Unit 6: Architecture
This unit explores architecture, its history, and its relation to visual art. Architecture is the art and science of designing structures and spaces for human use. Architectural design is an art form realized through considerations of spatial design and aesthetics. Related to sculpture, architecture creates three-dimensional objects that serve human purposes and forms visual relationships with the surrounding areas.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- explain how the form of architecture affects the use of a structure;
- describe traditional and modern styles of architecture and the effects of the Industrial Revolution on architecture;
- explain how architecture acts as a reflection of culture; and
- describe how new "green" technologies are changing architecture and design.
- explain how the form of architecture affects the use of a structure;
6.1: What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art and science of designing structures and spaces for human use. Architectural design in itself is an art form realized through considerations of spatial design and aesthetics.
6.2: Traditional Methods and Materials
People have been manipulating materials in their local environment to create expressive dwelling-places since prehistory. Read this text as an introduction to traditional architectural methods and materials.
In this ungraded activity, you will report on your reactions and reflections after viewing several buildings and thinking about their design.
6.3: Architecture in China and East Asia
This article is an introduction to Chinese and East Asian architecture.
6.4: Cross-Cultural Influences
This article presents several examples of how the migration and interaction of peoples from different cultures has affected architecture.
6.5: Architecture and the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution brought about new needs and new capabilities for architecture and infrastructure.
6.6: Modern Architecture: A New Language
- Take your time reflecting on the concepts discussed in this article.
6.7: Post-Modern and Contemporary Architecture
Read this introduction to some of the movements in architecture today.
Spend some time composing a response to this ungraded writing prompt. You will be asked about what makes design good or bad. Clearly, that is a matter of subjective analysis; nevertheless, you should structure your analysis around what you learned in this unit.
6.8: Green Architecture
Green architecture incorporates ecologically and environmentally sustainable practices into site preparation, materials, energy use, and waste systems.
Using this list of online galleries or other sources you are familiar with, research and explain three examples of sustainable technologies and 'green' architecture. These could include anything from energy production sources to architectural design and engineering or urban planning models.
What are your reactions to these examples? What is the context surrounding them? For example, how will they be used? What are the costs involved? Will they replace or interact with existing designs? Do you think they are good alternatives to traditional design?
Include images or links for each of your examples, and be sure to cite all your research sources used for the worksheet.
Unit 6 Wrap-up
Take this ungraded quiz, and use it to see how well you have learned the material in this unit. If you are weak in some areas, be sure to re-read those sections before attempting the final exam.
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
