Self-Reflection

1. Comment on how this course has changed the way that you view design as a fundamental practice central to humanity.

Before I took this class I never really considered a building as a whole. I thought that the interiors were really the only thing designed specifically for a person. However, throughout history the majority of buildings (especially in the Eastern part of the world) were designed for specific people and for specific reasons. They weren’t just “visually pleasing”, they had a purpose for that society. However, in the United States we are so focused on building as fast as we can for the least amount of money that we can that we do not take the time to consider how the outside and inside of a building should work together. As a designer, I should be considering ALL aspects of a building.

2. Select one building, space, or object that we have talked about in class or is contained in the readings for this course. As you encounter this object, space, or building, suggest how it links forward to design practice today. Select an image of your chosen artifact and include that on your blog.

The Crystal Palace was a truly modern building for the time period in which it was built, and has helped mold our architecture today. It was one of the first structures to utilize wrought iron and glass as its main materials. They really tested the materials strength and durability because it is an enormous structure, both vertically and horizontally. This building was an inspiration for our modern day skyscrapers. We still construct skyscrapers out of steel and glass. And we are always trying to have the tallest building possible.

3. Accepting the view that we always fall back on history, how do we create a new perspective that both embraces the past and says something innovative about our present circumstances?


We need to find a balance in today’s society. We have the technology to build great spaces. But we need to start considering quality again, rather than quantity. By utilizing our technology and past inspirations we have the opportunity to be truly innovative. Mixing technology with Gothic, Classical, Greek and Roman Styles could result in modern buildings that would define us as a culture.