BP3: acropolis | xianzang palace

When considering the idea of SPACE, one must think about what it is used for. Is its purpose based of off the surrounding landscape? Is its goal to direct you through that landscape towards the focal point? Or is its purpose simply used as a place of POWER? All of these questions can be manipulated and dug through when in the context of Acropolis and the Xianyang Palace.

One, the SPACE had a sole purpose to direct you towards the statue of Athena on top of the hill. The other, simply a space whose purpose was to have and reveal POWER through its form and function. When thinking about POWER, one must consider what exactly exemplifies such control. Is it the columns seen repeatedly across Acropolis, or is it the idea of repetition through stacking at the Xianyang palace?

These structural patterns seen in both also contribute to the EXPERIENCE one gets while communicating through the space. This EXPERIENCE could occur through use of materials or ornamentation of the columns or simply what one feels when progressing through the space.

One may also experience certain things concerning the various PRINCIPLES discovered through the site. For example, various beliefs, the worship of a god or emperor. There is also a sense of ORDER when observing these two sites, and with that order brings HIERARCHY. The combination of stacking and grouping can be seen in both, with the arrangement of columns throughout. With geometric patterns comes a sense of hierarchy as well. The stacking and repetition serving as protection, both through balance and proportion.

All of these factors can be seen not only in architecture in history, but on the UNCG campus as well. There is repetition throughout, shown through groups and stacks. Many buildings around campus, including the Foust and the archway outside the Ferguson building have a spirit of repetition and unity. The experience one gets when walking through such a symmetrical group of columns is very powerful because it gives off an overwhelming sense of order. When also considering the idea of EXPERIENCE through ORDER, the quad is a good example. All of the dorms are identical, equally spread out in two rows, all centered around a courtyard area. Ones experience when traveling through the quad is very powerful, as if there is a silent knowledge of the ORDER and POWER the space contains.

When spaces bring a sense of power, order, experience, and hierarchy, one cannot help but question why it was designed the way it was. But that is, I believe, one of the beautiful things about architecture, because when one is questioned by a design, it comes from a place of intriquement.