iar 222self reflection

1. As a continuation of 221,where we learned about ancient cities and their structures, this class has drastically changed my views about fundamentally spaces. I feel that the late 1800’s and early 1900’s responded to buildings and spaces with such radical measurements, which now have shaped the world we live in today. I feel that buildings express their purpose on the exterior and relates to humans within the interior. Now in 2007, modernism is used throughout spaces and buildings to show how carefully objects are designed to meet the needs of humans. This class has also changed my thoughts about chairs, and whether they have been made concerning their purpose for either style, or comfort. Today, I look at objects, spaces and buildings differently because of this class and think about how it is designed and whether or not it fits it the purpose.


2. The Crystal Palace, designed by Joseph Paxton, in 1851 is one of my favorite buildings that we have discussed in class so far. I think that it is fascinating that it was designed on a napkin, built only for a Great Exhibition and later moved to a more permanent site. This building influences some modern designs today by exposing the outside in and also by bringing nature inside, just like Paxton did by building the whole structure around some trees. The glass and wrought iron materials are commonly used today for accent pieces and building facades. As we learned in 221, styles of design keep coming back from the past, which we refer to as the “design cycle.”




3. To create a new perspective of the present but also contains the past is a difficult task in the world we live in today. We depend on the past as a guide as to how buildings are designed such as the US capitol building, which incorporates neoclassicism into its design. Without the past, the present would be nowhere in compared to where it is today. The present is a step that our generation has to take to move forward. In the present, things that help make the world a better place to live functionally and environmentally, is influenced by our actions day to day. To keep both the past and the present we have to be creative and reuse and recycle materials, such as wood but reclaimed wood is a better material because it is reused from old torn down buildings.




4. Backyard barbecue’s in the 1950’s and 1960’s was a “time of leisure” that was spent with family and friends. Hanging outside, playing games and watching dad finish cooking is what backyard barbecues were all about. Now in the 21st century, I feel that they have pretty much stayed the same. It is a time of gathering with loved ones and enjoying the summer heat while eating hamburgers and hotdogs, an all American meal. The concept has stayed the same for over 5 decades and still remains a tradition for summer. Since backyard barbecues have been around for so long, I feel that our generation will carry this celebration many more years.