A 331 History of Architecture and Interiors I Prof. Wendi Furman
Case Study
Visual Analysis and Research Project
For this project you will analyze and research an object and a work of architecture in order to understand the culture that produced them. By careful visual analysis and thoughtful research you will learn to use artifacts as keys to discover what civilizations valued, and what styles they used to convey these values. You will produce a written research paper that integrates what you learn about your building and object into a cohesive text that demonstrates your original thesis. You will also do a visual analysis based on your own observations creating hand drawings and compositional diagrams. The final version of the paper and drawings will be presented in a handmade book format DUEIN CLASS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005.
I strongly urge you to make an appointment NOW with an advisor at the Learning and AdvisingCenter for the first or second week in November to receive help with your text before submitting your final paper. These appointments fill up fast at the end of the semester. Making an appointment now will ensure that you get the help you need when you need it. Having an appointment on your calendar will help keep you on schedule and can only improve your final submission. You may also want to seek help at an earlier stage of the project.
The steps and completion dates for the project are:
Step 1:Field Work --Go to The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology and find the object you have been assigned. Take extensive notes on what you observe about the object listing the visual characteristics of the object. Draw the object in detail from as many viewpoints as possible. Take a photograph if possible (no tripods are allowed) or buy a postcard of the object at the gift shop if they have one. This image will be helpful as you continue the project and can be used to supplement your own images in your final presentation. See what information the museum provides in the gallery about the object. Additional information may be available on the museum?s website.
COMPLETION DATE: September 11
Step 2: Write a brief visual analysis (you will expand on this later) of the object using what you have learned from discussions in class and the chapters from Zelanski?s book that you have read. Discuss, in one or two
paragraphs, the visual organization and effect of the object.
DUE IN CLASS SEPTEMBER 13
Step 3: Research the object. Using the skills acquired during the Library Workshop research this type of object (you may not find the specific object.) Your aim is to gather information in order to produce a contextual analysis and an iconographic analysis.
Contextualanalysis puts the object into a context. Find out about the culture and period that produced the object, how was it made- what materials and technology were involved and how the object was used.
Iconographic analysis involves identifying and finding the meaning of the subject matter. Is there drawing or writing on your object? What does it refer to or mean? Is there some significance to the shape or form of the object?
Take notes as you do your research and make sure you include the sources of all information. You will be required to back up any statements you make with a source that can be checked. Take the time to make notes in standard Chicago Style format for your bibliography and citations.
COMPLETION DATE: September 25
Step 4: Write a Thesis Statement and Annotated Bibliography.
Thesis Statement-- Think about your object and what you have learned about it. In two or three sentences state your thesis-what it is that you will try to prove to your reader about the relationship of your object to its culture. This thesis statement will guide your reader through your text about the object, and will focus your writing to prove this particular point. After your thesis is approved, you may not change it without consulting the instructor.
Annotated Bibliography: Prepare an annotated bibliography containing at least 4 scholarly sources for your object. At least three of the sources must be books or journal articles; one may be a reference book. No electronic sources are acceptable. You may obtain images from the web with proper documentation, but not text. Your bibliography must be submitted in standard Chicago Style format and for each source state in one or two sentences why it will be useful for your project.
DUE IN CLASS SEPTEMBER 27
Step 5: Complete a draft of your in depth contextual and iconographic analyses based on your research. Two pages minimum -12 point type, double spaced, 1 inch margins. This is a good time to visit the writing center, or see me if you are concerned about this step.
COMPLETION DATE: October 5
Step 6: Complete a draft of your in depth visual analysis two full pages minimum 12 point type, double spaced, 1 inch margins. AND in addition complete your hand drawings of the object as well as compositional diagrams that illustrate the design principles you discuss. Again, if you need help, now is the time.
COMPLETION DATE: October 8
Step 7: Choose and research a work of architecture. Choose a work of architecture from the same culture as your object and explore it thoroughly, keeping the object you researched in the back of your mind. How is the work of architecture a response to the climatic, social, economic and/or religious needs of the culture that produced it? What materials and technologies were available to its builders? Find plans, elevations, photos and any other visual evidence of the building. Here you may go to the web as long as you document your sources.
Write a brief visual analysis of the building: two or three paragraphs.
DUE IN CLASS OCTOBER 20
Step 8: Continue research on the architecture to prepare contextual and iconographic analyses, as you did for your object.
Write a thesis statement and prepare an annotated bibliography for your work of architecture. Again, you are required to have four scholarly sources, only one textbook allowed. No electronic sources for text, images only.
THESIS AND ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE IN CLASS
November 1
Step 9: Complete draft of contextual and iconographic analyses, minimum
two pages. Seek help if needed.
COMPLETION DATE: November 4
Step 10: Complete draft of visual analysis of building, two pages minimum. And in addition complete your hand drawings and compositional diagrams of your building. NO computer generated or photocopied submissions accepted.
COMPLETION DATE: November 12
Now you have most of the pieces of your final project in rough form. Next you will convert your drafts into a polished, logical paper, and create your presentation book.
THE PAPER
Write an introduction that will integrate the two parts (object and building) of your paper into one project. Write a broad thesis that incorporates the ideas explored in the two parts of your paper. WE WILL DISCUSS THIS IN DETAIL IN CLASS. Your introduction should be approximately one page. Now write a conclusion that sums up the work you have presented and proves your broad thesis. Your conclusion should be approximately one page.
Read over your paper and edit it carefully. Spelling, punctuation and grammar count. Do not rely on spell check!! Make sure you have presented your ideas in an organized fashion and backed them up with logical explanations. Make sure you have properly cited all sources of information and ideas. There is no excuse for plagiarism.
YOUR FINAL BIBLIOGRAPHY SHOULD BE IN STANDARD CHICAGO STYLE FORMAT -NOT ANNOTATED.
Now is the time to keep that appointment you made at the Writing and AdvisingCenter. Bring all of your work.
FINAL PRESENTATION
This is an important part of the project and a significant portion of your grade. A creative and professional presentation is expected.
You will produce a handmade book that includes a pocket to hold your paper and presents all of your drawings and diagrams. MAXIMUM SIZE 11 X 14 inches. All drawings and diagrams MUST be hand drawn and submitted on boards ? no photocopies or computer generated drawings. All drawings MUST be labeled and numbered and referred to in the text.
The design of your book should reflect some aspect of the art and architecture contained within it. It should be professional, and by that I mean neat, organized and sturdy. It should be able to withstand traveling without falling apart or losing its contents.
Your finished project must include:
written visual, contextual and iconographic analyses for your object and your building
plan, elevation, section and axonometric drawings for your building, a drawing of your object, and compositional diagrams of both the building and the object. Include any other illustrations that you feel help prove your thesis
bibliography in standard Chicago Styleformat that includes the sources of your images
FINAL PROJECT DUE IN CLASS NOVEMBER 29, 2005
Projects will be evaluated as follows:
Process: 15%
preliminary assignments and final project handed in on time and complete
Paper: 30%
contains all required information in the proper format
is organized, logical and well researched
proper spelling, punctuation and grammar
proper citations and complete bibliography
Drawings and Diagrams: 30%
hand drawings professionally presented-directly drawn on or neatly glued to boards, labeled, numbered and referred to in the text? no photocopies or computer generated images
Presentation: 25%
creative and professional
relates to project thematically, artistically or culturally
Online Databases
Avery Index Indexes approximately 800 journals held by ColumbiaUniversity's Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, including architectural design, history, and practice, historic preservation, interior design, and urban planning.
Grove Dictionary of Art Indexes 45,000 articles on architecture, fine and decorative arts, photography, etc.
Wilson Web, which in turn connects to Art Index Indexes over 270 journals. Subject areas include fine art, art history, architecture, industrial design, interior design, graphic arts. Covers Sept. 1984 to present [earlier years available in printed format].
Use First Search for
WorldCat OnlineComputerLibraryCenter?s extensive list of books since 13th century, giving location of copies.
1. General resources
Encyclopedias and dictionaries. Location: Reference area
Bibliographic Index. [New York] H.W. Wilson Co., 1937-84. Location: R 016.016 B582i
Guide to Reference Books. 10th ed. Ed. E.P. Sheehy. Chicago: Amer. Lib. Assoc., 1986.
For architecture, has subtitles including bibliographies, indexes, dictionaries and encyclopedias, directories, handbooks, history, biography, and city planning. Location: R 016 W759 g10
Humanities Index. [New York] H.W. Wilson Co., 1974-93.
Covers art, drama, literature, history, philosophy, music, film, folklore, etc. and is a continuation of the International Index (1907-65) and Social Sciences and Humanities Index (1965-74).
Location: R 016.0013 H918i
The New York Times Index. New York: New York Times Co., 1851-1993.
References names, places, events, etc. covered in articles for those years. Location: R 071.471 N532v
Who's Who in America. Chicago: A.N. Marquis, 1899- .
A good source for investigating the background of significant Americans (and possibly the reliability or authenticity of an author whose work you are using in your research). Location: R 920.073 W627w
2.Specificallyart or architecturalindexes
The Architectural Index. Boulder, Colo.: The Architectural Index, 1980-94.
Location: R 720.16 B433a
Architectural Periodicals Index and Books Catalogued by the British Architectural Library. London: R.I.B.A. Publications, 1972 [Gutman has from 1994 to the present].
Location: R 720 A673p
Architectural Publications Index. Periodicals Indexed and Books Catalogued by the British Architectural Library. London: R.I.B.A. Publications, 1972 [Gutman has from 1994 to the present].
Location: F 720 A673p
Art Index. New York: H.W. Wilson Co., 1929- [Gutman has 1957-93.]
Indexes over 270 journals including yearbooks and museum bulletins. Subject areas include fine art, art history, architecture, industrial design, interior design, and graphic arts.
Location: R 700.016 A7841 [See also Web Resources, above]
Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals. Boston: G.K. Hall & Co., [Gutman has 1991-present]. Indexes approximately 800 journals held by Columbia University?s Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, including architectural design, history, and practice, historic preservation, interior design, and urban planning. Location: R 720.016 A954i [See also Web Resources, above]
Design and Applied Arts Index. Burwash, England: Design Documentation, 1987- .
Location: R 745.4 D457a
3. Other relevant architectural reference books
The Dictionary of Art. Ed. Jane Turner. 34 vols. New York/London: Grove/Macmillan, 1996. Location: R 703 D554a
Encyclopedia of World Art. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1959-87. Location: R 703 E56w
Hall, James. Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.
Location: R 704.94 H177d
Macmillan Encyclopedia of Architects. Ed.-in-chief Adolf K. Placzek. 4 vols. New York: Macmillan/The Free Press, 1982. Location: R 720.922 M167m
Mayer, Ralph. Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques. New York: Crowell, 1969.
Location: R 703 M468d
Oxford Companion to Art. Ed. Harold Osborne. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1970.
Location: R 703 O31o
4. Books on non-Western topics
Book Review Digest [to check how the book you're using was received by another authority]
Books in Print
Directory of American Scholars [to check on the reputation of the author in question]
National Union Catalog [books both in and out of print]
Personal Name Index to the New York Times Index
Public Affairs Information Service Bulletin