The French Periods

During this time period the decorator was starting to become popular. Designing a luxurious room that was consistent and harmonious was a complex job. Supervising and implementing the task required a new type of professional. Because of this, the decorator was born. 

The French Renaissance was one of the design periods where homes were starting to be the main focus instead of churches. The architecture in France was different than other countries. The weather required steep roofs, many chimneys, and many large windows. Roofs often had 2 slopes with dormer windows. The first major chateau to show up was built for Francois I, called Chateau Chambord. It was a royal hunting lodge in the Loire Valley. It has 444 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 chimneys. The structure itself was a medieval structure but it was decorated in Renaissance style. The chateau was partly designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Some more characteristics were magnificent chimneys, dormer windows, double staircase (started at opposite sides and never met), and the use of fleur-de-lis as a design motif. 

Another famous chateau was Chateau de Fontainebleau. Characteristics were large structures, formal gardens, lakes, fountains, elaborate interiors, painting, sculptures, high relief stucco ornament, carved wall painting, pilasters (decorate flat walls), and a famous library. The chateau was a small hunting lodge that was transformed into one of the greatest palaces in Europe. Galerie Francois I set a fashion in decoration that was imitated throughout Europe. It was designed by Italian artists, architects, and designers. 

Current Applications:

Spanish

The 16th century was the most brilliant era in Spanish history. Columbus had voyaged across the Atlantic Ocean and acquired title to the New World, navigation and trading lead to major amounts of gold and silver bullion, and there was a height of power in the middle of the century. By the end of the century however, Spain was bankrupt. Spain was influenced by the Italian Renaissance by their craftsmanship. 

Alhamra is a palace looked in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It originally was built as a small fortress in 889 and until it's remains were found, was ignored. In the mid-11th century it was rebuilt by the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada, who built its current walls. In 1333 it was converted into a palace by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. The exterior of the palace is plain but includes gardens, fountains, and reflecting pools. 

Alhamra, Granada

Castle of the La Mota is a reconstructed medieval fortress located in Medina del Campo, province of Valladolid, Spain. The name comes from it's location on an elevated hill, a moth, from where it dominates the town and surrounding land. The main feature of the castle is the large outer barbican. The interior of the castle has a trapezoidal plan, with 4 towers and a square yard. There is also a large square keep tower, and an inner curtain wall that was used for archers. 

Castle of the La Mota

One of Spain's finest artistic achievements was their inlay work used by cabinetmakers. Minute pieces of bone, ivory, exotic woods, mother-of-pearl, and metal work. They used geometric designs and highly stylized leaf and floral designs. Other characteristics of Spanish furniture included: simplicity and boldness, heavy proportions, crude carving, rectangular shape, repetitive panels, walnut wood, mahogany, and silver.

One famous chair from this time was the Sillon de Frailero (monk's chair). It was a walnut armchair with simple rectangular form, leather seat and back, broad front stretcher, and decorative nailheads.

Current Applications:

Peer Discussions:

I like how Stephanie went into detail and explained her current application pictures. I also think it's awesome that she used a bridge as one!

I also liked in Katie's blog how she pointed out that the residential design wasn't any different from the palace and cathedral design. It was just as extravagant. 

Italian Renaissance

The Renaissance was the "rebirth" that started in Florence, Italy. Classical forms were refined and adapted for new uses. Local quarries were offering an endless supply of marble and the furnished interiors were similar to that of Gothic and Romanesque. The first development was in Italy (Florence, Rome, and Venice). It was a shift from a religious emphasis to a secular emphasis. During this time, residential design had started to become popular and everyone in Italy was focusing more on comfort, convenience, and beauty instead of safety, strength, and protection. The Italian Renaissance palace (palazzo) was one of the best achievements of Italian Renaissance. It showed power and influence of prominent families. 

The Florence Cathedral was built by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1420-1436. He was the first acknowledged Renaissance architect and was known as the Renaissance man. The Florence Cathedral was the main church in Florence, inspired by the Pantheon. 

Another major architect of this time was Andrea Palladio. He wrote The Four Books of Architecture. He designed Villa Rotonda. Each side has a classical temple front including: stairs, six columns, entablature, and a pediment. Rooms are arranged symmetrically around the dome. 

Current Applications: 

The Americas

The term "The Americas" refers to five main civilizations; this would include Olmec, Teotihuacan, Mayas, Aztecs, and the Incas.
The Olmec were the first major civilization in Mexico. They were famous for many things: hieroglyphic writing, 1st calendar in Western Hemisphere, temple focused city type, Mesoamerican ballgame, and realistic art work. La Venta was the first example of temple focused city type. The ceremony center consisted of a ball court, small pyramids, burial grounds, giant stone heads, and great pyramid of earth. 

The art was made up of delicate carvings of jade, rock crystals, and less valuable stone, ax heads, masks, decorative objects, and mural paintings and pottery. 

Teotihuacan stood for "Place of the Gods" and was known for its ceremonial center that was 2 miles in length. There was a central spine named "Road of the Dead", a Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and a Pyramid of the Sun/Pyramid of the Moon. 

The Teotihuacan arts were like the Olmec; they had decorative pottery. Their motifs included birds, butterflies, flowers and abstract signs. 

The major ceremonial site in Mayas was Chichen Itza, which meant mouth of the well of the Itza. It featured a four sided pyramid called Castillo, had chacmool, and a jaguar throne.

The Aztecs were known for their creation of art expression of thoughts on life. Their architecture expressed their throughs and beliefs. Templo Mayor was their main Temple in the town of Tenochtitlan.

The Incas had the largest empire in Pre-Columbia America. Machu Picchu was the royal estate for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. It had trapezoid shaped openings which set it apart.

Current Applications:

Peer Discussion: 

I looked through Alecia's blog. I really liked her first modern application photo. All that makes that room fit in with this design period is the paint and it grasps the design so perfectly. 

I also looked at Karri's blog and I liked her modern application pictures as well. She showed other modern applications other than just design.

Gothic Design

Gothic architecture was a design period that came about during medieval times. It evolved from the Romanesque design period. You can see major Gothic architecture in churches and cathedrals. The main characteristic you can see in all Gothic buildings is the pointed arch. Other characteristics are the ribbed vault, buttresses, large windows, and towers. Most existing cathedrals and churches are found in Northern France, Spain, and England. 

The Parish Church of St Mary Redcliffe: Bristol, England

This church is the largest parish church in England. It has a chapel extending to the east of the chancel, and a larger tower placed asymmetrically to the north of the west front. The north porch has an inner component dating from 1200, with black Purbeck Marble columns.

Cathedral of Saint-Gatian: Tours, France

This cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral church of the Tours diocese. It was built between 1170 and 1547.

Current Applications:

Peer Discussions:

I reviewed Sammy's blog. I absolutely love the third current application picture she found. The balconies are stunning. 

I also reviewed Micah's blog and liked how she went into detail about the carvings. 

Byzantine

The Byzantine design period started at the same time as Early Christian (330 C.E.) but lasted much longer, in 1453 C.E. The term is used to describe the medieval Roman Empire because it evolved as a distinct artistic and cultural entity. 

Byzantine architecture closely resembles Roman architecture. Over time however, technological advancement, and political changes made the style change. Buildings increased in geometric complexity. New materials were used such as brick, plaster, and stone. Domes started resting on massive piers and windows filtered light through think sheets of alabaster to illuminate interiors. 

Hagia Sophia

One popular building was Hagia Sophia. The building had a central plan with a circle of windows. There was a massive dome that resembled the importance of the building. They built with hollow tile which while building, collapsed 2-3 times. 

Karamagara Bridge

The Karamagara Bridge is a Byzantine bridge in the ancient region of Cappadocia, in EasternTurkey. It is the earliest known pointed arch bridge. 

Current Applications:

Many people have problems trying to distinct the Roman Empire from the Byzantine. This video describes how the Byzantine Empire was created.

Early Christian

The Early Christian design period lasted from 330-800 C.E. The term Early Christian is used to describe the art and architecture of the first Christian communities (Western Europe). 

There were many characteristics of Early Christian Architecture. Popular ones were centrally planned buildings, separate baptisteries, adaption of Roman basilica form of churches, separation of interior of churches into nave and flanking aisles, clerestory windows, entrance of church opposite apse, towers flanking exonarthex, and the chief goal was to glorify God.

Old St. Peter's Cathedral

An example of Early Christian Architecture was Old St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. It was the chief monument of Christianity and the tomb of St. Peter. The exterior of the Cathedral was very plain while the interior is elaborate. It has masonry walls, clerestory windows, wood roof, and wood truss ceilings. The interior is covered with frescos of biblical accounts from the Old and New Testament.

Throne of Maximian 540 C.E.

Very few pieces of Early Christian furniture exist. The ones that have been found are very elaborate, decorated with caving and jewels. Typically the furniture from this design period follow the Roman style.

Most Early Christian current styles we see included tall Cathedral ceilings or arches. 

The video I found this week is a 3D reconstruction of St. Peter's basilica. It goes through what the exterior and interior looks like.