Alternatives [unit summary]

An alternative is defined as one of the things, propositions, or courses of action that can be chosen.
The Alternatives unit in Design History is based on extending beyond the foundations of architecture and design and reaching for new ideas. Although the alternatives of design still honored the central principles such as commodity, firmness, and delight, it used them to create and change design traditions all over the world.


We began in Italy, with the spread of Christianity. This brought attention and major importance to churches. This rise in religious observation is accredited to the peoples’ belief that the world would come to an end in the year 1000. Much like people today thought of the year 2000. The Millennial observation was that everything on earth would descend into Hell at the end of the world. This made religion very important. Yet, contrary to the past, churches were beginning to be constructed away from urban areas, rather that being the center of a town. These were called Monastic churches, and were characterized by their seclusion and austerity.
Next, we moved to Romanesque architecture, which was in the manner of Rome. Some of Romanesque architectures major characteristics included columns, arches, and attention to detail. An alternative to traditional design was that the Romanesque cathedral’s oculus did not face heaven; it looked outward on people surrounding the cathedral. Rich, indulgent décor was also a major part of Romanesque design. Yet, most important was the façade on the structure; which displayed the riches and wonders of the church to an outside viewer.


Over time, during the Italian renaissance, we observed that the principles of such design were heavily pondered and recorded. Designers turned a large amount of focus to order and geometry. The Italian Renaissance is known as the rebirth of classical style. For example, Brunelleschi’s dome was reminiscent of classical style, yet was new, exciting, and pushed the boundaries of architecture. The design was that of an enormous dome, which challenged the mind with its double shelled, ribbed support structure.
We then studied Venice, which took a more organic route to design. Known as the city of floating stone, designers were able to create the fluidity of water through the carving of rock. This form of design was used to transform light and even make spaces look larger.


scuturaitaliana.com

Last we studied the Baroque period, which was an expression of emotion through technique such as color, light, and scale. The Baroque period also studied the human body and displayed it with accuracy, rather than perfection like in the past.
Overall, the Alternatives unit of Design History was an important experience. I learned that although design changes very much over time, the basis I often very similar.