Essays and Research Papers on Architecture & Design

This 11 page paper provides an overview of the use of I-Joists as utilized in construction, particularly as it respects floors and roofs. Technical information is included along with information about the company's attention to the environment and safety. The Trus Joist Company is highlighted. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

5 pages. This interesting paper links the common concept of visual design perspectives between two operas and a full-length film. Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough as well as two operas by Philip Glass: Satyagraha and Akhnaten, are all compared as to their visual links based on critical perspectives in design. Bibliography list ...

This is an 8 page paper discussing the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s home design “Fallingwater” constructed in Mill Run, Pennsylvania in 1939. The design involves cantilevered horizontal floors which are staggered up the cliff face and the entire structure appears to be handing over the waterfall and is considered to be one of the ...

This 6 page paper considers if contemporary British society may be seen as post modern. In arguing that it is the writer considers the media and films, literature and architecture. The bibliography cites 12 sources.

7 pages in length. Applying Max Wertheimer's Productive Thinking to Gerrit Rietveld's Red & Blue Chair provides one with a significantly better understanding of how pivotal changes take place in once-standard applications. Rietveld's chair, which marks the transition between the organic, curving Art Noveau Style and the crisp, chic Art Deco, was composed ...

This 6 page paper examines the old Penn Station in New York. The writer looks at its' construction and development as well as considering how the station reflected the contemporary society in which it operated. The bibliography cites 10 sources.

This 5 page report briefly discusses some of the primary attributes of Gothic architecture and why it was such a radical departure from the building practices preceding the Gothic period of the mid-12th century to the end of the 16th century. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This paper discusses the "flying buttress controversy" surrounding the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, France. The main controversy involves when, exactly, buttresses were added to the cathedral's design. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 8 page paper considers the different frameworks and polices that control and guide urban development in these two European countries. The writer looks at the framework and considers the similarities and differences between these two countries and the role that culture may play. The bibliography cites 4 sources.

This 6 page paper provides an overview of New York State's covered bridges with a focus on the counties of Dutchess, Sullivan and Ulster. Several bridges are named and described. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 5 page paper considers the London borough of Southwark and how the cultural quarter, which includes many modern art facilities and tourist attractions has been developed. The writer pays particular attention to the Tate Modern Gallery, and the way in which there is an holistic approach taken to art and the way it has, ...

A 9 page paper which defines and then compares and contrasts Renaissance and Modern art and architecture. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A seven page paper which looks critically at Nelson Goodman's study of architecture, with reference to his analysis of denotation, exemplification, expression and mediated reference. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This is a 5 page paper discussing the changes in Egyptian architecture during the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. During the Old Kingdom in Egypt an enormous amount of royal architectural triumphs were built including the great pyramids at Giza. The architecture of Egypt seems mostly to reflect the strength of the kingdoms at the ...

A five page paper which looks at the design and construction of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and why the building has important cultural significance for the people of Malaysia. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

5 pages in length. The Notre Dame du Haut was conceived and constructed by Le Corbusier to be built in Ronchamp, France. The 1955 church structure was produced by way of reinforced concrete coupled with soft-form composition and colored, deep windows. Ronchamp's temperate, rural and mountainous surroundings were perfect for such an ...

This is a 7 page paper discussing the roles of artists and architects in tribal societies. When studying tribal forms of art and architecture, researchers are able to determine what roles artists and architects within the societies played and what the significance of the art and architecture showed. In many ways, by studying the roles ...

A 5 page research paper on Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The writer explores the significance of Mackintosh's work and argues that he was an innovator in his field. The writer also explores the various ways that critics have viewed his work. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

5 pages in length. Spanish-born Antonio Gaudi was first recognized for his extraordinary artistic talent when he attended Barcelona's Escola Superior d'Arquitectura, where his first major commissioned design incorporated a Gothic Revival appearance that was clearly the indicator for his life's career. Gaudi's blend of surrealistic curves, which many consider to be quite ...

This 5 page paper provides an overview of this famous structure, where building commenced in 1298, but was not completely finished for centuries. Much attention is paid to the gothic architecture of the beautiful structure as well as its historic roots. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the architectural movement that is also called the Classical or NeoClassical periods. Specific examples, predominately in New York, are explored. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 8 page report discusses the idea that design is not “primarily an artistic activity” and saying that it is truly does “misrepresent the true nature and purposes of design.” Design involves many other characteristics aside from decoration or beauty. It encompasses practicality, functionality, the interface that takes place between an object and the person ...

8 pages in length. When discussing the theme of apostolic succession and its evolution in Roman imagery – including architecture – from Early Christianity through the seventeenth century, the student will first want to define the notion of apostolic succession. In essence, it represents "Christ's promise to remain with His Church so that ...

A 5 page research paper that discusses the architectural features of the church of St. Etienne of Caen and Notre Dame de Paris. The writer discusses how St. Etienne is a good example of Norman architecture of the Romanesque period, which proceeded the Gothic period, which is exemplified by Notre Dame. Bibliography lists ...

An 11 page paper which examines the theories of Le Corbusier as they involve architecture. The paper then discusses the newer trend in thought concerning order and architecture as it involves complexity theory and chaos theory. Bibliography lists 8 sources.