Assignment: Architecture- Building as Symbol
Architecture is more than just a building or structure that provides shelter. Buildings are also symbolic forms and can express a set of values or shared cultural beliefs. For example, the physical characteristics of a Mosque, like its minarets and mihrab, communicate and embody aspects of Islamic belief.
Instructions:
A. Identify a building in your immediate environment, one that you frequent: a restaurant, store, place of worship, house, museum, stadium etc.
B. In a paragraph (5-6 sentences), analyze the building in terms of its symbolic meaning:
a. First, consider the building's form. What materials is it made of? What is the shape of the building. Is it made up of particular colors? Does it have a specific location or orientation? etc.
b. Then, describe how the physical characteristics of the building reflect a set of values, beliefs, or a shared cultural attitude.
i. For example, if you were to describe the local Starbucks, you might identify the drive thru as an important physical characteristic of the building. Perhaps the building itself was located and oriented in such a way to efficiently accommodate a drive thru. What might this important feature say about the people that inhabit or use this building? One possible answer might be: the drive thru feature emphasizes the value that modern society puts on speed. People want to quickly get their coffee, perhaps before going to work or during a break, without having to ever leave their car. It also reflects the importance of the automobile in modern society especially in Southern California, a place itself built around the automobile.
Format your assignment according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.