Architecture

PowerPOint

1.1

1.     Define civil engineering.

Civil engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the design and construction of such public works as dams or bridges.

2.     Define architecture.

The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.

3.     Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

The concept of architecture began in the neolithic era.  This began around 10,000 years ago with simple architecture like mud-brick houses.

4.     In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

Building materials were chosen by whatever materials were closest at hand and at the most ease to use.  This is known as vernacular architecture. 

5.     Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

Roman stone and marble colosseum, and the egyptians utilized limestone and mud-baked bricks for their pyramids.

6.     Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.

Ancient architecture largely relied on digging holes and providing support for posts of a vernacular material, like wood, that would be covered with a roof like animal skin to provide shelter.

7.     What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?

Both the Egyptian and Mexican pyramids were used as a religious sacament as a connection between the immortal world and the mortals.  Mexican pyramids also incorporated astrological developments that they tied into their polytheistic religions.

8.     What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.

Columns were constructec out of cylindrical stone drums, attached to each other by plugs of cypress wood. 

The building was built by vertical columns with horizontal columns resting on them, in a method known as post and lintel.

9.     What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

The stone material was too brittle to support too much weight.  When weight was added, it wouldn't give but would just crack.  The horizontal columns were supported by several vertical columns to distribute the weight.

10. Explain how an arch is created.

One method to create an arch is to build a frame that serves as the underside of the arch.  Voussirs are laid on this center frame until the desired scaffolding is complete.

11.  How is the vault used in civil engineering?

The vault is used to create hallways and provide space with a ceiling or roof.

12.  Give an example of an arch and dome system.

The pantheon temple in Rome.

13.  Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?

Steel is a material that is utilized in modern civilizations that was not available in historical time periods.  Steel is stronger than many ancient materials, so modern buildings can be built higher and with less support than old buildings.

14.  What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

The purpose of the Roman aqueducts was to provide water to the Roman cities.

15.  Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

Romans utilize their mastery of concrete to pave their more well-traveled roads.  On others, they used a corduary rock-style roads.  In contrast, ancient Greek roads were dirt and dusty, and muddy and soggy in the winter.

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

Roman bridges utilized stone and a basic arch structure for the support for their bridges.  The Romans were also the first civilization to utilize concrete in the construction of bridges.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

The materials of the medieval times utilized stone and masonry in their building of the castles.  They also used pointed spires for their roofs in contrast to the domed roofs of the Romans.

Conclusion

1.     Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?

The louvre is a modern pyramid located in France.  Its purpose is just for a show of architectural display, this juxtaposes the elaborate burial places that the Egyptian pyramids are.

2.     Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.

The Eden Project in Great Britain utilizes a modern take of the arch and dome system.  It is a giantic greenhouse that is a collection of interconnected domes.

3.     What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed
The purpose of modern roads is inchanged from ancient ones, the use of transportation.  But now that cars have replaced horses as that mode of transportation, roads are generally smoother to supply more comfortable travel at the higher speed that cars provide.  Modern roadways are paid through various types of taxes.

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