Unit Summary: Foundations

In the foundations unit, we focused on the history behind architecture; where it came from, and why it was designed the way it was. The foundations of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian architecture are what many designers resort back to today in making new structures. All of the areas we looked at dealt with bringing Heaven to Earth. The Egyptians built pyramids toward the Heavens, the Greeks built massive worship areas on hilltops (such as the acropolis) in celebration of certain gods, and in Rome, smaller designs were used such as the dome and labyrinth to acknowledge the importance of Heaven and celebrating it on Earth.

This class has been very influential so far in showing us as designers, the meaning behind many of todays popular structures. Knowing the history and 'foundation' behind a piece of architecture allows us to know what the designer was thinking and use tips for our own personal designs for the future.