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Like other forms of art, architecture can represent more than just its physical features. Architecture often has symbolic meaning. Important questions to ask yourself when looking at an example of architecture include:
IN CONTEXT
Use these two questions as you observe the images below. The first is an image of the Great Pyramids of Giza, which were built as funerary tombs for the pharaohs, or kings, of ancient Egypt.
The next image is the Parthenon. This was built during the time of ancient Greece to honor the Greek goddess Athena. Temples such as this were thought to be the physical home of the gods on Earth.
In this next image, you will see the cathedrals that were commissioned by the Church for a place of worship and to house the relics of important people associated with the Church. They also existed as a physical manifestation of heaven on Earth.
And finally, an image of modern architecture, the Chrysler Building in New York. For some, this structure might symbolize corporate power, prestige, and wealth.
Art and architecture were not always looked at as different disciplines, but instead were actually considered the same thing. Many of the artists discussed in this lesson were both traditional artists and architects. Michelangelo and Brunelleschi were two Italian Renaissance artists that crossed over into architecture.
IN CONTEXT
Michelangelo was one of many artists contracted to supervise construction of parts of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Below is a picture of the basilica, supervised by Michelangelo.
Brunelleschi designed a magnificent dome on the Florence Cathedral in Florence, Italy. Below is a picture of this stunning dome.
External ornamentation of architecture often represents a theme and contributes to the overall symbolism the architecture portrays. Internal spaces are carefully considered in order to create a cohesive space that supports and enhances the aesthetics of the building.
IN CONTEXT
External ornamentation encompasses many different types of structures. Below are several images that are considered external ornamentation.
First, a picture of gargoyles:
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Statues are another example of external ornamentation.
Reliefs, pictured below, are another type of external ornamentation.
Pilasters are yet another example of external ornamentation.
Lastly, pediments, which are one more type of external orientation. These might include reliefs, statues, or artwork situated within a triangular shape at the top of classical architecture in ancient Greece and Rome.
In contrast to external ornamentation, observe the next two examples of internal space and its design. The example, pictured below, is from Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This is where the Pope lives.
The second image below is Fallingwater.
Site specificity refers to how some architecture can be appreciated only in the surrounding environment in which it was built. In other words, to move it or recreate it elsewhere would diminish the effect. Sometimes the intention is to create a piece of architecture where the building appears to emerge from its environment, rather than being simply plopped into the environment. In this case, to remove it from that environment would really diminish or defeat the purpose of building it in the first place.
EXAMPLE
The image below is of the external architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. This is a perfect example of site specificity. The building appears to emerge from its environment.Source: THIS TUTORIAL WAS AUTHORED BY IAN MCCONNELL FOR SOPHIA LEARNING. Please see our Terms of Use.