The Temple of Heaven

(www.templeofheavenbejing.com)

The Temple of Heaven was completed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and was to serve as a Taoist temple. The Ming Dynasty during this time period "witnessed a tremendous amount of prosperity which produced a stable foundation for prosperity" through public works projects (Sporre 269) . The temple served as a place where people would come and worship the god of heaven and pray for a good harvest The actual complex itself covers an area of approximately 273 hectares, making this temple the largest architectural complex in the world for religious purposes (en.tiantanpark.com). In 1998 the temple was inscribed as an UNESCO world heritage site and now serves as a marvelous place for tourism (whc.unesco.org). This architectural masterpiece influence architecture through Asian for centuries to come. The Taoist ideology that was behind the architectural design of simplicity, exemplifies attributes are correlated with feung shui. I hope to someday visit this temple. Hope you enjoyed!

Ref: 1. http://en.tiantanpark.com/default.aspx 2. Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre  3. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/881

Local Getaway

Gamble House
(www.gamblehouse.com

Looking for another budget friendly local escape, if so the Gamble House located in Pasadena offers just that , for under eleven dollars with your student identification card you will get more than you bargain for. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1909 by local area architects Charles and Henry Greene (southpasadena.patch.com). The house was built for David Berry Gamble, a second generation member of the Procter & Gamble Company in Cincinnati. David moved to Pasadena to retire with his wife Mary Huggins Gamble. In 1977 the house was named a California Historic Landmark (gamblehouse.com). The beautiful two story house represents the ideology behind the California bungalow. The house incorporates many feung shui characteristics with its spacious corridors, warm "skin tone"colors and vast greenery through the interior and exterior of the house. Walking through the house you can definitively appreciate the periods furnishings as well as the attention to detail in the infrastructure such as that the stained glass on the doors and the unique banister on the staircase. If your planning on taking  tour i recommend you buy your tickets in advance since space is limited. I also recommend you come with time so you can absorb the beauty through the house. Bellow I have a website that can give you additional information. Bellow you will also find pictures as well as a YouTube video just in case you are not able to make it any time soon.

Ref: 1.http://www.gamblehouse.org/history/index.html

       2. http://southpasadena.patch.com/listings/the-gamble-house-2

(www.gamblehouse.com)

Feng Shui In Your Life

Ideal Feng Shui Bedroom
www.furniture.trendzona.com

Now that you better understand the concept of feng shui, it is time you learn how you can utilize that knowledge to your advantage with simple adjustments to your home. Since most of us are college students I will discuss how to incorporate fung shui into your bedroom or dorm. Fengshui.about.com states that a perfect feng shui bedroom should follow a simple seven steps to ensure good feng shui in the bedroom. For starters it is very important to remove all computers and televisions out of the bedroom for they absorb positive energy and releases negative energy. Second, open windows and let air circulate to remove stale pollutants  plants are not good feung shui since they absorb oxygen. Third, adjust lighting in the room with a dimmer to provide an appropriate soothing amount of energy. Fourth, paint the walls with skin colors which will allow for a balanced flow of energy. Fifth, choose a few images that portray things that you want to see happening in your life these images will carry a powerful feng shui energy. Sixth, make sure that your bed is not directly facing the door, however make sure that you can see the door without twisting your head, when laying down, also make sure that your bed is accessible form both sides, have two bed side table and a soothing comforter and a high head rest to provide the maximum amount of fen shui energy (care2.com). Lastly, make sure that all doors are closed while sleeping doing so will allows the energy to circulate to you and enhance your health and promote healthy dreams and a total sense of relaxation. On the same post you can find a video as well as pictures that can help you on you incorporating feng shui in your bedroom. Enjoy!
Ref: 1. http://fengshui.about.com/od/love/qt/perfectbedroom.htm
       2. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/feng-shui-map-bedroom-how-to.html

Feng Shui Bed Placement
(www.feng-shui-tips-for-wealth.com)

 

The Art & Science of Feng Shui

Feng Shui Compas 
www.diamondlight-vision.org

Many of you guys are probably are wondering what feng shui is, well wonder no more, in this post i will reveal the magic hidden beneath the Chinese ideology. Feng shui developed in China over 3,000 years ago, it is a "complex body of knowledge" that entails how the balance of energies of any given space can ensure great health and amazing fortune for people who are occupying the space (fengshui.about.com). According to about.com feng means wind and shui means water, both associated with good health and good fortune. Feng shui is based on the Taoist vision of clearly understanding nature and how it is a living organism filled with a vast amount of energy. Ancient Chinese civilizations believed that the energy of the land could either break or give vast fortune to their kingdom (fengshui.about.com). A major tool in fen shui is the compass using the compass to organize certain objects or architectural designs in your office or home can bring to your life powerful results. (fengshui.about.com) I hope you have enjoyed this small introductory insight to fen shui. In the following post i will demonstrate how you can incorporate feng shui into your home or office to enrich your life with prosperity, good fortune and great health. Till then.
Ref. http://fengshui.about.com/od/thebasics/qt/fengshui.htm

Himeji Castle

www.bestourism.com

The Himeji Castle was built in 1614 and according to greatbuildings.com represents the highest achievement in Japanese architecture ever built. Inside the castle complex there are buildings that look alike and are several stories high called donjons. At the center of the complex there is one ordinary donjon that is six stories high with a series of pent roofs, undulating gables and decorative dormers. Adjacent to this donjon there are three other smaller donjons that are connected by corridors linking the turrets. In those times for defense purposes, gates were complicates by maze-like spaces to confuse the enemy and stall time for the interior citizens in case of an intrusion. The entire castle in built of stone walls and tile roofs. The design of the flared hipped roofs represents an architectural characteristic very commonly seen in Asian architecture. The stone walls served as a strong defense mechanism, but also helped to deal with the climate which was humid subtropical. While the architect of this beautiful castle in unknown, the design clearly represents the beauty of the architectural style: Medieval Japanese. Architechture in this time period took into consideration the great concern of the revival of classical models along with technical lines (Sporre 275).
Ref: 1. Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre
       2. www.greatbuildings.com

Architecture in Asia

The Continent of Asia
www.worldatlas.com

Ever seen those beautiful massive temples from Asia? Most architecture during 1400-1800 reflected religious or political institutions(Sporre 309). These massive buildings have some of the most unique designs and floor plans rarely seen in western countries. In the posts to come i will reveal beautiful asian architectural designs as well as discuss the Chinese ideology of feng shui. I hope you enjoy the threads to come.
Ref: Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre

Local Getaway

Me

Looking for a local get away in Southern California? Then look no further the Huntington Library in San Marino offers a wide variety of historic art collections, botanical gardens and not to mention a wide array of architectural masterpieces. This past weekend i has the opportunity to visit the Huntington Library the overall experience was amazing, however my fascination with architecture drew my attention to the Beaux Art Mansion which now houses the various art collections. The Beaux Art Mansion was built in 1911 by architect Myron Hunt, the mansion provides an inspiration to European Architecture during that time period. Next time your thinking of getting away, i urge you to consider the Huntington Library as an amazing budget friendly getaway Below are some pictures i personally took.

www.huntington.org

Japanese Garden 

Beaux Art mansion

What about Climate?

Climate is more important than you think when it comes down to architecture. With a more energy conscious population, more people are demanding their homes to be eco-friendly in their architectural designs.  In locations were cold temperatures are prevalent, architects will most likely reduce the use of glass windows on its north facing side of a home, but incorporate many windows on its south side that allows the warmth of the sun to aid in heating a home, and in the summer occupants can cover the windows to reflect the heat from entering their homes (Sporre 101). Also, more homes are now being built into sides of hills where part of the home reside below the earths surface. This architectural design reduces the need for heating or cooling than those homes that are fully exposed (Sporre 102). Climate in the 21st century has become a sensation to many home owners as the need to reduce energy costs continues to climb.  The youtube video on the right gives you a sense of what architects and homeowners are demanding as we continue on this era of sustainable living.
Ref: Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre

A concern with Space

espncdn.com

It seems almost silly to think that an architect would not think of space first right? That's very much true, in fact architects must survey the available amount of arable building space even before they get to the drawing board. An architect must also take into consideration what the space will be used for to appropriate meet the needs for the demand, For example, a sports arena must accommodate different types of sports and activities that it can be used for, but at the same time need to consider the comfort of the spectators by ensuring that all spectators can view the center without obstructions (Sporre 99). Architects also need to consider the space available for seating at the same time considering spectators comfort and ease of access to public facilities such as restrooms, food etc (Sporre 100).  Failing to address functionality space aspects of architecture will decrease the overall satisfaction of those certain customers and most likely owners will deem your masterpiece as a dysfunctional failure. Its always important to use space wisely and incorporate the functionality aspect to ensure satisfaction. On the right you can see a picture of a basketball stadium that serves for many other purposes. If you look at the picture closely you can see the wide array of variables an architect must consider to serve such a great number of spectators.
Ref: Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre

Context, Scale & Proportion

Context & Nature
Freshhome.com

When architects begin the planning process they definitely take into consideration the location or environment known as context. In medieval times Cathedrals served as a common meeting place for people to convene therefore, architects established such architectural monuments in a central location in the village. "Context also has physiological bearing on scale" (Sporre 98). For example huge skyscraper might seem enormous and overpowers in a deserted location, however amongst other skyscrapers it seems less threatening. Same goes if we compare a house next to a Cathedral, you can guess the physiological imposition it coveys. At times the most important architectural buildings such as those of government officials seem to be rather extravagant or at a disproportion compared to other surrounding building. The difference in scale usually gives off the sense of importance. When taking context into consideration some architects also can incorporate their works to make it seem as though it is part of nature, when it clearly is not. Below you will find pictures of architectural works that reflect what i just talked about. Enjoy!
Ref: Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre

Proportion
www.static.dezeen.com

Scale
www.heritageconnectlincoln.com

Line, Repetition & Balance

http://www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

Ever wondered why certain buildings elaborate the use of line and constant repetition of certain aspects such as windows, statues, doors etc.? I have also wondered this for some time. At times I often conclude that the architect must of had a lot of time in their hands. However, there is more behind these aspects that we might realize. Robert Borne an architect says, "that line is what directs your eye and creates motion in the design" (Borne). However, he adds "there should be a variety and contrast in line, but also a certain degree of consistency" (Borne). Usually vertical lines emphasize height and horizontal lines emphasize breadth. Curved lines are soft and suggest organic shapes, while straight lines are rigid and suggest order and discipline. Diagonal lines can convey a sense of motion (Borne). When an architect chooses to repeat certain architectural aspects in their design its usually to create a sense of rhythm and flow ultimately leading to a sense of balance and unity. Christopher Wren a famous architect was designed the Hampton Court Palace that sits in London. His unique use of line, repetition, and balance results in a sophisticated visual design and engaging perceptual experience. (Sporre 95)
Ref: Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre
       www.robertborne.com

What do architects consider??

Have your ever been fascinated by the mere sight of a certain architectural masterpiece. Well did you know there are many aspects of architecture that architects take into consideration when building these jaw dropping works of art? Such architectural considerations include the use of line & repetition, buildings scale & proportion, context,  the amount of space and the climate all play key roles in how the building will display itself to gazers such as yourself.
Ref: Reality Through the Arts, 8th Edition Dennis J. Sporre