1. For each video list/discuss the key
concepts you learned.
Video
#1: Architecture: The Science of Design
The
main concepts of this video are skyscraper design, smart homes, concrete
properties, and steel properties. The
skyscraper is a popular choice for living due to the convenient and efficient
qualities. The skyscraper was the result
of lack of space to build on a horizontal plane. Concrete and steel make it possible to build
skyscrapers. They make up the
substructure and super structure.
Concrete has been used for a long time but the qualities have been
improved. It is a mixture of sand,
stone, silica and alumina. Steel is used as to
reinforce the concrete. This prevents
the concrete from falling apart under load.
The design makes the building able to withstand wind and weight. The smart apartments can be located inside
the skyscrapers or in smaller buildings.
The smart apartment utilizes technology to make the houses electric,
security, and temperature respond to the user.
A computer is the main system that can be programmed to turn circuits on
or off. These can be programmed to
parallel the user’s life to allow for increased efficiency and convenience.
Video #2: Prairie Style
The
main concept of this video is Frank Lloyd Wright’s style of architecture and
his story. He was mostly recognized for
single family home designs. This video
highlights the horizontal prairie style architecture he designed. This prairie style home was supposed to
represent the landscape and blend with the surroundings. He conceptualized the open floor plan. This is where adjacent rooms flow into one
another. This was offset by the general
low ceiling height in his houses. He
also used the natural sunlight and windows to enhance the interiors of his
designs. His ideas changed the
traditional Victorian style of home.
2. How do the videos relate to the
readings in the text?
Video
#1: Architecture: The Science of Design
Chapter
13 has sections dedicated to steel-frame construction and reinforced
concrete. These are also two of the main
concepts covered in the video. The
section on steel buildings also discussed the beginning of skyscrapers in the
middle of the 20th century.
The video and the text identified concrete as an ancient building material
that is still very popular today. The
video however extends the conversation to include information on the specifics
of the contents in concrete. The text
describes ferroconcrete in detail and the video does as well. Ferroconcrete is another name for reinforced
concrete.
Video #2: Prairie Style
The
text specifically addresses Frank Lloyd Wright on pages 308 and 309. The text describes the horizontal cantilever
architectural design that he was known for. The cantilever design was first used by Wright
and is also highlighted in the video. The
video offers additional information that the text does not. More examples of his buildings are given in
the video than in the text. The text and
the video both focus on the horizontal cantilever style that links the
structure to the environment in which it was placed.
3. What is your opinion of the films? How
do they add depth to understanding of Architecture?
Video
#1: Architecture: The Science of Design
This film was a bit dated. The effects and style of the film is not up
to par with today’s documentary or informational type films. The information however was detailed and encompassing. I learned a great deal about skyscraper design, smart homes, concrete
properties, and steel properties. The
information in the video paralleled the information in chapter 13 of the text
well.
Video #2: Prairie Style
This
film has many examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. The video also tells about the ideas and
concepts that drove the designs. I liked
the background information that was given to support each example of
architecture. I think this video
enhanced my understanding of Wright by complimenting the structural components
with the artistic and functional components of his designs.
4. Why did you choose the films that you
watched?
Video
#1: Architecture: The Science of Design
I choose this film because of the
attention given to the technical aspects of architecture. There is a great deal of artistic components
to a building but the fundamental structure is what allows it to exist. I feel the engineering behind the scenes is
an art as well as the aesthetic properties of the building.
Video #2: Prairie Style
I
choose this film because of Frank Lloyd Wright’s connection to the Western New
York Area. His buildings can be seen in
and around the Buffalo Buffalo
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