HISTORY & THEORY 2: Reading Comprehension 1.

http://singularallure.blogspot.com/2009/01/frank-lloyd-wright-and why-I-have. html

1. A building that I believe meets the definition of commodity, firmness, and delight would be the Frederick C. Robie House by Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago.


 a. I feel that this house is an example of commodity because it was one of the first to eliminate the box and create an open, flowing, and comfortable living space. This house also features a style of functional furnishings which combined pieces together to eliminate clutter. Such as combining the end table with the sofa and the sconces with the dining room table.

b. This house also represents firmness because of the sturdy material with which its frame is constructed, steel. This material was fairly new at the time and allowed Wright to make his open floor plan a reality.

c. This structure represents delight because of its open and comfortable feel. The stained glass windows that Wright is so famous for bring both nature and beauty into the space.

http://www.textiledesigning.org/textile_20design2000079.jp

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2. This particular textile uses a geometric motif with its continuous repetition of the circular design. This design also uses a spiral symbol which represents rain, prosperity, and fertility. Hardwood states that, "Illiterate people use symbols instead of writing. The repetition of symbols serves as a comfort to them and as a reminder to the gods of their need for protection." There are also flowers depicted on this textile. This can be seen as a representation of nature which relates back to gifts to the gods, who according to the reading, were aspects of nature themselves.




3. It was stated in class that around the 1920's a survey of the square footage of a single family home was taken, yielding the average of 1,500 square feet. Today the average is 3,150 square feet. People today feel that they need more space. The classroom in which we gather for IAR 222 is in a building that was built around the 70's. Although the room is large, it is boxed in like a coffin, lacking windows or natural light of any kind. The proximity of the seats to one another are also very close, posing somewhat of an awkward situation if you don't know the person sitting next to you. However, by the end of class,  your elbow and theirs will be very closely acquainted. This is just an example of how peoples perception of personal space has changed as time continues.

4. I do believe that the Architecture of Happiness as described by de Botton is an actuality and is very real. He states that, when talking about the home, "It has provided not only physical but also psychological sanctuary. It has been a guardian of identity. Over the years, its owners have returned from periods away and, on looking around them, remembered who they were."A home is not only a place where pretty objects and matching decor is stored. These things allow it to become so much more. As de Botton describes, four walls can become a place that people miss when they're gone, that watches silently as life continues within its walls. And simply, places that are better put together are more enjoyable to spend long periods of time in. 

http://www.stressballsonly.com.au/product/LL800s

 This object exudes happiness for many reasons. For one, the object is smiling, immediately creating a welcoming feeling. This feeling is also increased by the motion of embrace the object is making. The color of the object, the bright yellow is generally considered a happy color and makes a viewer feel cheerful. And ironically, it's a stress ball!