AFREHND : The Spanish Lighthouse of Corregidor

MY SKETCH.
i do not know why it doesn't want to rotate.

AHSTARC : On Greek Architecture.

When I first heard the term Greek Architecture, the first few things that came into my mind were the majestic Parthenon located on the very impressive Acropolis. The Parthenon is known as the largest temple the Greeks build to honor Goddess Athena. The Acropolis as a whole on the other hand represents the high point in ancient Greek architecture. One can see that these Greek structures had very good proportions. Compared to the Egyptian structures, the Greek structures are very different when it comes to function, structure and aesthetics. If the Egyptians were more into the Function and Form of their buildings, the Greeks were conscious in their structures’ design and gave a big consideration to the aesthetics as well.  

Architecture continues to develop from one period to another. Egyptian architecture influenced the Greek’s in some way, like the use of columns which almost all Greek structures possess. What make the Greek’s different from the Egyptians is the elegance and the class their structures have. They devised a system of building proportions known as the Classical orders; the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian, that is timeless and widely used to this day.

It is evident in the Greek structures that people during that time gave importance to their social lives. Business was starting to emerge, physical activities were given importance, and a form of government was born. Each structure they built served a purpose. The Agora was built for socializing and business purposes, Bouleterion and Prytaneion were constructed for their local city council, theatre/Odeion was built for performing arts and the stadium, Hippodrome, Palaestra, Pyrataneion and Gymnasium were made for their physical games and exercises. Greek society was very active and comparable to ours nowadays. Just like any other civilization, the Greeks had their own beliefs. They had numerous Gods and goddesses whom they dedicated different temples for.  As time passed, Greek temples became larger and even grander.

Greek Architecture continued to evolve as years passed.  Their creativity led to the construction of some magnificent structures in history. Their architectural contributions were not only beneficial to their civilization but to the ones after them as well.

SKETCHES TO BE POSTED LATER :)

AHSTARC : On Egyptian Architecture

Compared to the previous periods in the history of architecture, the Egyptian period was indeed more blessed when it comes to resources around them. Materials such as timber, stone, papyrus, clay and fibre were readily available for them resulting to such matured art and architecture.  Stone started to replace mud as a primary material for building. It is amazing that they were able to come up with ways on how to balance stability and aesthetics well. An element of architecture that was evident in Egyptian architecture was the use of pillars which are still used today.

Egyptian Architecture portrayed great respect for religion, culture and their leaders. Since the Ancient Egyptians had strong belief in after-life, lasting Tombs and pyramids were built to preserve and honor their kings or pharaohs. Egyptians didn’t just bury the dead but they built monuments and tombs to make sure the bodies were safe which is still practiced until now. Temples were intricately built for cult practices and worship. Their beliefs and philosophies were strongly translated in their architecture and were put to life through their structures.  What amazes me the most about Egyptian Architecture is how they were able to construct structures in a way that these were able to withstand hundreds of centuries having some still stand to this day. They understood the proper use of materials and thought of ways to create very stable monumental structures which is reflected in the pyramids. I liked how they carved art; hieroglyphics and drawings into walls that told stories and probably helped the generations after them discover and learn about their grand civilization.

What is nice about the Egyptian Structures is that you will automatically feel the hard work Egyptians put into it just by looking at them. The Egyptian left a mark on history through their structures; the ones that still remain are indeed transcendent; wowing people generations after generations.

MORE SKETCHES TO BE POSTED TOMORROW. :)

AFREHND : On Landscaping.

          For me it is very essential for all structures to have a proper landscaping. Landscaping is basically creating environment. It enhances the beauty and adds to a better aesthetics of any structure or area. With the proper use and placement of plants, lighting etc, we are able to create a more pleasing environment for houses, businesses and communities.

Landscaping could have patios, lighting, fancy planting, pools; it’s not just about the use of plants. Everything should be able to work together and create something functional and pleasing to the eyes. If everything is mixed perfectly, the people around a very good landscaping are able to relax and enjoy what they see. This is why resorts need a proper landscaping. It is important that landscaping is able to create an environment that can enhance and adapt to a person’s lifestyle. 

HSTARC : West Asiatic Architecture

Putting aside the Prehistoric period which introduced to us how to construct structures and started a way of life, the West Asiatic period exhibited to us what a real society is- complete with the essence of towns and culture. West Asiatic architecture exhibited beauty in their creations and showcased early human's exceptional knowledge of art and architecture. They were able to synthesize artistry and craftsmanship. Though resources that time were scarce for them, they were able to come up with marvelous structures. They started having a sense and appreciation for good aesthetics and the purpose of different structures.

My sketch of the striding snak dragon of Marduk as seen at the Ishtar Gate

It is evident in the West Asiatic Architecture has developed a lot of ideas from Pre historic architecture. If men during the prehistoric times only considered their needs when building their structures, West Asiatic men planned everything from the purpose to the structures’ aesthetics with great consideration for their area’s geography, geology and climate. Lacking resources to build their structures, they were still able to come up with using simple mud bricks to create their beautiful empire which exhibits how resourceful they were. Though they seriously lacked building materials, they were still able to come up with the intricate designs of their structures which I think is really remarkable and astonishing. Since Chaldeae was situated near the river, floods tormented them thus resulting to situating their towns and palaces on elevated platforms. Assyria on the other hand was nearer mountains and had a hot dry climate which resulted to the introduction of open columned halls in palaces such as Susa and Persepolis.

We can see that Architectural Styles evolve after one period to another and the design considerations continue to add up. But we cannot fore-go the fact that without the West Asiatic period, the following civilizations would have not developed into societies as we call it. Thus, pointing out the importance of each and every period's contribution whether large or small.

AFREHND : Esquisse -Lines.

UPPER LEFT:

STRAIGHT LINES: MELANCHOLIC SONG – I felt gloomy listening to it. So I started drawing big trees it was like going on a road trip and just seeing plain trees and a mountain.

BOTTOM LEFT:

CURVED LINES: WE were listening to upbeat music so I thought of butterflies flying around amidst sunflowers on a sunny day.

UPPER RIGHT:

70% STRAIGHT LINES, 30% CURVED LINES: Given only ample time to imagine and plan what to sketch, I instantly thought of a city skyline at night.

BOTTOM RIGHT:

30% CURVED LINES, 70% STRAIGHT LINES: Listening to the music played, I thought of the beach and its serenity. Having a few straight lines for the hut, and all the other details for the view curved like the sun clouds, tree and sea.

ADESPRN : a POD.

When I first heard that we will be doing a ‘pod’, the first thing that came into my mind were an iPod-its portability and many uses, and the ‘peas in a pod’- the pod being the protection of the peas inside it. So my own understanding of this project as defined by our professor is one's living quarters, as an apartment or roo.  I define a pod not just a living quarters but a space which has not just one, but multitudinous functions. This personal living area should serve well its user providing him comfort and ease. It will exhibit different design considerations like anthropometrics, circulation, solar orientation, and sustainability alongside addressing the basic human factors in design. The evolution of forms we came up for our “Pod” is a butterfly- its evolution from a cocoon into an adult butterfly- translating the intricate features and characteristics of a it into our design. The cocoon, like in the ‘peas in a pod, will serve as an outer protection to the user (pea/butterfly). With the very limited space given to us and the many functions our pod must serve, we must come up with a convertible and a flexible area.