Architecture
of the
World II
www.
ProfessorComeau
.com
Course Description
The course expands the coverage of Architecture of the World
(ARC K102). Particular attention is given to the relationships
of architectural expression, meaning, and building technology
and current issues arising related to sustainability and the
environment. Students will explore the impact of climate,
economy, philosophy, social structure and technology on
architecture by juxtaposing ancient and traditional works with
those required by today and tomorrow’s cultures. The course
also integrates the respective visual arts as illustrated through
aesthetic expression.
Educational Objectives
ƒ Continued (from ARC 102) chronological and thematic
frameworks for the study of architectural history;
ƒInform understanding of architecture’s relationship to
cultures from traditionalism to modernity;
ƒDevelop skills of description and formal and historical
analysis.
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
The Yangtze
ƒ3rd longest river in the World.
ƒ45 million years ago cut the “Three Gorges” area that separates
the Sichuan Basin (called the “rice bowl”), in the West form the
lowlands of the East.
ƒAncient civilization used the river as transportation and
mastered irrigation along its banks.
ƒWushan Man (oldest homo erectus found in China), found in
Chongqing City lived 2 million years ago!
ƒAgriculture around the World occurred in various areas at the
same time around 10,000 years ago. Rice planting culture formed
8,000 years ago in 6,000 BC.
ƒBa and Shu were the ancient cultures that gestated along the
River, giving way to the modern Qing Dynasty of around 1,750 BC
and the Zhou Dynasty of around 1,000 BC.
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
Strengths:
Beauty
Turbidity
Geographic Importance
Weaknesses:
Over Development
Pollution
Governmental Protection
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
Plan view of the temple at Chang'an. ‐ Stippled area is a rammed earth core necessary to
provide elevation to the second story of the temple;
‐ Even in the Tang period, the Chinese had difficult is
building large, tall buildings that were also stable. This is
especially so in this case because of the transition from a
square to a circular series of supports, which posed
serious loading problems for Tang architects.
‐ The mingtang design was closely followed. Historically,
we know that the Tang Emperor at the time and the
chief official overseeing the design and construction of
the temple, were ardent advocates of the mingtang.
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
Yangtze
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
China’s Cultures
The Great Wall (Approx. 250 BC, 4,150 mi’s)
Forbidden City, 1,450 BC (Taoism ‐ Structure & Balance)
Terracotta Army, 250 BC
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School
China’s Cultures
Pagoda Structure (Grace, Inter‐connectedness, Balance)
Taipei 101
© Professor Mark Comeau, Arch‐World II Home School