Leon Battista Albertis Treatise on Architecture

Leon Battista Albertis Treatise on Architecture Discuss Albertis treatise on Architecture in relation to San Andrea in Mantua. In particular, discuss the role of humanistic philosophy in his work giving careful attention to the question of proportion Leon Battista Alberti (1404-72) was a true Renaissance man. He was a gifted playwright, mathematician and sportsman trained in Law. As the person in charge of the constructions commanded by the Pope, he had the occasion to write one of the greatest works of the theory of architecture De Re Aedificatoria (On Building). Most of it was completed in 1452 and printed in 1485. In the Ten books of the Art of Building Alberti has explained the usefulness of a roof and wall for human. He said that it helps us to come close to one another and also grow together. Therefore we should be grateful to architects not only because they provides us a safe and welcome place but also for its many innovations, which are useful to both individuals and the public and the also provide our daily needs (page 3). Commissioned by Ludovico II Gonzaga, the church was begun in 1462 according to designs by Leon Battista Alberti on a site occupied by a Benedictine monastery, of which the bell tower (1414) remains. The building, however, was finished only 328 years later. Though later changes and expansions altered Albertis design, the church is still considered to be one of Albertis most complete works. The purpose of the renaissance building was to contain the pilgrims who visited it during the feast of Ascension when a vial, that the faithful argue contains the Blood of Christ, is brought up from the crypt below through a hole in the floor directly under the dome. According to tradition the Most Precious Blood was brought to Mantua by the Roman centurion Longinus and is preserved in the Sacred Vessels. It was held with high respect during the Renaissance which is only display on Holy Friday. Humanism is the studying of the classics (Greek and Latin) and incorporating their ideas into ones own. It is the cultural movement of the Renaissance architecture. Most renaissance classical architecture shows more clarity than the older ones, because it emphasizes clean lines, geometric shapes, symmetry. It argues whether that is more enlightened than medieval architecture. It was more thought out, perhaps; more consistent, more systematic. Alberti had many philosophies when designing for buildings, and like the works of Vitruvius, created text that gave instruction on how to build, but saved main emphasis on the decoration and the exterior aesthetics of the structure. One principle that Alberti made use of was a system of Proportionality that he developed using systematic harmony of musical ratio, to make his buildings appealing. Defined as the precise and correct outline, conceived in the mind, made up of lines and angles, and perfected in the learned intellect and imagination, this theory and lineamenta were fundamental in Albertis process of design. Alberti believed that the Lineamenta stood as an outline and allowed proportions to be perceived in the design , where The very same numbers that cause sound to have that concinnitas, pleasing to the ears, can also fill the eyes and mind with wondrous delight. Reapplying emphasis on the humanistic approach to design The tie with the humanistic style of design is a constant theme throughout Albertis ten books, and the beauty of Buildings also features heavily. Alberts definition, Beauty resides in a reasoned harmony of all the parts within a body, so that nothing may be added, taken away, or altered, but for the worse. It is a great and holy matter, all our resources of skill and ingenuity will be taxed in achieving it; and rarely is it granted even to Nature herself, to produce anything that is entirely complete and perfect in every respect. (VI, ii, 156). Albertis view of what Beauty is has connection to the analogy of anthropomorphism, seeing Man as a component that uses energy to serve and do well. This philosophy maintains that Alberti believed that men were made in Gods image and likeness, creator of the universe, and through this thought, understood that what qualities make a building beautiful opens the path to the route of all Knowledge and the original source of beauty to draw from, God himself. In his treatise nature is used as inspiration, where the reason of Nature permits an architect to investigate into the features of the natural world, including mans influence, to become better equipped to perceive and make use of Concinnitas, (which Alberti refers to as the spouse and soul of reason) to link presenting nature as the source of art in architecture and the nature based laws embedded in the outside world. As in the San Andrea, Mantua the faà §ade of the church is exquisitely decorated with curves and flowing patterns on the ordered columns, drawing from Albertis treatise and its guidance on how to not only create a building, but how to make its beauty reflect that of Gods love and Nature Refrences: sacredarchitecture.org/authors/carroll_william_westfall/ -Carroll William Westfall(Journal entry 16) http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/S._Andrea.html Marvin Trachtenberg and Isabelle Hyman. Architecture: from Prehistory to Post-Modernism. p295-6 References Title: On the Art of Building in Ten Books Author: Leon Battista Alberti Translator: Joseph Rykwert, Neil Leach, Robert Tavernor Published by the MIT Press Cambridge, Massachusetts London, England http://www.albertiefirenze.it/english/leon_battista_alberti/index.htm http://eng.archinform.net/projekte/4126.htm

Wright Brothers History :: History

The Wright Brothers As an up and coming journalist for my hometown paper, the Dayton Daily, I was thrilled to learn that my first major article would be on none other than Dayton’s very own Wilbur and Orville Wright. The year was 1896 and the Daily wanted me to write an article on the brother’s bicycle shop, The Wright Cycle Shop, which was gaining popularity among the locals. Although I was excited about being given my first assignment, I couldn’t help but feel a little disinterested in the subject. I mean, bicycles had been popular for some time now and there were already scores of publications and articles on the two wheeled wonders. I didn’t want to write a same old song and dance article. I had ambition, talent, and drive. I wanted to write an article on something that would change the world, something people knew very little about, something inspiring. Although I couldn’t wait to make a name for myself, I decided to put my dreams of grandeur at bay and focus on doing a great job on my first assignment. When I met the two brothers, originally from Indiana, they were pleased at the idea that their cycle business would be the subject of attention for a newspaper article and they agreed to divulge any information that would help me write the piece. As the day went along I remember asking the brothers if they believed they would stay in the bicycle industry for the remainder of their foreseeable future and Wilbur’s answer is what introduced me to the brothers’ true passion. It was only a few words but at the time I couldn’t help but thinking how radical and ridiculous it sounded, â€Å"We want to fly.† I could scarcely believe it but I was intrigued so I pressed them for more information. They began to tell me about their following of Otto Lilienthal record setting glides in Germany and their intr igue in the subject of flight. Skepticism filled my head but as a journalist, I knew that this was practically uncharted territory and if the brothers were to make strives in manned flight, I could possibly be in on the ground floor. I simply couldn’t pass up this opportunity so I talked the brothers into letting me check in with them from time to time in order to keep me up to date on their progress. Wright Brothers History :: History The Wright Brothers As an up and coming journalist for my hometown paper, the Dayton Daily, I was thrilled to learn that my first major article would be on none other than Dayton’s very own Wilbur and Orville Wright. The year was 1896 and the Daily wanted me to write an article on the brother’s bicycle shop, The Wright Cycle Shop, which was gaining popularity among the locals. Although I was excited about being given my first assignment, I couldn’t help but feel a little disinterested in the subject. I mean, bicycles had been popular for some time now and there were already scores of publications and articles on the two wheeled wonders. I didn’t want to write a same old song and dance article. I had ambition, talent, and drive. I wanted to write an article on something that would change the world, something people knew very little about, something inspiring. Although I couldn’t wait to make a name for myself, I decided to put my dreams of grandeur at bay and focus on doing a great job on my first assignment. When I met the two brothers, originally from Indiana, they were pleased at the idea that their cycle business would be the subject of attention for a newspaper article and they agreed to divulge any information that would help me write the piece. As the day went along I remember asking the brothers if they believed they would stay in the bicycle industry for the remainder of their foreseeable future and Wilbur’s answer is what introduced me to the brothers’ true passion. It was only a few words but at the time I couldn’t help but thinking how radical and ridiculous it sounded, â€Å"We want to fly.† I could scarcely believe it but I was intrigued so I pressed them for more information. They began to tell me about their following of Otto Lilienthal record setting glides in Germany and their intr igue in the subject of flight. Skepticism filled my head but as a journalist, I knew that this was practically uncharted territory and if the brothers were to make strives in manned flight, I could possibly be in on the ground floor. I simply couldn’t pass up this opportunity so I talked the brothers into letting me check in with them from time to time in order to keep me up to date on their progress.

Minimum School Leaving Age Essay

In some countries the minimum school leaving age is 15 years and children and their parents have no right to decide when they will leave school. According to the law in those countries it would be illegal for them to leave school earlier. However, there is a number of reasons for children to have to leave school earlier not taken into the account by the government. Firstly, I am going to consider the family reasons. It is undoubtedly true that not all families have the necessary financial basis to raise a child. On the contrary, families in some countries are so poor they hardly have any money to support their day-to-day living. Sometimes they cannot even provide a child with a lunchbox for school or the suitable clothing, not to mention paying the school fees. In these cases families often want their children to start working at an early age so, by earning their living, they can help the family to survive. Often the attitude towards education in those families is very negative; they do not find it useful for a child and consider it as waste of time. Secondly, it is important to consider how schools may influence students to leave school early. The common problem to cause many children, especially the talented ones to leave early is bullying. Despite their awareness of the problem, some schools still fail to notice the signs and take necessary measures to protect children from constant abuse by other students. Thirdly, I would like to mention personal reasons such as poor learning ability, lack of wiliness and motivation and also personal circumstances in particular early pregnancy for girls. These factors may also cause children to leave school. However, even though there are family, school and personal reasons resulting in children leaving school before reaching the minimum school leaving age, it is still very important for children to reach a minimum level of education before entering the adult world. In particular this is essential in a way that a child should have had expanded their own knowledge to the  point where they are able to make decisions and choices of their own rather than their parent’s. In conclusion, it is vital that governments ensure children reach a minimum level of education by motivating students to stay at school. For example, schools may introduce more subjects for students to choose from, and make those extra subjects job orientated. They can also improve the ambiance at school and establish rewards for children to continue their education.

Genetically Modified Organisms Or Gmos - 1551 Words

Genetic modified organisms, or GMOs, are living organisms that, through the genetic engineering process, have been altered to withstand certain chemicals and increase the nutritional value of the product. In fact, the majority of the foods found at the grocery store are genetically altered. Genetic modification is becoming increasingly popular on farms throughout the United States and moving into other parts of the world due to their increasing yield capabilities and pest and weed control. However, this has been, and continues to be, an extremely controversial topic of discussion in the world of agriculture and biotechnology, as well as health food critics, because of potential environmental and health risks. In 2015, Tim Anderson, a PhD researcher, wrote â€Å"GMO Foods are Unsafe†, an article which perhaps sheds light on the mishandling of genetically modified foods, including the lack of testing of said food products, as well as the potential hazards posed to humans and the environment. In the same year, Genetic Literacy Project’s web editor, JoAnna Wendel, wrote a contrasting article â€Å"Genetically Modified Foods Have Been Studied and Found Safe to Eat†, and voices her disgust over the false information that constantly belittle GMOs. She believes the allegation that little evaluation has been accomplished to monitor and ensure the safety of these genetic modifications is based on frantic opinions and not accurate facts. 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Genetic engineering is a process where scientists take genes from one species and force it into the DNA of other species. GMO has long been in practice to breed select individuals of a species to produce offspring of the desirable behaviors. It is used in conventional livestock production, crop farming and even pet breeding. It involves combining elements of DNA from different sources to create a new DNA molecule