Extra Credit response

Visual and Plastic Arts - Architecture observation. 1. For a work of architecture, a building created as a work of art, you need to consider three things and how they go together: - its aesthetic functions (the looks and style of a building), - its practical functions and - its symbolism. For example, for a public building, a museum, place of

worship, a school, or residence the aesthetic function must serve its practical structural design, symbolic, and aesthetic functions.

Here are some more important questions to answer for a building (some of this may involve background research). 2. Structure and materials. How is it put together? What kind of materials? How are they assembled? How is the building supported? Is the building or set of buildings laid out in a pattern? Is it symmetrical or asymmetrical? Pre- planned or add-on? Explain. 3. Scale and proportion. How does the size relate to the human form? What emotional sensations result from scale? 4. Formal Context (inside). What do you think of the layout? How do the shapes and spaces serve the purposes of the building? (consider the rituals and other activities that are done there). Do the spaces assist or slow down smooth traffic of people? Where is the flow? Where are the stopping points? 5. Formal Context (outside). How does the building relate to its environment? Does it reflect or compete with its surroundings? Does it blend in? Does it dominate? Where is it located in relation to the town? Was climate a factor in the design? 6. Symbolism. Does the shape of the building have a symbolic meaning? Do the decorative elements contribute to the function and symbolism of the building (painting, sculpture, etc.) 7. Looks and Style. Describe its overall aesthetic appeal and stylistic appearance and details that support it. Is there a name for the style of this building? Is this building unique, or is it a type? Where did the style come from? 8. Historical context and extension: What is the history the building—the who, what, when, where, why of it? Who commissioned it? Who designed it? Where is it located? What is its purpose? From your observations, to who does it seem to appeal to? What messages does it seem to send about itself? 8. Important—Your Informed Reaction. How do the previous elements combine to create a reaction in you? In other words, what draws your attention? What is your emotional and intellectual response to the architecture, and what causes that response? In other words, what kind of mood or thoughts does it convey to you? What in the building suggests this? What kind of impact do you think the building itself has on its function? Things that might contribute include visual elements and composition (structure, color, textures, focus point, patterns, strong contrasts, diagonal lines, suggested movement), materials, historical or psychological, or symbolic context, your own preferences and associations.