Consider what you have learned so far about the use of light in medieval, African, and North American buildings and artworks. Select a specific example, fully identified, and address the following in your discussion posting: How was light and height used in the art and architecture of these different cultures? What symbolic meanings did both light and the use of space have? What structures and materials were used or developed to enhance the effects of light and height? How do these uses and meanings of light and height compare with how we use them today?
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i just want two Archiltectures from both time Afriacan and North American Building. If i could have two structure that be fine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Africa#Medieval_Architecture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_medieval_architecture_in_North_America
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To answer these questions, let's begin by exploring the use of light and height in the art and architecture of medieval, African, and North American cultures.
In medieval art and architecture, light and height were essential elements in creating a sacred and divine atmosphere. Gothic cathedrals, such as the Chartres Cathedral in France, utilized towering heights and expansive windows to fill the space with dazzling light. The taller ceilings allowed for an increased sense of spiritual transcendence, while the stained glass windows served as luminous storytelling devices, depicting biblical scenes and religious narratives. The intentional use of height and light in these structures aimed to evoke a sense of awe and the divine presence.
Moving on to African cultures, one notable example is the Great Zimbabwe, an ancient stone city in Southern Africa. The architecture of Great Zimbabwe utilized both light and space to convey symbolic meanings. The stone walls and narrow passages created a sense of enclosure, separating the sacred from the secular. Light was primarily used to direct attention to specific areas or objects of importance, such as ritual spaces or ancestral shrines. The manipulation of light and space in African architecture often emphasized spiritual connections and the presence of ancestors, reinforcing communal values and cultural identity.
In North American cultures, indigenous peoples developed unique architectural styles that also incorporated the use of light and height. The Ancestral Puebloans, who inhabited the southwestern region of the United States, built cliff dwellings such as Mesa Verde. These dwellings were situated within natural rock formations, taking advantage of the height and allowing for natural light to penetrate the spaces. This integration of light and height served both practical and symbolic purposes. It provided warmth, illumination, and ventilation, while also establishing a connection between the human and the natural world—a vital element within Native American cosmologies.
To enhance the effects of light and height, several materials and structures were used across these cultures. In medieval architecture, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses were employed to support higher ceilings and larger windows. These advancements, along with the development of stained glass techniques, allowed for greater control over the play of light in the space. In African architecture, selective use of building materials like stone, thatch, and mud walls played a crucial role in manipulating light and creating distinct spatial experiences. Likewise, the Ancestral Puebloans utilized the natural structure of the cliffs to enhance light penetration, while also incorporating wooden beams and mortar to strengthen their dwellings.
Comparing these traditional uses of light and height with modern practices, we can observe both similarities and differences. Today, light and height are still key considerations in architecture and art but have evolved to serve different purposes. Modern architecture places more emphasis on functionality and efficiency, with advancements in materials and technology allowing for innovative use of light. For instance, large glass facades, skylights, and artificial lighting systems enable architects to create buildings that are visually striking and energy efficient. Similarly, artists today explore various techniques to manipulate and control light to enhance their work's aesthetic appeal and emotional impact.
However, the symbolic meanings attributed to light and height may differ. While some modern structures, like religious buildings, continue to utilize height to evoke a sense of the divine, the connection between light, height, and spirituality is not as prevalent in contemporary architecture and art. Symbolism is more subjective and varies depending on the artist's intent and the context in which the work is presented.
In summary, the use of light and height in medieval, African, and North American art and architecture played significant roles in establishing a sense of spirituality, showcasing cultural identity, and creating emotional and symbolic connections. The materials and structures employed were carefully designed to enhance these effects. Today, while the importance of light and height remains, their functions and symbolic meanings have evolved in modern architecture and art.