Compass Project

The design intent for this project was to create an interactive composition that would represent a compass by pointing you in the direction of the evolution of a column. The first page depicts the Temple Of Hera I. The columns are wider with a connection to nature. The next page shows Temple of Hera II. The columns are slimmer and taller. The third page are images from Temple of Athena. The columns are drastically narrower with women holding the building up. The women represent the society of this time and the differences between male and female. As the columns evolve, the society and culture continues to evolve as well. As the pages are lifted, another page of history is flipped.

Reading Comprehension 3

[1] Compare and contrast the cathedrals according to the matrix. To illustrate your post, hand draw a view of your “main” cathedral, scan it and place it at the top of your response. Your written thoughts should fully illuminate the questions asked with each cathedral pairing on the website. Strive for 250- 300 words total for this response. Include additional images, as applicable, if you wish. Also check out the west vs. east page and digest what is written there

Structure, light, and cross sections are all key elements to cathedrals. Focusing on the Salisbury Cathedral, Amiens Cathedral, Florence Cathedral in comparison with the Cologne Cathedral, many similarities and differences are apparent that evokes a rich story and understanding of the culture. As time evolves, so do buildings. Traditions carry on as others fade, while generations perceive the past differently.

The Cologne Cathedral beginning construction began in 1248. Its tall, uprightness plays an important role in its story. IT acts as a symbol of the community and is influenced by the people. The vastness of scale and verticality draws more attention to the church and its power. The tall towers point toward the heaven, drawing your eye to the building itself. If one were standing in the city, the cathedral would stand out among all other buildings, gaining the desired attention. The cross section of the building pulls one toward the center while the two towers points a direct entrance. Every design detail is focused on bringing the people in toward the center where all the light meets. Light is considered the design element that amalgamates all Gothic Cathedrals. Stained glass. Clerestory windows, and ribbed vaulting are interior details that alter the way light is seen, dramatizing the effect. This lighting becomes theatrical, highlighting significant moments of space such as the center and the ceiling.

Salisbury Cathedral has a similar plan as the Cologne Cathedral with the exception of a double cross plan and additional building to the side. Light becomes a major element during the dark ages and religious struggle. With opposing views between the religions, churches wanted to recreate pure Christianity, avoiding the “dark” ways of life. The use of light in these two buildings brings focus toward the heavens creating a theatrical effect that may lure people in. The vastness also draws more attention towards the church.

Structure is a key element when comparing the Amiens Cathedral with the Cologne Cathedral. Flying buttresses were an important aspect in the build of the Amiens Cathedral. They were first seen in Notre Dame in Paris. These flying buttresses allowed the building to be taller with a more complex structure. The ceiling of the crossing provides similarity between the tow cathedrals. The negative space draws your eye upwards. Similarity is bound to occur between these two buildings with such relative distance, word travels upward towards Germany. Though many buildings were built during the “dark ages”, a certain demographic must have been present to form these innovative, complex structures. The wealthy patrons of the church were necessary to build the Cathedral. This informs one that wealth has hierarchy among other classes of wealth. This is still true today; people with money have more say-so to what is built and how it is built. Though the church is to enlighten people, it still is based on money to build the tallest, most complex structure.

A crossing still occurs, yet the oculus in the Florence Cathedral truly brings the heavens down to earth, much like the Pantheon. Many differences occur in the Florence Cathedral compared to the gothic Cologne Cathedral. The dome symbolizes a need for change, an approach that discerns tradition. The dome specifically addresses light allowing the light to shine through at this one intersection. The Florence Cathedral is no longer bound by tradition but uses previous elements of design such as the dome to breakaway. A tower still occurs, but it is the dome that signifies a change in attitude toward the church and what is should symbolize.

Looking at cathedrals, one can recognize such a story of the culture and the hierarchy involved to build such complex structures. Does tradition initially mean how a building should be built, or does it mean something much deeper as to what will provide the money for it to be built. Are traditions mainly based on hierarchy or does it symbolize the city and its power. Many design elements in cathedrals signifies what was important and what remains important today.

[2] This illustration from A Medieval Home Companion depicts woman at work in a medieval interior. Unfortunately, the image is closely cropped so we don’t see much of the rest of the dwelling in which she works. Using Harwood and Roth, complete the rest of the scene using words and images to demonstrate your understanding of the domestic medieval interior

After the fall of the Roman Empire, any changes occur in Europe and religion. Christianity spreads along with culture, education and the Catholic Church provides stability. Many people become wealthy and nobles must provide protection for his family. The hall in the household becomes a central area where people sleep, entertain, and hold meetings. The domestic medieval interior was a communal living where fireplaces, screens, and fabric hangings would provide warmth and protection. Many interiors were a cluster of spaces. In “Understanding Architecture,” Roth mentions that the kitchen would be located towards the back (345). In this picture, a woman is cooking with a doorway leading to the back of the house. The great hall occupies the space towards he front of the house. Noble houses are large where furnishings are portable. Moldings and sculpture emphasizes design features. The great hall would consist of paneling, many textiles, and a window seat to provide some sort of privacy in this communal living space.

Haddon Hall

http://www.conncoll.edu/ccacad/eng309/medieval/136.gif

Reading Comprehension 2

1] Hersey describes a grammar for Greek architectural elements based on the idea of sacrifice. SPECULATE about the validity of his argument based on what you know about Greek design and the evidence (both visual and written) he provides.

In Greek design, elements of lines, space, and form are key. The harmony of how everything comes together, the balance of the building with its environment, the proportion of every relationship to one another, and the unity of the overall statement validates the argument that Greek design and its architectural elements is based on the idea of sacrifice and nature in “Architecture and Sacrifice.” George Hersey begins his argument that Greeks worshipped their gods in fields and among the trees. This in itself has a strong relation of worship to nature. These trees provide the basis for their architecture leading ones eye vertically towards the heavens. The trees possibly signify to the Greeks of a greater power above them and it’s the verticality of the trees that emphasizes this hierarchy that lies above them in the skies. The trees, rocks, and mountains become objects of religious sacrifice. The trees greatness, simplicity, strong verticality points the way towards the heavens and sky. Trees are also the first forms of primitive columns with horizontal shadows, thick with souls. Their form of sacrifice was a way to become closer to god, to have the holiness poured into their soul. This form of deconstruction-reconstruction sacrifice explores the human body to find the humans soul and worth in this place. This exploration of humans purpose and worth relates to the important element of “hearth” in architecture. There is a center of a structure that represents the unity and harmony of every element. Rather than sacrifice being a feasting, it is a form of communion. The deconstruction of the body allows god to piece everything together and fill it with godliness. The communion of this body allows it to be shared among the community. This significance of the most important parts for sacrifice influences Greek architectural elements. The head was thought to contain spiritual essence, which relates to the head of a capitol and the many details that occur. Vitruvius suggests that the head, fingers, palms, and feet are all important parts during sacrifice. The relation of nature and the human body are all things revealing significance. Theses ideas influence design elements in Greek architecture and other structures. People want to fin meaning and worth and feel a connection with our surrounding element. The trees lead the way into the heavens and our souls within.

2] Meant in jest, Macaulay shapes a world of the future in which the main character claims meanings for archeological evidence uncovered at the Motel of the Mysteries. EXTRACT what you believe to be the lesson of mis-interpreting evidence and link that lesson to the real world phenomenon of the internet. In other words, EXPLAIN how you might avoid such a blunder as mis-reading evidence when you use the web as your major information source.

Many times we find the internet to be the number one reliable source. After all, it is easily accessible and it is free. However, many times, misinformation is posted on the internet. Anyone can post something on the internet without being proofread through reliable sources. Mis-interpreting evidence shows carelessness of history. There are many opinions; however there are ways to avoid mis-reading evidence. One is to actually conduct research at the library. These sources tend to be more reliable because it has filtered through other sources. Mis-reading evidence can give one the wrong impression of what was occurring during this society and the many rituals that people were apart of. Past history should not be represented in this way and avoiding misreading can avoid this.

3] The funerary temple design of Queen Hatshepsut speaks a very different design language than the pyramidal forms for other pharaohs. From your readings and the ideas addressed in class, RECOUNT possible reasons why Queen Hatshepsut used this building form.

When looking at the temple design of Queen Hatshepsut, the design language speaks very differently than the pyramids built for the pharaohs. Delving into the Egyptian culture, Leland Roth mentions in “Understanding Architecture” that the “absolute theocratic power of the pharaohs during the Fourth dynasty was never equaled, and as a consequence, the Giza pyramids were never surpassed” (201). This idea of larger pyramids being built for the next pharaoh suggests the idea of male superiority to female. The Egyptian culture is a polytheistic religion where the male gods are more important than the female gods. This is seen in the form of the pyramids with the stacking. The higher up you are, the more importance one has. The horizontal axis suggests the path of human life whereas the verticality and stacking relates to the heavens, universe, and power. The pyramids of Giza were once covered in limestone and hieroglyphics with a gold, reflective point at the top. This white, reflective, additive structure stands out from the sandy, landscape to remind people of the pharaoh’s power. The sun would reflect from the gold point and hit all side of the pyramid equally. This brilliance would continue from each of the four corners into the universe. The sun holds power, and the pyramids signified a world of power within itself. In contrast, the Hatshepsut temple is a subtractive structure that takes advantage of the natural landscape. With a mountain towering over the temple, this structure does not compete with its height. The Hatshepsut temple does involve some stacking but not as much as the pyramids. The low to the ground building symbolizes the rank in society in which male had more importance. Whereas the pharaoh would spend his entire lifetime building and designing his pyramid, the queen’s temple was built after her death. This suggests she may not have had as much power to speak of her temple during her lifetime. Continuing with the comparison of male and female and how it is illustrated within the two forms, the Hatshepsut Temple is more open with a direct staircase leading the way. The female may be more inviting which is seen in the negative space. The staircase is appealing and engaging, drawing one into the temple. The pyramids of Giza entrance is more confusing it appears as the same on each side. The confusion and massiveness of this form is intimidating reminding people of who the structure belongs to and the pharaoh’s everlasting power. With males having higher hierarchy in society, this suggests possible reasons to why Queen Hatshepsut used a low to the ground structure. It also explains why her structure does not appear as showy and stand out from its environment. The equality of difference in male and female suggests reasons to why the pyramids of Giza and the Hatshepsut temple take on the forms they do.

4] Although some evidence suggests links between the Egyptian and Greek civilizations, and some building forms and details provide support for that linkage, the two societies produced design responses in great contrast to one another. Select a building type (house, tomb, or temple) from each culture and ELUCIDATE similarities and differences in the two forms over time. Provide an annotated illustration for each selected type.

Although there are links between the Egyptian and Greek civilizations, there are design responses in great contrast to one another. In both civilizations, buildings take advantage of telling stories. In the Greek culture, more attention is focused on worship with more equal gods. Different spaces are created to accommodate for their gods and not themselves. In contrast, the Egyptian society generates buildings for their rulers that would remind people of their power and their surrounding universe. Comparing the Pyramids of Giza to the Parthenon, the pyramids focus entirely on the pharaoh. With the white limestone and reflective gold material, this building’s purpose is to stand out from its environment and remind people of the pharaoh’s power. The building was design for one individual, inscribing an entire world inside itself. The Parthenon focuses more on worship and creating a perfect space for their gods. In “Architecture and Interior Design through the 18^th Century, Buie Harwood states that “Greek architecture and art searches for the ideal, the perfect in proportion and distribution of forms and parts, as well as those attributes or qualities that contribute to and enhance the ideal image” (65). The organization of the building revolves around the statue of Athena. Both the pyramids and temple focus on symmetry and balance. The four sides of the pyramid allows the sun to reflect equally while the temple may appear perfect, the imperfection of no line being parallel creates a perfect illusion. Harwood also mentions “the overall architectural design illustrates a formal, refined image and emphasizes human proportions. The golden section, monumental scale, symmetrical balance, and ordered spatial arrangements.” Both structures focus on verticality, relating to the heavens and universe. Though there are similar aspects in both societies, the differences depict buildings for different functions and representations. Societies constantly grow off one another yet many differences occur which inspires great buildings.

http://www.places-to-visit.us/files/images/The_Pyramids,_Giza,_Egypt_.png

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/parthenon-and-the-acropolis-landmark-1.jpg

5] Harwood shows examples of Egyptian furniture on pp. 60-61. HYPOTHESIZE about the lightweight nature of Egyptian furniture when compared to tomb architecture, as at the Pyramids of Giza, which many characterize as massive and heavy.

When comparing tomb architecture to the lightweight nature of Egyptian furniture, much culture is revealed. The Pyramids of Giza are massive with a sense of heaviness. This suggests the importance of the structure lasting forever for the pharaoh’s afterlife. In “Architecture and Interior Design through the 18^th century,” Harwood suggests that tombs are “visual metaphors for his absolute and divine power” (54). The pyramid acts as a vessel to hold the many important items the pharaoh would need in his continuing afterlife. It is this vessel that must remain solid and suggest the pharaoh’s continuing and everlasting power. The lightweight furniture also draws more attention to the person sitting in it or possessing it, which is the pharaoh. Harwood mentions that Egyptian furniture is typically rectangular, relating to the base of the pyramid with some curves. Curves soften the appearance of the furniture and covered with shiny material such as gold and silver with stones and glass. Colors relate to the earth to bring elements of the land with the pharaoh in his afterlife. “Architectural compositions portray ability, simple forms, geometric volumes, rectangular shapes, and straight lines…in temples, grand scale, axial procession, and massive gateways symbolize society’s strong religious emphasis and social hierarchy" (53).

6] Based on a careful reading of the visual evidence in these two images, DRAW OUT an explanation of design and gender roles as you see both depicted. As this language of urns represents essentially one of the main ways we know about Grecian culture, COMMENT on the validity of such a practice of reading evidence.

Looking at the two urns, both depict the gender roles of the culture. Much like the women statues in the Erechtheion who are enslaved forever to hold the building, the women on the urns are enslaved forever to stand on their feet while the male will sit forever with his feet never touching the ground to become sore or dirty. Women lead a life of servitude, accompanying the male and meet their needs. There is relation to nature with the woman holding the lion head and skin around her. The relation to nature signifies the importance of their natural surroundings. This language presented on the urns shows the differences in role of male and female. In both images, the male holds a spear representing he is the warrior while the women reach a hand out toward him. These practices are shown in structures and society.

Point Essay

“In Architecture, as in all operative arts, the end must direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well building hath three conditions: commodity, firmness, and delight”

~Sir Henry Wotton- The Elements of Architecture

According to Wotton’s opinion of well building, it must fulfill its function (commodity), it must be stable (firmness), and it must be enjoyable or aesthetically pleasing (delight). Accordingly, in Architecture and Interior Design through the 18^th century, Hall mentions that the way we are raised, our language, and culture influences commodity, firmness, and delight. There are social norms to what is acceptable in how we occupy our space. Hall goes on to mention that “people provide our travelogue through history and our understanding design. They shape and define our architecture, interiors, furniture, and decorative arts.” People and our world surrounding us is the basis of well building. Architecture must understand people’s needs and the culture surrounding them. Different cultures will have various building forms because styles evolve from “social, cultural, economic, and/or political factors of a given time” (Hall xii).

Looking back to the beginning of human life, we can discover much about architecture and its relation to nature. These early forms of architecture serve as precedents for later architecture. Survival and hunting dominates the human life which alters how space is defined. Building forms focus on function rather than detail.

Appreciating this history, much can be analyzed about the magnificent Stonehenge. This structure continues to marvel people today. Perhaps these cave dwellers were not unintelligent but were brilliant builders who understood how architecture must function. There are many theories to how Stonehenge was built. Many questions continue to puzzle people such as how was an approximately 30 foot structure made of stone built by average size humans. This required much strength, knowledge toward space, and tools to help form this structure. In my opinion, this accurate sundial best describes the unit. Because of its relation to nature people, material, and symbol, Stonehenge should be an example for all other building forms. With no use of any machinery, this structure is built perfectly. The use of circles emphasizes the mark towards heaven, relating to the people and their strong religious practices within their society. Circles mark a point where activity occurs. Stonehenge lies near the Avon River; from the village of Durrington which people inhabited, the river leads one to this monument. There is no need for any man-made path to take one to Stonehenge; it is ultimately nature that will show the way. The use of material relates to society because it is a stone found near Durrington. With all these elements in mind, Stonehenge is a monument that meets commodity, firmness, and delight because of its relation to the people and their culture.

Architecture must not be something we avoid for it is the “crystallization of ideas” (Roth 3). Architecture is like a chamber nautilus. As culture and people change, architecture will do the same. Roth states, “If we wish to understand ourselves, we must take care not to eliminate the “shell” of our past, for it is the physical record of our aspirations and achievements” (3). Until we understand the basic forms of architecture and the way culture and society has evolved, we cannot meet the end which is to build well.

Reading Comprehension 1

[1] Select an object or a building from any time period that you believe meets Wotton’s definition (as cribbed from Vitruvius) of commodity, firmness, and delight. With an annotated image, take care to EXPLAIN the ways in which you see the definition realized through the object or building. Use design language and concepts discussed in class for dealing with precedents

According to Sir Henry Wotton, “In Architecture, as in all operative arts, the end must direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well building hath three conditions: commodity, firmness, and delight.” Vitruvius wrote, “Architecture, must provide utility, firmness, and beauty.” Utility or commodity means the functional arrangement of rooms and space and its function. Firmness suggests the foundation or stability focusing on materials and how they are used. Delight or beauty simply refers to the appearance of the work. This triad of three rules remains a suitable outline for good architecture. However, throughout time, culture constantly plays a role in all three rules. Culture, context, and materials are constantly changing which ultimately alters the meaning of good architecture. To truly decipher the meaning of good architecture, one must delve into the culture of that time, focusing in on the people, their views, the context, and the materials.

Commodity or function cannot be described in one word. There are various functions that cannot be limited to in a mechanical, utilitarian way. Louis I. Kahn states, “When you make a building, you make a life. It comes out of life, and you really make a life. It talks to you. When you have only the comprehension of the function of a building, it would not become an environment of a life. Buildings also have symbolic function that points to the use of the building. For example the Trans World Air line at Kennedy is shaped in a way where giant wings span out to imply flight. Good architecture must understand people and their needs so buildings are not limited to a mechanical, generic way of commodity.

Not only does commodity serve a purpose in architecture, but firmness serves an important role as well. Structure is what holds up a building. We naturally understand the pull of gravity and architecture must make sure that it does not fall. Different places can give people a certain feeling to whether or not the building is stable. Culture’s view affects the sense of firmness in a building. “The materials that are selected and the way they are assembled, suggesting either massiveness or dematerialization, are part of a culture’s view of itself and its relationship to history.” For example, Gothic Cathedrals suggest the high faith of heaven. What we build parallels the idea of how we build. The culture constantly influences the perception of stability of a building.

Lastly, delight or beauty is the “most complex and diverse of all the components of architecture, for it involves how architecture engages all our sense, how it shapes our perception and enjoyment of (or discomfort with) our built environment.” In all sensory information, the human mind is constantly searching for value or importance. The human mind has preferences in which it organized data: proximity, repetition, simplest and largest figures, continuity and closure, and figure-to-ground relationship. Not only does delight refer to the physical appearance, it also suggests the acoustics, shape, and sound of the space. Location, culture, and language influence what is pleasing. Architecture constantly involves all of our senses. Focusing on each element of design and the way the human mind organizes data area aspects of good architecture.

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/karnak3.htm

With all elements of good architecture in mind, I will explain the ways in which I see the definition realized through the Hypostyle Hall. In Ancient Egypt, much culture was evolved around religion. This culture influences the buildings function, firmness, and delight. The navigation of space is set up in a way to point to the function for the building, which is to hold a ceremony to crown a ruler. This is also signified on the columns throughout. The massiveness of the columns and the repetition of them throughout effects ones perception of its stability. This sense of stability is influenced by the powerful nation and its hope in their gods. There is a sense of delight in this structure by the magnificent columns and their height and the shadows it creates on the ground. The shadows create a mystical and spiritual experience, which is influenced by the language and context of the time. The columns also serve a symbolic function. The columns help support the structure, but also make one feel small. This is influenced b the culture and much of its focus is on power and religion.

[2] Working from Harwood et al’s concept of cultural precedents, select one of the contemporary textiles illustrated above and PINPOINT the influences you see from the eastern world on the production of fabric in the west. Concentrate on motifs and patterns provided in Harwood’s text.

According to Winston Churchill, “We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” Culture is constantly changing. Harwood recognizes that “ each period is placed within a cultural, historical, social, and conceptual context, allowing the reader to make connections among all aspects of aesthetic development.” Interpretations from earlier design occur throughout culture, which outlines our architecture. Design changes based on the needs of the time. It is influenced by “social, economic, and/or political factors.” The middle fabric suggests motifs from China. Much symbolism occurs in Chinese fabrics and interior spaces including lions, dragons, the phoenix, fret, the lotus, clouds, fruits, chrysanthemums, the shou, and calligraphy. Many forms have developed in China because it is one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Many religions influence the culture and its architecture. Chinese art, and design has influenced much of the Western civilization. Unity and harmony are seen throughout Chinese art. In the middle fabric, the “duality of yin (negative, feminine, dark) and yang (positive, masculine, and light) guide universal life.” The negative space is depicted by the dark blue in the background, and the white lace is depicted in the foreground. Today, much society has progressed into “universal life.” Men and women have begun to share an equal position in society, which influences this modern textile. The reference to nature from the flower is also influenced by Chinese art. The idea of representing nature is emphasized in Taoist characteristics. There is an emphasis of symmetry in the textile from the white lace coming from the flower. However, there are an uneven number of flowers, which is usually seen in Chinese architecture where uneven numbers depict roofs and details. With ideas such as harmony, and universal life, the Western Civilization has used Chinese art and architecture as influence with the progression of our civilization.

[3] When considering perceptions of personal and social space, Hall and others suggest that different cultures have different space needs and attitudes. Most consider that citizens of the U.S. generally feel a need for more space. How does this play out in the classroom in which we gather for iar222?

When understanding personal and social space, one must understand the culture and the people’s needs. According to Hall, “An examination of how the senses are used by different peoples, as they interact with their living and non-living environment, provides concrete data on some of the differences between, for example, Arabs and Americans.” People interpret their senses differently which influences architecture. Today, there are so many objects that extend our senses that we lose sight of the simplicity of humanness. Hall also mention that “man and his environment participate molding each other.” Society interacts with space differently. One society may not be bothered over crowds and over population. In other societies, people like to maintain their personal space. Looking at our own culture, we can begin to see a change in the way we interact with space. Looking at the average house size during the 1930’s and the space people occupy now shows a dramatic increase. Today people are always looking for more space, a larger kitchen, larger closets, etc. This shows that society is changing. One obvious reason for this matter is that people are simply getting bigger. Our society is centered around food with little physical activity. It is a fast paced society which requires more driving and less walking. Societies are growing which calls for people to drive further. It is an expanding society that requires more space. Looking back 100 years, people only occupied the space that was necessary. For example, I live in an historic house which was built in 1908; the closet space in my bedroom is eleven inches deep. This shows that people had less stuff and did not occupy excessive space. Our society is focused on having more for themselves which entails bigger house, more expensive cars, and more materialistic items. People constantly want more including more space. In our culture, when sitting down next to a stranger, one usually keeps at least one seat between them. We feel uncomfortable if we sit right beside a stranger. However, in other societies who view personal space differently, they might not find it entirely strange to sit next to a stranger. Looking at the classroom we gather in for IAR222, the space seems too crowded with poor acoustics. Considering the building being built in the 1970’s, space must have been viewed differently. The designers may have only designed for the function and nothing excessive. They saw it as a lecture classroom and nothing more. It is crowded because people may have been smaller than or because it did not need to be anything more than the sole purpose. If it was “just” a classroom, acoustics may have not been given much thought. The function was accomplished by putting chairs with desks and a stage for optional lectures. Today, we view space differently and possible see other possibilities for the space than just the intentional purpose.

[4] SPECULATE about whether or not there can be an architecture of happiness, as de Botton writes in the work by the same title. Provide a juicy quote that helps give evidence to your views from the passage that you read. Include an annotated image of a happy object, space, building, or place and specify WHY and HOW your example exudes happiness

Deciding whether or not there can be an architecture of happiness can create different opinions. I think there are certain elements that that should be considered in design, but I do not think there is an architecture that makes everyone feel happy. There is always going to be a person that does not find joy in that certain piece of architecture. De Botton discusses we cannot become so focused on one piece of architecture because something will always change. We cannot put such high expectations because there will always be something we cannot control that will ruin happiness. De Botton mentions that “architecture is perplexing, too, in how inconsistent is its capacity to generate the happiness on which its claim to our attention is founded. While an attractive building may on occasion flatter an ascending mood, there will be times when the most congenial of locations will be unable to dislodge our sadness our misanthropy.”

http://ellm.com/bridgepic9.jpg

This image is of a bridge in the Bog Gardens in Greensboro. This place makes me feel happy because it is right off the busy streets of Greensboro and it is serene. Because the architecture does not overpower the beauty of nature, it makes me feel at peace and less hectic. This bridge continues with the nature where it almost blends in, but in a sculptural way, guides one to the next side. The simplicity and focus of nature creates a relaxing atmosphere where one can sit and enjoy not hearing cars driving by or people chattering. It is quite which the architecture plays off of. It is not extremely noticeable allowing people to feel as one with nature and not the busy, hectic lives we live.