Unit 1 Summary- Revisited

Unit 1 Summary

Origins -   We began by exploring the approaches to objects, spaces, buildings, and places.  Focusing on Stonehenge, we discussed the relationship of the circular stone pattern to the alignment with the constellations.  Recognizing that aligning stones with the stars would take very long periods of observation, we discovered that about 20 miles down the road from Stonehenge, what is thought to be a wooden model of the circular pattern was discovered when a farmer stumbled upon some wood.  The model was life size, so we can assume that the wooden model was the first try. We discussed the significance of circles and concluded that circles are significant, objects in the middle of circles are considered sacred, and a circle relies on all of it's parts.  Circles are used to gather attention; to create boundaries; you're either in the circle or you're out.  Moving onto stacking, we examined the pyramid at Giza.  The pyramid shape is symbolic of society, where Rah, the sun god sits atop the pyramid, and the layers below are representative of the hierarchy of Egypt.  Size matted in the ancient world, as the largest structures showed who held the higher power.  We recognized the relationship between pyramids and the sun through the shape of pyramids- an upwards pointed arrow, and when the sun shines directly on top of the pyramid, creating a heliopolois; a city of the sun.  After watching the Eames Powers of Ten video, we discussed putting things into perspective, how things that seem to have a lot of importance lose importance as we broaden our horizons, and not just taking things at surface value.   
    
Circles, Stacking, & Groves- Oh My!
    In class we learned of the importance of circles, stacking, and groves.  Circles are a common symbol of unity and togetherness.  The circle draws people in.  For example, in the EUC on the campus of UNCG, circles exist at the two main entrances of the building, where many people choose to meet and many of the students walk through daily.  Circles imply extra effort, as it is not always practical to build with circles because many building materials are flat or rectangular.  Circles are organic.  Circles are found everywhere around us; the sun, the moon, the earth, when you drip water into a larger body of water.  The exist with the intention of making things a whole.
   Stacking is common among everyday objects as well.  Stacking is found in nature when things begin to accumulate; literally like a beaver dam.  We found stacking while walking around campus while looking at the Walker Street Parking Deck.  The building quite literally shows its layers from the outside.  Another example of stacking in nature is how rocks are formed; with sediment building up and settling until it hardens, which is why it is common to see layers of color in rocks.  We leaned that circles, stacking, and groves exist naturally all around us, it just depends on where you look.