Macro to Micro

The Porch/Court/Hearth combination is found in most or all of the buildings we have looked at from the Greeks to the early Christian period and the “dark ages”.  One example of this system can be found in Old Saint Peter’s Basilica.  Roth states that “in the new church basilicas, entry was from one end, where a vestibule, or narthex, was created, with the alter placed at the far end in the semi-circular apse.  Outside, preceding the narthex, a large atrium forecourt ringed with colonnades was added where the unbaptized withdrew during the Mass of the Faithful.  At Saint Peter’s, entrance to the atrium was through an imposing propylon or gate” (282).  The forecourt or atrium is the porch of Saint Peter’s, the Narthex serves as the court, and the altar is the hearth. 

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Diagrams are used to better explain a site or a plan to someone.  There are different diagrams to show different things.  A few are context, matrix, and bull’s-eye.  “For example, a highly useful type of plan is a diagram that, in presentation, acts as an informative link between site analysis findings and the more formal communication of the design solution” (Porter, Goodman 28).  Diagrams can show how people move within a space, what is around that space, and what the functions are for different parts of a building or space.  These things can be shown using color or different types of shading, from shading to crosshatching.

“Another plan drawing which is seldom made is a composite drawing of the context into which a building is to be placed” (Lockard 28).  A contextual diagram refers back to the composition of a building or space, by showing what is around it.  This could be anything from other buildings to streets to trees and other vegetation.  Nicole Robert and I were actually given the task of drawing the contextual diagram for the Mossman building.  We drew the building with the sidewalks, streets, and parking lots around it.  We also put a few of the buildings that were close to it.    

Detail drawings are usually closer up than perspective drawings.  A detail drawing does exactly what it says.  It shows the detail of a certain item.  One example of this is our assignment for drawing.  We had to each pick a detail that was specific to our building.  I chose to do a detail of the brick floor.  I chose this because bricks are something the Mossman building has a lot of.  The walls, outside walkways, and floors are all made of brick.  No other building on campus uses brick for as much s the Mossman building.

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Impression can be like the feeling one gets from a work of art, and building, or a space.  The Gothic Cathedrals are a good example because of the impression they have upon a person.  When you first walk in, the size of the structure itself and its complexity can cast  a feeling of awe on those who see it.