VOICES

 

Metric

The Metric system is the most widely used system of measurement known to human kind. It provides a universal tool to gauge and assess the size and proportions of any physical quantity in a single unit. As designers, a metric unit is very important in defining distance or space as well as the functionality or commodity, of that particular space. As Christianity spread across Europe, the medieval architecture began to reflect the different uses of scale and proportion in the designs of the buildings such as the cathedrals and churches. Roth demonstrates how this scale and system of measurements was imperative to the designs when he discusses the development of the church of Saint Pierre. “The external buttresses were too small to resist the forces created by wind loads, the buttresses gradually bent and cracked.” (Roth 336) The mistakes made in the construction and design of these buttresses shows the importance of exact measurements and metrics. To help with the flaws of the scales and proportions, the systems changed. “As functional and social needs shifted over the course of the Middle Ages, So did the placement and measurements of the structures.” (Blakemore 71) The metric system allows for a universal measuring arrangement that helps reduce the amount of design mistakes when regarding scale and proportion. As in Stoel’s drafting assignment of the critique room, the impact of a metric mistake can make quite a difference. The position in which I placed the columns is incorrect due to a flaw in my measuring. Because of this, the structure itself may be less structurally sound and the integrity of it is weakened.

Precedent

Many times, designers create their own stylistic work by drawing influence by what is known as a precedent. A precedent is essentially an inspiration to aid in the thought process of creating something new. Often, too, designers will pull certain stylistic details from another designer or artist to create their own distinct style or techniques. Suzanne’s group “building” project has enabled us to really consider the option of drawing inspiration from other’s ideas, concepts, and techniques to create our own style. The 8 ½ X 11 drawings we did of our buildings were to be drawn utilizing a certain style from an artist we found interesting. These drawings serve as a prime example of how we can turn to a precedent to enhance and develop our own work. We gain a level of understanding about our own work by looking at the different techniques, medias, and materials from other artists and applying them to our own work to make a composition that is truly unique. “Although there is a paucity of actual pieces of furniture available for study, documentary evidence from literary sources, reliefs, wall paintings, sarcophagi, and marble and bronze parts extend our knowledge about characteristics of Roman furniture. From sources it is clear that the Romans relied on Greek prototypes of the Hellenistic period for their inspiration.” (Blakemore 61) Blakemore suggests here that the Romans drew their inspirations from the influence that the prototypes of Greece had on their architecture and furniture. A prototype is another excellent word to describe a “precedent.” By drawing inspiration from the influences of the prototypes, we as designers can make more headway to the hybrids of our designs.

Presence

The presence a building emanates can be a very important aspect of its purpose and stature. The effect of the structure can be a very strong one by simply examining the grandeur of the composition. The overwhelming complexity of a building can make quite an impact by its presence by simply existing against a less celebrated structure. It establishes a sense of Hierarchy by celebrating the “moment” or the overall feeling it projects.  Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture began to change the thought that complex architecture was the only kind that established a certain presence on earth and through history. “Those external qualities of architecture that had appealed to a cultivated visual sensibility gradually were replaced by an architecture of simpler elements, fostering a sense of mysticism.” (Roth 275)

Moment

A moment to me is to capture a particular segment of time and space that seems to be a powerful and important occurrence. It celebrates a certain part and aspect of a design or a composition in a way that makes it an important “moment” of that space. This leads into Hierarchy in a way, by showing the importance of a certain aspect of the design. Roman architecture stands as a prime example of compositions that have important moments. The churches and cathedrals were very important buildings in the society of the Romans, but the appearance aided that importance. The façade, being the most important, visual and decorated side of the building, contained a “rose window” that casts light upon the altar, highlighting that certain aspect of the design. “Between the towers and admitting light to the extension of the old church nave was a great, round window, the first of the rose windows that so distinguished later gothic churches.” (Roth 330) It captures a special instant of a composition and celebrates its uniqueness. 

Duality

Duality is interpreted as something that is multifunctional or contains more than one central meaning. Many times a structure may have one side that defines it in a certain way, but when reevaluated, can be interpreted with a different feeling. A duality can be created by utilizing opposite or contrasting colors, angles, or even décor and textures.