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.

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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.