"P" Week

Peripheries
Many times in class we are given peripheries by which we have to abide. This could be in any class were the rules would be considered the peripheries. When working on a project called Pathways, Edges and Boundaries we focused on creating a pathway that would let the people interact with the already existing path but at the same time set a boundary that they could not cross. We did these by using the peripheries of different shapes to create the main boundary on each side. “The circles and the square became the basic design module……with the boundaries of these modules being delineated by classical columns”. (Roth 362) We see how the peripheries of these shapes were also being used as the basic design form to create columns, arches, and entablature that were derived from Roman sources. The same way we see that throughout the history of interiors the ceilings and walls had a boundary of their own. “ Strong separation of the wall and ceiling was accomplished through the use of the cornice..” (Blakemore 106). This was because at the beginning of the 16th century they decided that the ceiling and wall were no different. Therefore, they now focused not only on the ceiling but also on the wall that was connected to it.


Portfolio
As time passes we put all our work into portfolios. This is to keep all of our work well organized and ready to show when needed. Designers or architects mainly use portfolios. When trying to show an employer or client the quality of work you are capable of doing, most often you are required to hand in this portable folder. This shows your overall dedication and time that you put into something. Another reason people carry portfolios, are to cherish their hard work and always keep it in good conditions. Something I would consider a portfolio in terms of history of furniture would be through museums. Over time many things that are made by sculptures, designers or architects always end up in some sort of display case. When reading about beds in English Renaissance, it made me realize that if these archives/books didn’t exist then we wouldn’t have had the knowledge that we have now of how ancient designers led us to our present day designs. This wouldn’t have been possible without a portfolio or record of their works.













Process
Architecture and design require a lot of process. When given a new assignment we work step by step to try and reach the point that we are looking for. Everything requires process if we are planning for it to look nice. However, throughout the process time we realize that things might not always turn out how we want them to and many times change our design. Process is a very important step in designing. Without process there is no progress. Blakemore talks about progression through the “ specified disposition of rooms, the decrease of room size as one went further into the sequence…” (Blakemore 94) When positioning the rooms they had to be in order of privacy. For example, the “sala” was the most important room and also the most public. (Blakemore 95) This was because it was the largest space and also in the entrance. The “sala” was the area where “banquets, entertainment, and dining took place. As we progressed into the space, what would be considered private would be the bedrooms. This was the central space where it would be private at night, it could have other uses in the daytime” (Blakemore 95)




Perspective
Drawings that are shown at different angles or views are also known as Perspectives. There are many types of perspectives that we have learned of throughout this semester. These include 1 point, 2 point and 3 point. Perspective drawings take a lot of time and concentration. You begin by finding a horizon line and then focusing on each of the vanishing points that are seen by looking at the building. The vanishing point along with the horizon line is very important in order to get an accurate drawing of what you are seeing. In the Italian Renaissance perspectives came into place with the frescoes and the visual enlargements. “Intarsia Trompe L’oeil, in which perspective is used to give the effect of three-dimensionality” (Blakemore 100). This once again reinforces the fact that perspectives are used to create a three dimensional look. Another thing that impressed me about the way that perspectives are created are by the wood techniques used to fool the eye. In this painting you can see how the paneling used gives of a look that makes you feel like you can reach in and grab anything on that wall. Overall perspectives are and were a hard specialty to create for us as well as for the Italian renaissance.






Professional
Being perfect is not always necessary or easy to achieve however, showing a state of professionalism will make you stand out a lot. When presenting something in any of our classes it is important to speak, stand, and dress professionally. This gives of the impression that you know what you are talking about and feel comfortable with your topic. Also when handing in work it isn’t necessary for it to be perfect but as long as it is the best quality of what you can give. It is impressive how someone’s profession that has nothing to do with architecture can affect the way you design. Vanbrugh, a professional dramatist, shows how the bombcast of Blenheim Palace was created by him. It is impressive how “such theatricality was basic to Baroque architecture”. (Roth 423)

There are many peripheries in architecture that are delineated to create things of our own. If we didn’t have a portfolio or some form of resource to where we could get to these designs we would never know how far these styles have been going on for. As you can see by keeping up with these images or structures over years we can admire the process and professionalism with which these objects were made. Though we each have our own perspectives of what each design means or how it was created it will always be a part of history.