Essay on Form in Architecture

Architecture occurs as the most significant form of art. Structures that have been constructed over a long time reflect culture, its values, style, purpose, and preferences. Most of these structures were built for group activities and therefore present many culturally related aspects compared to individual constructions. Structures uses have changed from an initial provision of shelter to communities. Today, many buildings are constructed for joint activities such as commercial needs, governments, markets, group protection, worship et cetera (pg. 181). These requirements have enhanced changes in architecture form leading to diverse designs and stylistic choices.

Post and lintel represent the most basic form of construction and is evident from the early architectural works of art in Egypt and Greece. This system is composed of two vertical members which support a third horizontal member which is usually placed across to provide a structural opening (pg. 177). Framed structures and all other architectural openings in buildings today, adopt this early invention. In the interior of Egyptian temples, post ad lintels can be identified leading to a common place of worship (pg. 196). Basically, all temples are delineated by columns covered with stone lintels. The exteriors of Greek temples are also defined by the presence of these structures. These are conspicuous than in the Egyptian temples. Such structures include Edfu temple in Egypt and the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens (pg. 198). Post and lintel structures in this period were commonly used as places of worship. Therefore, this technology stems from Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece culture and later influenced the Roman Empire Architecture.

Circular Arch form of architecture is related to the Roman Empire culture. The adoption of this Arch was among the changes made in the Greek designs to suit the needs of the people (pg. 199). In this era, most temples were constructed at the center of the community unlike in the Greek culture where the temples were built in separate places to honor individual gods. The arch in the temples led to the creation of a dome resulting from the open circle created. This construction was done by use of concrete which allowed the creation of unsupported dome and coffers and recessed squares, greatly reducing the weight of the dome. An example of a structure bearing such a dome resulting from Circular Arch is the Pantheon in Rome (pg. 200). The circular arch can also be identified in the Buddhist Stupas. This structure is believed to be a burial mound, and the dome-shaped structure is at the base supported by a circular wall. From the center of the dome occurs an axis which is believed to separate earth from the sky above.

The Pointed Arch or Gothic arch is based on the intersection of two circles and creates a rather steeper dome after construction, than the circular arch. This structure is a modification made on ancient geek and Rome structures introduced in the sixteenth century to Italy. Pointed Arch is structure example is the Abbey church of St. Denis in France (pg. 204). The changes occurred as part of the development of art in the Renaissance period as a more classical form of art was adopted. During the spread of these new designs, a major consideration was made on the community characteristics. Mostly the more massive constructions involved churches and hence the differentiation of cathedrals and bishop churches were vital in the construction of Gothic churches (pg. 206). These structures were filled with sculptural ornamentations based on Church, Bible, and other Christian doctrines.

In conclusion, the post and lintel structure is the most basic technology in construction still in use today. Ancient Egypt and Greece structures such as temples were the first forms of civilized erections adopting this technology. Modifications have since been made such that the post and lintel are incorporated in walls. Governance, worship, and commerce are the main factors that have influenced the development of architecture through the incorporation of sculptures and stylistic designs.

Work Cited

Sachant, Pamela, et al. "Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning." (2016).