Essays and Research Papers on Architecture & Design

This 5-page paper describes the modernism and post-modernism architecture that popped up in the quarter century following the end of World War II. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

After a brief discussion of influences, this paper looks at modern architecture in Southern California (post-1945), and includes works by Frank Gehry, Pierre Koenig's Stahl House, Louis I. Kahn's Salk Institute, and Arata Isozaki's MOCA. Bibliography lists 5 sources. JVsoCali.rtf

This 4 page paper examines the evolution of fashion though the twentieth century. Looking at the notable trends, the important designers and the cyclic nature of fashion. The bibliography cites 4 sources.

This 15 page paper examines all aspects of the Laon Cathedral in France. More specifically, this paper highlights the structure of the Laon, as well as the many unique internal and external details of the structure. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 4 page paper highlights how the architecture of the Federalist period very much reflected the growing nationalism of the era even though it was so heavily influenced by neo-classical elements. This paper highlights the works of Thomas Jefferson, Charles Bulfinch, and Thomas Thornton as examples. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page report discusses the Disney Coprorations development of the "New Urbanist" community of Celebration, Florida. The city itself is considered within the framework of art and how the community was "crafted" in much the same way that a painting is put together. The town, located just south of Walt Disney World in northwest ...

A 12 page paper which examines the Roman baths, and bath houses. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 6 page research paper that contrasts and compares 3 museums, and then discusses the writer's favorite museums in the DC area. This examination of museums discusses each museum's specific purpose, considering what is valued in each museum. Bibliography lists sources.

A 6 page analysis of the Windsor Chair. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

The need for change in the UK construction industry was recognised in the document Rethinking Construction by Sir John Egan. This paper considers the implications for contractual obligations, relationships and dispute resolution. The bibliography cites 4 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the lives and accomplishments of two innovators of the twentieth century: Alfred Hitchcock and Frank Lloyd Wright. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page paper which examines what one could gain or experience through visiting the Mayan ruins in Chichen Itza and climbing to the top of the El Castillo pyramid. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4-page paper examines the structural aspects of the Sears Tower in Chicago, Illinois, including the foundation, steel and weight. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This is a 4 page paper comparing and contrasting the concepts used in golf course designs. Examples include Pebble Beach and Augusta National. The designs of golf courses have changed a great deal over the last century and a half. Original golf course designs incorporated a great deal of the natural elements present in the ...

This is a 5 page paper discussing considerations of wood construction for the fire service. Fire service and assessment regarding the fire safety of any structure is considered a key component to establishing appropriate fire regulations. The many factors which are considered include fire hazards within the buildings, the number of people inhabiting the buildings ...

The Sydney Opera House was designed by the Danish Architect Jørn Utzon. This 6 page paper looks at the influence that the opera house has had on architecture in Australia and argues that the influence is not readily apparent, but that there has is an ongoing influence. The bibliography cites 8 sources.

This 3 page paper provides a physical description of this monument created in 1982. The architecture and design of the memorial is the focus of the paper. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 6 page paper examines the life and work of architect Robert Adam and his brothers - all of whom were successful in their architecture but much less successful from a business standpoint. This paper explores the reasons for this disparity, citing examples such as their infamous Adelphi Project. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page paper which first examines the Catalan’s culture on Barcelona and then discusses the architecture of Barcelona. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

This 5 page report discusses Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, and the ways in which serves as a manifestation of the values of the society that produced it. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 7 page report discusses the grand pyramid entrance to the famous Louvre museum in Paris. Designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei, the pyramid generated a great deal of controversy over the actual design, the future of French culture and design, and the fact that such a truly French institution was being changed by somebody who was not ...

A 5 page paper examining several buildings and their use of light. Architects that have chosen to use natural light to enhance the aesthetics or function of their buildings quickly find favor with those who will be using the building in its final form. Several designers have managed to use natural light as ...

A 4 page paper discussing the addition of an aerial bowl atop the historic stadium at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Dubbed the “toilet bowl” by critics, the architect calls the contemporary addition rising above the stadium’s Doric columns “the juxtaposition of old and new,” but the more likely reason for the design is lack of ...

A 3 page research paper that describes and explores the iconography of the West Front of Wells Cathedral in England. The writer argues that an iconography motivated the overall design of the famous West Front but that the precise meaning of its six hundred plus sculptures is open to interpretation by scholars. Bibliography lists 4 ...

This 3 page paper discusses the use of public spaces in alternate ways than what they were designed for. Bibliography lists 2 sources.