Egyptian Civilization Architecture †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Egyptian Civilization Architecture. Answer: Introduction: Modern architectural building design traces its roots from the historical classic designs which dominated the 19th century. There are many buildings dating back as early as 1900 that have greatly shaped and influenced the modern architecture. These buildings, however, trace their origins to the ancient buildings. Notably, the Great Pyramid of Egypt is among the Seven Wonders of the World and exemplifies the rich architectural history of Egypt. These designs have been used globally to establish other iconic structures, although with totally different construction materials Management. The sections hereinafter will look into one of these historical classic building designs which apparently have greatly contributed to the development of the state-of-the-art establishments. Notably, the great Pyramids of Egypt not only reveal the deep cultural history of the country but offers a hallmark of architectural excellence; there are a dozen architectural buildings which have greatly borrowed th e pyramid style of building. What is the origin of these Great pyramids? The great pyramids of Egypt were built during the reigns of Pharaohs. But, today they still occupy a central place in the world of architecture. According to Visual arts (2017) the marvelous structures were tombs for the Pharaoh where they could mainly be laid to rest once they passed on. Therefore, the Egyptians architects painstakingly worked on the designs to deliver great architectural blueprints. There are about 150 pyramids so far identified (Visual arts, 2017). Notably, the commonly known pyramids, according to Visual Arts (2017) include: the Pyramid of Giza, Khufu, khafre and Menkaure. Interestingly, the pyramids grew smaller after every successive regime, possibly, their cultural and political stature declined. According to Puru Biyasa (2010), a single pyramid was composed of about 2.3 million limestones, with total dead weight of about 100000 pounds. How the weight of the structure was carried by the corner stones and pillars is still a mystery given that the weight bearin g elements such as reinforced concrete had not found its dominance. Additionally, Egyptians Architects must have applied the principles of Mathematics to arrive at precise design. The corners of the structure are perfectly symmetrical with the angles uniformly maintained. The interior of the structure has airshafts to bring in fresh air, perhaps evidence that these buildings did not just serve as tombs for the Pharaoh but served as spiritual centers in Egypt. There are a dozen theories developed to explain how and why the building was established. It is widely believed that the construction work was carried by the slaves who would use logs to roll the construction materials such as limestones from the mines to the construction site. However, most modern architects attribute the rich architectural history possessed by these structures. There are several architectural principles which have been borrowed from the Egyptian ancient architecture. Some of them include: The smooth exteriors The smooth exterior of the structure was built of fine limestone quarried from the side of river Nile (Saylor, 2013). This offered an aesthetic taste to the structure. Besides, the architects designed the building with royal attitude. Symmetrical balance The three sides of the pyramid were all oriented in the north-south and east-west to attain a symmetrical balance Management. The surfaces were painstakingly trimmed to allow the blocks fit together. Besides, the casing stones were rightly sized to maintain the balance. The stepped design Earlier in the development of these pyramids, the stepped design dominated Egypts architectural space until later on when the ramp design was integrated probably to make it easier for one to climb to the top. It is widely believed that the Pyramids assumed the shape such that the apex was greatly triangulated, mainly, spiritually to symbolize Pharaohs closeness to gods. The locally available construction materials Sun baked mud-bricks would sometimes be used to make the ramps as it could cheaply be made and therefore lowering construction costs. The interiors of the pyramid were made of smoothly curved stones, preferably limestone. The location of the pyramid This was among the most important decisions. It should be noted that Egyptians were strict observers of religion hence position played a key role in the establishment of the structure. Notably, it was mainly located in the western horizon where the sun would set in, culturally to symbolize the end of dynasty of individual Pharaoh. Construction methodology of the Pyramid is still a mystery to many people. However, great attempts by the Theorists have been made to provide a concise explanation on how they were built. The construction stones were mined from the quarry and transported via River Nile to the site. The stones would then be carved to perfect smoothness and work of laying them would begin. Now, in the interior design, the structure was composed of several chambers. The Queens chamber was the smallest and centrally located. Earlier designs would have the inner core made of pure limestone with refined look. Additionally, there were a number of interior shafts which would lie in the vertical fashion. The cornerstones had a ball and socket design. The rectangular ramps which inclined around the building were mainly made of sun-baked mud mainly due to its affordability. The sides slightly are caved in a bow-like fashion (Crystalinks, 2012). Notably, the advancement of these construction techniques took time before they could be made perfect, perhaps centuries (Saylor, 2013). Therefore, Egypts pyramid structures are well known architectural classics. Their presence today reminds us of the powerful Egypt of those days. The following architectural buildings have greatly borrowed from the design of the great pyramid: From the iconic buildings illustrated above, it can be seen how crucial role the ancient Egyptian pyramids have played in the development of modern architecture. In figure 1, the Ramos pyramid house conspicuously sits in front of the storey building as illustrated. The structure is supported by steel frames. Its outstanding faade provides great scenery for tourism. The great pyramid design has also found its way into the commercial complex design. With refined outlook, the great architectural masterpiece provides a natural attraction hence contributing to the field of tourism. Furthermore, there are a number of buildings globally which have greatly been influenced by the Great Pyramid architecture. Typical buildings include: Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas (Brezajul, 2014). The building conjures up the memories of the ancient Egypt and the powerful dynasties of Pharaohs. Importantly, therefore, the pyramids have influenced the patterns used by most architects to craft different kinds of buildings. In Paris France, for example, there are a number of shopping centers and even cemeteries which have emulated the design of the pyramids. Notably, the presence of the ancient structure is a bold statement of testament of the great mathematical and architectural skill prowess possessed by Egyptians. It is believed that the Roman Empire greatly borrowed some of the architectural and engineering principles of Egypt. Therefore, Egypt was among the places where early civilization originated. They could draw their architectural plans on leaves with every detail of the building included. Admittedly, the modern architects are marveled with the great precision exhibited by the ancient Egyptian architects. According to Transmissions Media (2012), the margin error was about 0.015% an achievement, given the circumstances at that time, must have been a daunting task but the architects were able to use their ingenuity and craft a very precise design. Notably, however, all these methodologies evolved and developed over many years. Conclusion The great pyramid of Egypt, as discussed above, still remains a great motivation to the modern architectural designs. The principles which were used in crafting the pyramids have over the years been borrowed by architects to craft iconic structures such as the ones illustrated above. Certainly, therefore, the pyramids exemplify the rich cultural and political history of Egyptians. The great Pyramids of Egypt are still among the worlds seven wonders Management. Many a tourists and scientist continue to flock these ancient structures to gain first hand understanding of the great architectural masterpiece. Therefore, the great pyramids, considering the number of architectural works scattered all over the globe that it has influenced, it can safely be regarded as a design classic building. The structure has defied many years to remain one of the worlds most iconic ancient structures. References CMH. Egyptian Civilization Architecture. (2011).Accessed April 26th 2017. Url: https://www.museedelhistoire.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/egypt/egca04e.shtml Visual Arts.Ancient Egyptian Pyramids. (2017). Acessed 27/04/2017. url: https://www.visual-arts-cork.com/ancient-art/egyptian-pyramids-architecture.htm Saylor. Architecture and the Pyramids of Giza. (2013). url: https://www.saylor.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ARTH110-3.2-ArchitectureandthePyramidsofGiza.pdf Hinton James.Modern Pyramids that Show Timeless Geometry is Here to Stay. (2015). url: https://www.archdaily.com/588430/6-modern-pyramids-that-show-timeless-geometry-is-here-to-stay Josie W.Most Mathematically Interesting Buildings in the World.(2014). url: https://blog.tripbase.com/9-most-mathematically-interesting-buildings-in-the-world/ Julie Bort. Amazing Google SketchUp Buildings: Network World. (2009). url: https://www.pcworld.com/article/181723/Google_Earth_10_Amazing_Google_SketchUp_Buildings.html Crystalinks. Great Pyramid of Khufu. (2012). url https://www.crystalinks.com/greatpyramid.html Transmissions Media.The Inexplicable Precision in the Construction of The Great Pyramid at Giza. (2012). Joseph Puru Biyasa Steinmetz.The Great Pyramid: New Evidence and New Theories. (2010). url: https://www.ananda.org/clarity/2010/03/pyramid-giza-yuga-orion-haich/ Somala Muhammed .Engineering's Great Achievements: The Great Pyramid of Giza. (2017). url: https://www.engineergirl.org/GetThere/Contest/Winners/2602/2616.aspx Brezajul.Egyptian Influence on the World: Pyramids.(2014).url: https://anthropology.msu.edu/anp455-fs14/2014/09/18/egyptian-influence-on-the-world-pyramids/