king library: proportions sketch

light

Light played an enormous role in the "dark ages". It was a central element of Gothic Cathedral Architecture, symbolic of the divine light of God and the heavens. It was also a powerful tool being used to convey stories. During this time stained glass was used to depict stories of religious context. Large pointed arch windows allowed even more space for a narrative. As light poured through these windows it cast the colors of the images on the cathedral. Never mind Europe's tendency for grey weather, the colors used on the glass allowed a different mood to be created. 

pence hall

elements and principles

     In  this article by Sidney Johns he finishes his writing by suggesting that learning the Principles and Elements he has laid out , anyone will then be capable of decorating their home or creating beautiful works of art. I find a couple of issues with his theory.
     First being that one must not simply read and memorize the list he has provided. In order to really become familiar with these elements and principles you must also see how they have been used successfully in design or art. Just reading a quick definition is not always going to provide your mind with an image.
    Johns also fails to address the fact that his list of Principles and Elements may vary from lists compiled by others.People have created several different versions of the the principles and elements, many looking very different than the next. A list of Design Principles may vary from a list of Art  Principles. Furthermore, how these Principles and elements are practiced in each different discipline will also vary.

source of images here

a form of flattery

     As seen through out the British Museum, there are many works of art that seem to be heavily influenced by the sculptures from the Parthenon. These incredible figures raised the bar for art. To many, these sculptures are considered perfect examples of the human body and have served as a model. In this context copying is seeing something that was done really well and using that as a starting point. Starting with a something that is already impressive and perhaps trying to elaborate and improve on this.

     This notion of copying is a common theme in design and architecture. It has shaped much of what we see today.Much of the Parthenon's architectural qualities can be seen on buildings being constructed today. One design inspires another, aspects of the original design then being interpreted by the next designer. This is how design evolves from one era to the next.

photo source

the will to build it

Some of the most recognizable and well known structures of our earth are also the most mysterious. Stonehenge for example is one encircled by speculation and possible theories. Some of the more accepted theories being ones that are based on religious use,it being a cemetery or a time keeping mechanism. Perhaps one of these theories is correct but so much of this monument's history remains a mystery.

Who made it? Why did they make it? HOW DID IT GET THERE?

Archeologists and amateurs alike offer their theories, some proven, but most of them not. 

Charles Moffat offers up some of his own insight here.

"All they needed in truth was the hands to carry the stones, the tools to cut the stones, the brilliance of their engineers and above all else:
The will to build it."  

So maybe we don't have all the answers to our questions but one theme endures- The will to build it. At the time these structures were being constructed current technologies obviously did not exist.But the desire to engineer something grand did. This spirit is a common thread, past- present.Design solutions aren't always going to be straight forward but if there is a will to build it and a brilliant diligent mind behind the project, it can be accomplished.