STS 112 Project idea:

I am thoroughly interested in architecture, specifically in Islamic/Moorish architecture. Looking at a specific aspect of Islamic architecture, I would want to focus on the arch, used in important buildings throughout the world. From the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, to even our very own Stanford campus, the arch is an important symbol of the influence of Islamic/Moorish architectur throughout the world. In class, we've discussed the technology -- i.e. the "megamachine" -- behind the construction of the Egyptian pyramids. I would wish to trace the origins of the arch, its symbolism, the technology used for its construction, and its influence in modern architecture. This would involve a critical study of the arch from a cultural, anthropological, design ("form over function", or "function or form") perspective.

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Posted at Apr 26/2005 12:40 PM:
Dave Daly: The question of "What work is being done by the artifact" is really interesting in this case. At the most basic level, the arch can support more weight across a greater area or span. (cf. Parthenon in Athens or the throne room at el-Amarna vs. Pantheon in Rome) Thus, the architect can free up the labor and materials that would have gone into making more columns and put them to other uses. Also, ceilings are no longer limited to a flat slab of stone but can soar to great heights. And that's just for starters. Anyone else want to pick up?