Architectural History (Prehistoric to the Rise of Civilizations) By, Mr. Yersak

Architectural History

(Prehistoric to the Rise of Civilizations)

By,Mr. Yersak

Objectives• Gain an understanding of designing

the history of architecture.

• Identify the factors that define prehistoric, Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Medieval architecture.

What are some examples of Ancient

Architecture?

Ancient Architecture

Stonehenge

Ancient Architecture

Colosseum

Ancient Architecture

Pyramids of Giza

Prehistoric Architecture• Nomadic:

– Natural caves or portable tents made of animal skins.

• Settling in Fixed Locations:– Need to draw and plan

the construction of dwellings

– Construct permanent tents and adobe huts and modify shelters/caves with natural materials.

Adobe Huts

Prehistoric Architecture

• Villages:– Multiple permanent dwellings in close

proximity.– Need for creating public areas.– *The art and science of architecture

began with the planning and construction of the first dwellings and public areas.• Drew outlines in the sand or dirt.• Created small stick models

Egyptian Architecture

Egyptian Architecture

• (3000- 900 B.C.)– Construction Techniques:

• Wood was not widely available.• Houses made from blocks of sundried mud

and clay.• Used of columns for load bearing open

entrances.– Most known for its grand pyramids.

• Structures built for the temples and tombs of emperors.

• All loads are supported from the larger base below.

• Made of limestone or granite that were cut to fit together.

• Decorated with hieroglyphics and carvings

Greek Architecture

Greek Architecture

• (850 B.C. – 476 A.D.)– Buildings were created to precise

symmetry, mathematics and engineering.

– Construction Techniques:• Built of stone, granite and marble• Symmetrical buildings made up of columns,

entablatures and a roof.• There were three main types of columns that

defined Greek architecture.– Doric– Ionic– Corinthian

Parts of a Column

Greek Column (Doric)• Features:

– Simplest design– Originally placed

directly on the ground without a pedestal or base.

– Shaft is wider at the bottom.

– Shaft is grooved.– Smooth, round

capitals (tops). – No carvings or other

ornament decorations.

Greek Column (Ionic)

• Features:– More slender than

Doric – Stands on a base of

stacked disks– Shafts are usually

grooved, but can be plain

– A pair of volutes (scroll-shaped ornaments) decorates the capital

Greek Column (Corinthian)

• Features:– Fluted (grooved)

shaft– Capital decorated

with scrolls, acanthus leaves, and flowers.

– Ornaments on the capital flare outwards.

– Very detailed

Roman Architecture• Borrowed a lot of the architectural

ingenuity from the Greeks.• Incorporated much more ornament.• Began to incorporate arches and

domes into buildings.

Colosseum

Roman Aqueducts

• Ancient Romans main architectural accomplishment.

• Arched tiers that helped run fresh water from the mountain sides to urban areas.

Roman Column (Tuscan)

• Features:– Shaft sets on a simple

base.– Shaft is usually plain,

not fluted.– Shaft is slender, with

proportions similar to a Greek Ionic column.

– Smooth, round capitals.– No carvings or other

ornaments.

• Commonly used on military/ utilitarian buildings

Roman Column (Composite)

• Features:– Combines ideals of the

Ionic and Corinthian columns

– Very detailed and decorative on the capitals

• Commonly used on government/ high class buildings

Medieval Architecture

Medieval Architecture• Included the basic architectural

ideals of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantine Empire.– Took a step back in architecture after

the Roman Empire fell.– Secular and religious architecture

• Cathedrals and churches

• Castles:– Focused mainly on defense and

fortification for buildings.– Cross shaped windows

Architectural History

1. What are the three kinds of columns that defined Greek Architecture?

2. What was the greatest architectural accomplishment in Roman architecture?

3. What was the dominant purpose of Medieval architecture?