Origin and Movement of Architectural Ideas

In many of the buildings covered in this class, we have seen recurring ideas about architecture realized in different civilizations and in different times. More specifically, in Lectures 15a and 15b we talked about five ways in which architectural ideas originated and moved throughout history. Here are those five methods with a brief explanation (and in parentheses instructions related to the assignment):

elaboration of basic forms, for instance the development of elemental forms in domestic architecture translated to more ornate but similarly organized temples. (Choose buildings with similar geometrical shapes, and for the second pair of images described below, please provide images that make that geometrical similarity clear.)
transfer of form through material, such as the stylized imitation of wood in later stone construction (For the second pair of images described below, please provide detail images of columns, beams, ceilings, joints, etc. that show the appropriation of a construction technique with the use of new materials.)
transfer of ideas through representation, as when architects make detailed drawings and models to explain their image of the building and how it should be constructed. (For the second pair of images described below, please provide the architectural model or drawing (on paper, stone, fabric, etc.) that was used to design the second building of your choice.)
transfer of ideas by copying good ideas, for instance architects, craftsmen, merchants, etc. bringing back new lessons in architectural styles, details, and structure from their travels. (For the second pair of images described below, please provide images that highlight the architectural elements, style, or construction detail shared between the two buildings.)
transfer of ideas through force, in other words, as armies expanded the boundaries of civilizations, the architecture of the capital or homeland would spread into new territory and often create hybrid versions of local buildings. (For the second pair of images described below, please provide illustrations of the actual buildings in new colonies rather than geographical maps or military forces.)

For this assignment, select two buildings that highlight one of the five methods above.

Building 1: One building must be from the time period of 2500 BCE to 1200 CE (in other words this building must be from the places and historical periods covered in this class).
Building 2: The other building may be from any time period or location of your choosing. Both buildings must have been built. (You may choose buildings discussed in the lectures, but you may not use any images shown in the lectures.) Together the two buildings must show the transfer of an architectural idea, demonstrating the one method you have selected.

Gather two images for each building (these can be photographs, models, drawings, or maps) and organize them on one 8.5 x 11 in. page (landscape or portrait orientation).

The first pair of images should identify the two buildings. Label each of these images with the name of the building, its location, the name of the civilization, and its approximate date of construction.
The second pair of images should show, in some way, how an architectural idea spread from one building to the other through one of the above methods (see specific instructions for each method above).

In addition to identifying the buildings in the first pair of images, very briefly caption each of the four images to describe what it shows.

Then include a paragraph in your own words (max 100 words) that identifies the process of diffusion you have selected and describes this process as it relates to the two buildings.

Please cite all image sources using MLA, APA or Chicago style, and include this either with the four captions or separately on a second page.

To summarize: your final submission should be a pdf file with a single 8.5 x 11 in. page (with the option of second page that includes only image source information) that includes:

four images (two of a building from 2500 bce – 1200 ce, two of a building from any time period)
two labels identifying each building and its location, civilization, and date of construction
four very brief image captions
an explanatory paragraph
citations for image sources (these can be included in the image captions, or listed on a separate page)