers, and craftsmen Social activities such as promenading in parks and pleasure gardens The 19th C London Street Changes to its design: Elevated sidewalks and curbs Installation of bollards to protect pedestrians Expansion of road networks and construction of outer-ring roads to ease congestion (which only increased the amount of traffic.) 9  The 20th Century Modernism and the “rationalization” of design (Greenberg): Emphasis on functional order and efficiency Separation of different urban functions (dwelling, work, recreation, transportation) Introduction of zoning laws and large-scale urban renewal projects The Effort to “Order” the Street and the advent of the Car: The Example of Los Angeles The Shift from Rail to Car occurred: Mid-20th century (shift from street as inclusive to street as transportation corridor) The Highway: Key Spatial Features: Wide lanes, multiple levels, extensive use of overpasses and cloverleaf interchanges The cloverleaf: Designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow at intersections The overpass: Allowed for uninterrupted traffic flow and separation of different traffic streams How changes in street design ‘ordered’ the street: Distinct roles: Clear separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic New rules: Traffic signals, road signs, and regulations to manage flow How the car was made central by design: Streets and infrastructure prioritized for car use, extensive parking facilities The street was now thought of as: A traffic artery rather than a public space How this design altered the dynamics of the street: Reduced pedestrian activity, increased traffic speed, and separation of urban functions The example of Toronto The Downtown (Pre WWII) Urban Street Key spatial features / design: Compact, mixed-use buildings, pedestrian-friendly streets Consequences of this design: High pedestrian activity, vibrant street life, easy access to amenities The Street as we ‘move outward’ from the core of the city: Key spatial features / design: Wider streets, increased use of cars, suburban-style development Consequences of this design: Reduced pedestrian activity, increased reliance on cars, less vibrant street life The Single-Minded Street (e.g., GTA) Key spatial features / design: Designed primarily for car traffic, large parking lots, minimal pedestrian infrastructure Consequences of this Design: Isolation of pedestrians, reduced social interaction, dominance of car culture The call to “reclaim the street” refers to: Efforts to redesign streets to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars Creating more public spaces and improving urban livability Examples of streets reclaimed (redesigned) in the 21st Century: Copenhagen’s pedestrian streets New York City’s Times Square pedestrian plaza Film Clip: Contested Streets (available on vimeo.com) The argument made by the film: The need to reclaim streets for pedestrians and cyclists Highlighting the negative impacts of car-centric urban design 10  Historical changes that created modern problems: Shift from pedestrian-friendly streets to car-dominated infrastructure Urban sprawl and the decline of public spaces Different models of the street (Moses vs Jacobs): Moses: Advocated for large-scale urban renewal and car-centric design Jacobs: Promoted mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly streets and community-focused urban planning How Copenhagen redesigned streets in order to ‘reclaim’ them: Prioritized pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure Reduced car traffic in central areas What did they reclaim them for? Enhanced public spaces Improved urban livability and community interaction Notes: Lewis Munford calls the clock the most important invention of the modern industrial age. Material forms are mediums of existence. A preindustrial form of time was: The Sundial 1974: The Chicago anthropologist Marshall published Stone age Economics. Ray Kroc, the founder of MC Donald’s applied Frederick Taylor’s principles. Mills White collar: The office is the Unseen Hand become visible. 21st Corporate campus: Googleplex The Greek “Orders”: introduced by the roman writer Vitrusius from latin “ordo” or “rank”. The Greek word for order was cosmos. Temple of Nike Apteros, Acropolis: doric outer columns & ionic inner columns. Doric: Masive & simple. Corinthian: elongated, delicate. Ionic: in between. St Peter’s Basilica, Rome: founded by Constantine in 322. Conveyed power & awe. Street form for most of urban history: a form in which one experiences “locality as circumambulated space”. Julius Cesar built the Temple to Venus in his forum to show his familial ties to the gods. The original Pantheon was built in 27 BC by Agrippa to commemorate victory over Antony and Cleopatra. Then, it was rebuilt by Hadrian as a way to show the continuity of Rome. In Rome 312, the 1st Christian Emperor used architectural forms that had meaning such as the Lateran Basilica. Saint Chapelle, in Paris, built by Louis IX to house The Crown of Thorns, a relic he had bought from the emperor in Constantinople. The mass production of cars: (1908) Model T Ford -made the cars affordable to the masses -car then see as a new opportunity The “Stop the Spadina Expressway” campaign in Toronto during 1969 was a significant grassroots movement aimed at halting the construction of the Spadina Expressway, which was planned to cut through several neighborhoods in Toronto. 11