The appearance of a product often influences how a customer feels about it. Will he or she want to buy it or use it? For some items, appearance determines much of their value. Take clothing, for example. Suppose you had a choice of two sweaters. Sweater A is very warm but also unflattering to you. Sweater B is very trendy and attractive but thin and not as warm as sweater A. Which would you choose? Although people need clothing to protect them from the weather, attractiveness and style are also very important. The same is true of people’s homes. Homes provide shelter, safety, and privacy, but most people are happier in places that they also find appealing to look at.
To achieve a particular pleasing effect, building designers and architects use the elements of design. Will they use all the elements or only a few? Which will they combine together? All such details determine an architectural style. The Modern style, for example, stresses straight lines and geometric shapes. Surfaces tend to be plain and streamlined. The elements chosen can influence which materials are used. Straight lines and geometric shapes, for example, are often combined with materials like steel and glass.
Which architectural styles can you identify? Which elements of design play a part? Find out the answers to these and other questions as you work on this WebQuest.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate ways in which design elements play a part in building construction. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- With which building material were the Ancient Romans very skilled? How do you think it influenced the appearance of their buildings?
- Which famous American monument is based on Egyptian architecture?
- Which design characteristics identify neoclassical architecture?
- The Arts and Crafts movement was a reaction against what aspect of modern life? Which house style evolved from this movement?
- Which type of Victorian architecture was famous for “gingerbread” trims and houses that resembled castles?
- The Chrysler Building in New York City is representative of which style? What design characteristics are associated with that style?
- Who designed the Dymaxion House? What structural material was used and why?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. You may use additional sites if you wish. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you’ve gained by going on this WebQuest.
- Build a model of one of the building designs you encountered during this WebQuest, such as the Dymaxion House or the Sydney Opera House.
- Acquire pictures showing examples of a particular design style. Create a poster that points out the different elements used that are characteristic of that style. Include a paragraph explaining why that style might have been popular.
- Acquire (or draw) pictures of architectural features that illustrate the seven elements of design. For example, for the element of space, you might obtain a picture of a room with a cathedral ceiling. Using the pictures, create a poster or display. Include a paragraph next to each picture explaining how that element has been used.
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