Reading comprehension 4

1. Egypt, Rome and Greece are considered the foundation of architecture. They were the beginning and set the standard for everything else that followed. Gothic architecture sets the stage for how during the same time period there can be many differences with minor shared qualities. However, once Renaissance architecture came to along that changed. Although, there were still differences among one another, due to location and the time it took for this wave of new ideas to arrive. During the Renaissance, there was a combination of differences and commonalities based on the revival of the classics – Egypt, Rome and Greece, especially Rome – because of the discovery of Pompeii. Baroque architecture followed the Renaissance, which was then followed by Rococo and Neoclassicism. These design periods – Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism – were inspired by the Renaissance, which were inspired by Greece and Rome. Although, they are different time periods, they have common design languages. These common design languages can be seen through different scales, from an artifact to a place, focusing on Rococo and Early Neoclassicism.
   
   Starting off with the smallest scale are artifacts. Examples of these artifacts are the Neo-Palladian/Georgian desk/bookcase with chinoiserie decoration; American Georgian Windsor chair; French Provincial tall clock by Martin Carlin; late English Georgian state bed in Osterely Park; and American Federal Sheraton side chair; they all share wood as a material and classical decorative details. Throughout these artifacts repetition is the strongest design principle seen through its use of wood and its decorative detailing, like swags and gilding as well as egg and dart. The next scale up would be space, seen through Holkham Hall saloon, Gunston Hall stair hall, Marie Antoinette's bedroom in Fountainbleau, Saltram House saloon, Gardner-Pingree House parlor. The common design, within these spaces, is high vaulted ceilings and balance. Balance is seen through floor plan/placement of other essential items and bordering.