Video-“Architecture: The Science of Design”
What happens when we run out of space to build homes? Build up of course. That’s the approach that many individuals will tell you is the solution to the ever looming problem of running out of space to build. In order for this to happen, materials needed to be created and used together to overcome tasks of the different forces a building will be subjected to over time. Concrete and steel have led the way for the creation of skyscrapers. There are two distinct parts to a high-rise. The super-structure, which is the above ground part of the building and the sub-structure, which is the below ground part. In order to create these substructures, large columns, or pillars, are driven into the bedrock that can support the extreme weight of the building. The substructure must support the dead weight as well as the living weight (Weight with people, Furniture, etc). It must also be able to support the wind load. For example a 100 story building has four times the wind strength than say a 50 story building. In high winds, Buildings 100 stories high can sway an entire meter. This sway can cause motion sickness, stop elevators, and even damage the structure. In order to prevent damage to the building and to minimize sway, scientists use wind tunnel research prior to development of the high-rise to make sure everything is safe no matter the wind load. They use small models of the buildings and the surrounding area to see what happens when a specific wind load is applied, then will either increase the base of the building of add trees in strategic locations to adjust for any problems they see in their research. There are also the option of “smart apartments” which are computer controlled apartments. Systems can be turned on from portable phones or by the computer. Everything is done based on a time based system. For example “curtains open” and “stereo starts playing” when you wake up, then the bathroom tile floors are heated for comfort in the shower. Once the shower is completed, coffee starts to brew. These are both examples of how science is applied to the design of buildings, and living quarters. I chose this film because I really do enjoy science and all of the new creations that technology is paving the way for. Although this film is dated, it was still enjoyable. It relates to the text because as we have seen through photography and film. Technology innovates every aspect of life. It has helped improve living conditions, safety procedures, as well as further the genre of art by making it more accessible to the public as well as reducing the difficulty in creating specific works of art.
Video-“Imperial Rome, Ostia, and Portus: Ancient Architecture and Technology”
Rome combines fertile land with ready access to the sea by means of the Tiber River. The seven hills of Rome are defensive advantages. The Servian Wall is constructed from tufa. An amazing feat of engineering, the concrete aqueducts carry water from distant hills on a series of arches. The Aurelianic Walls is built as a fortification against Barbarians. Grain is shipped by barge through the port town of Ostia to Rome. This main port is a planned provincial city with brick-faced concrete buildings spread along the Tiber. A forum has public baths. Ostia's ornate warehouses store grain along the Tiber. The piazza is decorated with mosaic representative of trade. Roman ingenuity is seen in Portia's man made harbor of concrete. The grandest grain warehouse is elegant and utilitarian with mosaic courtyards It features inside and outside doorways, brick-faced concrete in a multi-story building. Basic foot transportation requires Romans to live in close proximity to work. Five-story, strong concrete insulaes house the wealthy on the lower floors and had a water supply. Lead pipes with ornamental terra cotta supply water and sanitation. The less wealthy Romans utilize public latrines and baths provided near population centers. Fulleries with large washing tanks are similar to modern dry cleaners using urine and wood ash to clean clothes. Beautifully carved relief on bakery fronts depict donkeys driving the grinding mills. Rome is famous for its baths and creates central heating. They also borrow technology from the Greeks and along with sunlight heat public and private baths and creating sweat. The great imperial palaces of Rome are some of first monumental structures built with concrete technology. The rectangular temples are inspired by Greek architecture. Rome's most famous imperial temple is covered with stucco and marble and lighter at the top. Its roundness is unusual. The top of the copula is open to air. Chambers add to its stability. The greatness of the structure is seen in the Portico supported by Greek pediment supports by granite columns of the Corinthian order. The interior is one the best collections of marbles. The Portico is a puzzle. Architectural experts believe that Hadrian intended the Portico to appear differently than it does. The pediment appears unusually heavy for the columns. The baths reveal an ornately detailed spa and urban meeting place befitting the majesty of the Empire. They are constructed on an artificial platform. Aqueducts supply the water. The northeast entrance of the building reveals water pipes, ornamental fountains, bricked-faced concrete arches and a columned promenade with a covered portico with vistas and art. Unique mosaics are constructed with precious imperial stones are a statement of the emperor's dominion. The construction of the domes is great feats of Roman engineering. The Romans are excellent developers of technology. Ancient Rome synthesizes technology into a large scale organization with many practical applications. This video was very informative, especially compared to the first video I had watched. I really enjoy history, especially that of Rome and Greece. That is why I chose to watch this video. The video itself, added a lot more history of Rome than did the text, which makes sense considering our book is more an Art book.
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