Chapter 01 - The Beauty Of Architecture

Question 1

Ch 1: What is Art?

Answer 1

A means of self-expression. It must be sincere and have purpose. It expresses and idea and its observer derives satisfaction from it’s exploration.

Question 2

Ch. 1: Two definitions for aesthetics with regards to art.

Answer 2

1. An area of philosophical inquiry that deals with the principles of beauty.
2. Principles concerned with nature and appreciation of its beauty.

Question 3

Ch. 1: Describe the difference between architecture and Architecture.

Answer 3

Architecture with a small ‘a’ is just that: architecture. Architecture capitalized is ambitious, inspires awe, and is sublime.

Question 4

Ch. 1: What did Vitruvius state were the three objectives for buildings?

Answer 4

There should be durability, convenience, and beauty.

Question 5

Ch. 1: In 1624, Henry Wotten famously translated Vitruvius’ three objectives for building structures, durability, convenience, and beat, as what?

Answer 5

(1) Firmness (2) commodity (3) delight

Question 6

Ch. 1: In the book, “The Fundamental Principles of Architecture”, what author describes what 6 most important elements of ‘A’rchitecture (1. Order 2. Arrangement 3. Eurythmy 4. Symmetry 5. Propriety 6. Economy)?

Answer 6

Vitruvius

Question 7

Ch. 1: What 3 requirements for beauty did Thomas Aquinas outline in his book “Summa Theologiae”?

Answer 7

1. Perfection 2. Proportion 3. Clarity

Question 8

Ch. 1: Which famous Greek mathematician and philosopher described the mathematical basis for proportional harmony?

Answer 8

Pythagoras

Question 9

Ch 1: The division of a line in such a manner that the ratio of the greater pert to the whole is equal to the ratio of the smaller part is to the greater part is referred to as what? Where is this ratio found?

Answer 9

The golden section.

The ratio is found in nature, most famously the nautilus shell.

Question 10

Ch. 1: From where did Medieval architects derive their inspiration?

Answer 10

From God.

Question 11

Ch. 1: Immanuel Kant described the judgement of aesthetics as having what?

Answer 11

Four “moments”

Question 12

Ch. 1: Walter Gropius is the founder of what school?

Answer 12

The Bauhaus school.

Question 13

Ch. 1: Robert Venturi famously said what about “less”?

Answer 13

“Less is not more. Less is a bore.”

Question 14

Ch. 1: Postmodernism rejects absolutism in favor of what two things?

Answer 14

Relativism and pluralism

Question 15

Ch. 1: Poststructuralism argues agains the model of using structures to evaluate what?

Answer 15

Human culture.

Question 16

Ch. 1: Deconstructivism denies the existence of what?

Answer 16

A single meaning of signs and symbols.