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Le Corbusier's "Villa Savoye", 2008.
A review of the design of "Villa Savoye" by Le Corbusier, the 20th century French architect known for his style referred to as "modern architecture."
784 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses an example of the "international style" of architectural modernism in Le Corbusier's "Villa Savoye", situated in Poissy, France. The paper notes that the "Villa Savoye" is considered to be Le Corbusier's masterpiece, as it was the first building to fully realize all five points of his architectural aesthetic, as elucidated in his landmark work, "Towards A New Architecture". The paper investigates these five points and analyzes the ways in which they contribute to the formal accomplishment of the building.
From the Paper
"He felt that architecture was more than just an engineering feat - it was also an excursion into the realm of visual art, and one that, as such, should uphold the human spirit and the ideals of an era. At the same time, he was against the idea of pure ornamentation in architecture. If a building is merely beautiful and nothing else, chances are great that it will not be useful. To this degree, Le Corbusier emphasized functionality, as well. Both of these realms - functionality and aesthetic pleasure - come to the forefront in Villa Savoye."
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New York's Central Park, 2008.
A discussion of the vision and design of New York's Central Park.
2,104 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the original motives behind the creation of New York's Central Park from the perspective of the two architect designers, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead. The paper shows how New York's Central Park began as an extraordinary vision of an urban landscape in a bustling city, a place where city dwellers could escape the stresses of city life. The paper asserts that the park has achieved that goal and is a monument to landscape architecture and park planning.
From the Paper
"Central Park was created as an urban oasis for a quickly growing city that had little open space. The size of the park was set in 1853, as a historian notes, "The site for the park, a 750-acre rectangle bounded by 59th Street on the south, 106th Street on the north, Fifth Avenue on the east, and Eighth Avenue (present Central Park West) on the west, had been fixed in 1853" (Kowsky 96). A plan had been submitted with ideas for developing the park, but English architect Calvert Vaux, visiting America, saw the plan and knew it needed revision. Eventually, he convinced city officials to hold a competition for the design of the park. When they agreed, Vaux and Olmstead began to work together to create a plan for the park. This Greensward Plan was eventually chosen as the winning plan for the park's design in 1858, and construction began."
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Antoni Gaudi, 2008.
A look at the background of Antonio Gaudi, the Spanish Catalan architect who was famous for his unique and highly individualistic designs.
1,007 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the history of Antonio Gaudi, describes what influenced his life, how he developed, and his artistic works. The paper concludes that Gaudi was one of the modern artistic and architectural innovators of the twentieth century, whose ordinal vision still reverberates in the architecture and artist world today.
Outline:
Background and Formative Years
Architectural Works
From the Paper
" Barcelona at the beginning of the Twentieth century has been described as a "...perfect place for a young Gaudi to thrive... ". This is largely due to the fact that Catalan independence was emerging in Barcelona as a result of the distancing from the control and authority of Madrid. This creative and independent atmosphere provided the underlying impetus and the opportunity for the original vision that Gaudi brought to architecture. There were also numerous business opportunities and projects available at the time. Furthermore, Gaudi was fortunate in having an influential entrepreneur to support his work in the wealthy industrialist, Eusebi Guell. Guell was to support and commission many of Gaudi's projects."
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Buddhist Art, 2008.
A review of the of early Buddhist architecture, art and culture in Japan.
1,333 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Japanese art, largely influenced by Zen Buddhism, which has left its mark in white and black ink art, buildings, gardens, and the graphics in the tea-ceremony rooms. The paper mentions the Horyu-ji Temple as the first and finest example of the use of Korean and Chinese Buddhism in Japan. The paper also makes reference to the art of Jomon culture and the Kofun or Tumulus period and notes that it was in the mid-sixth century that Buddhism reached Japan. The paper highlights the concepts of Buddhism and states that its culture was introduced by Korea into Japan. This began Japan's first cultural awakening and the history of what today is recognized as Japanese art.
From the Paper
"The Shaka Triad is one of the oldest bronze images. It is located in the Golden Hall. It is six feet tall and was designed by the the famous sculptor Tori Busshi. Its image displays the Buddha Shakyamuni sitting between two Bodhisattvas. The Shaka has his legs crossed. His hands are placed in one of a number of mudras. "He has a protuberance on his head and a third eye that indicate extraordinary knowledge and vision and are among some twenty three bodily signs introduced by the Mahayana Buddhist to indicate [shaka's] superhuman qualities" (Varley, 1984:26). The empress Suiko asked Tori Busshi to make the statue after Shotoku Taishi, the leader of Horyu-ji, died. "
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Hollyhock House and Site Integration, 2008.
A look at the work of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
1,142 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the talent of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and describes an unusual house he designed - Hollyhock House. The author has provided a history of this building as well as some photographs.
Outline:
History of Hollyhock House
Frank Lloyd Wright's philosophy
Design Challenges
From the Paper
"Hollyhock House was built between 1919 and 1923 in Los Angeles . One of the key challenges that Wright faced was that he wanted to make certain that the design of Hollyhock House blended with the established architectural style of Southern California. Although Wright's designs often stood out from those in the local area, he still did not want his designs to look out of place. Wright referred to the architectural style of Southern California as California Romanza, which means "freedom to makes one's own form" .
"One of the key features of Wrights' designs is their ability to take advantage of the natural surroundings. The key was to work with the natural landscape and climate, rather than to attempt to change it. Wright's designs appear to spring from the land itself, rather than appear to be "placed" there by human intervention. This philosophy permeates throughout Wright's work and Hollyhock House is no exception."
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The Mausoleum of Augustus, 2008.
The paper examines the iconology that surrounds the final resting place of the Emperor Augustus.
1,453 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper describes the funeral and the Mausoleum of Augustus that is Emperor Augustus' final resting place. The paper shows how the iconology surrounding his grave is full of images of his success, his relationship to Rome, his strength, his role as a leader of Rome's army and his ascension to the heavens.
Outline:
The Funeral
The Final Resting Place - the Mausoleum
From the Paper
"Augustus (63 BC- AD 14) was one of the most beloved and successful emperors of the ancient Roman Empire. A visit to Rome will find numerous statues of the Emperor Augustus, all of which depict him as a young, handsome, virile Roman soldier and statesman. Even though Augustus lived to be quite old, he is, for the most part, in the imagery that survived him, young in appearance. The message conveyed was one of a youthful leader, a strong leader, who possessed all the attributes associated with that most precious and desired time in the life of a person; their youth."
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The Problems with High-Rise Buildings, 2008.
A personal argument against the development of high-rise buildings due to the problems that are associated with them.
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses some of the community and environmental problems that are inherent with high-rise buildings and their development. The paper presents a personal argument by the writer that enumerates many objective problems with high-rise buildings. It suggests that others should also fight against local governments arguing against the development of high-rises.
From the Paper
"Of an even bigger concern however would be the safety issue of a high-rise building during the numerous times when the local community suffers from exposure to high winds. A recent study showed that "A large and/or violent tornado crossing a densely populated area such as Chicago could cause widespread damage and mortality--with thousands of deaths in some modeled scenarios" (Wurman, Alexander, Robinson, Richardson, 2007, p. 31). Hurricanes and tornadoes can occur at almost anytime or any place and if there were to be a high-rise building constructed in the community the dangers for the individuals who lived and worked in the building could be very high. "In the United States over 1,000 tornadoes occur annually (Grazulis 1993), but they are difficult to predict, and average warning lead times are only 10-15 minutes, meaning that, unlike with hurricanes, many people are unable to leave their homes in the tornado paths"(Simmons and Sutter 2005)."
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Insight to Stonehenge, 2008.
The writer studies what is known about Stonehenge, looking for reasons for the building of such a structure.
1,870 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that for centuries Stonehenge, located in Salisbury Plain, England, has been a source of public curiosity, professional debate and even controversy. The question, 'What is Stonehenge?', has been asked again and again. The writer points out that many more answers that lead to an expanded understanding of Stonehenge come from asking 'why', as opposed to asking 'what' is Stonehenge. This paper explores the question of why, beginning with an examination of those questions that one would begin by asking at the outset of any architectural building project. The writer maintains that this may help shed some light on why Stonehenge was built, which in turn lends itself to what Stonehenge is.
Outline:
Stonehenge at a Glance
Stonehenge Possibilities
Conclusion
From the Paper
"However, we know from the earlier description here that Stonhenge probably had no utility as a fortress, and the fact that it was poor visibility from within the structure might have a twofold meaning. It might mean that as poor as the view was from within the structure, it was equally difficult to see into the structure from the outside, looking in. What might the builders have wished to prevent people on the outside from seeing? Given the age of the structure, and the details, there is room of course to speculate as to why Stonehenge was built."
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Dome of the Rock, 2008.
This paper discusses the history and religious meaning and significance of the Dome of the Rock.
2,248 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the city Jerusalem is one of the most venerated holy locations in the world and that not only Christianity and Judaism, but also Islam has many venerable sites of worship within the city. All three major religions in the world are therefore focused upon this city in the religious meaning of their worship. The writer points out that as such, The Dome of the Rock is an edifice that carries important meaning for the Islamic religion. The building is also however the focus of many different interpretations in terms of both iconography and purpose. The paper considers these in light of the building's history and mosaic decorations. The writer concludes that the majesty of the structure of the Dome of the Rock, along with the significance of its artistic decoration surpasses the boundaries of culture. Indeed, the very fact of its intercultural influence indicates the Dome's significance to a widely intercultural audience.
Outline:
History and Purpose
Iconography and Meaning
From the Paper
"According to Martin Gray, the history of Jerusalem itself is strongly integrated with the Dome of the Rock. The city saw a brief period of Persian rule, after which it was captured by the Muslim Caliph Umar in 638. Wanting to establish Islam in the city, the ruler first built a small mosque on the Temple Mount. The Dome of the Rock, according to the author, was basically a reaction to the majesty of the Christian structure, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In constructing the more spectacular Dome of the Rock as a place of worship for Islam, Arab conquerors had a two-fold purpose in mind: first, to proclaim the supremacy of their religion, and secondly to discourage new Islam adherents from converting to Christianity. In other words, the builders wished to ensure that their manifestation of earthly wealth and majesty surpassed that of Christianity."
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Stalin and Visual Arts, 2008.
An examination of the impact of Stalin's socialist realism on visual arts in the Soviet Union.
2,081 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the general impact of politics on Soviet art during the Stalinist period, specifically between 1920 and 1945. The paper examines Stalinist architecture and posters and discusses how visual arts became the main component of communist propaganda in the Soviet Union. The paper therefore shows how Stalin's vision of the arts was that they should glorify political and social ideals of communism.
From the Paper
"When it comes to political regimes, modern societies can be characterized as democratic or totalitarian. Throughout history, political regimes have always wielded influence over the arts. This influence has manifested itself in various manners, ranging from social aspects which translated into a particular theme which was adopted by many artists in a particular period of time, or simply in the form of restrictions imposed on artists by the ruling class. In this sense, it is quite clear that totalitarian regimes are the most harsh and limitative."
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