Blog #1- Prehistoric Architetcure and Interiors
This week we learned about architecture and interior design in the prehistoric era. Architecture and interior design in the prehistoric era were designed more for survival versus beauty. The Paleolithic period is known for providing some of the earliest caves in France known for having animals and symbols on them. These were typically painted with thousands of images of animals and symbols. During the Neolithic period, people started building more permanent residences. Dolmens and menhirs were very popular in Europe. Dolmens are a type of stone tomb, and menhirs are upright stone markers. The post-and-lintel construction type was popular during this time period.
We also discussed Skara Brae, which is in Scotland. It was a curvilinear home built out of stone and mortar! These houses also have hearths and beds and cupboards. There is even a primitive sewer system. In addition, Catal Huyuk is a massive Neolithic group in Turkey that has solid examples of comfort and design in their living spaces.
Prehistoric Era:
Lascaux Cave Paintings
These paintings are proof that humans valued interiors long before permanent homes actually existed.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
This one stood out to me as an architecture major because it is an early representation of post and lintel construction. It has two upright stones placed with a single capstone.
Stonehenge
One of the most famous Neolithic examples today. It consists of large stones stacked vertically. They are aligned with the sun in a unique way so that it creates a special moment for ancient ceremonies and rituals.
Skara Brae
Skara Brae is super fascinating because it shows that people valued a gathering space around a hearth or a modern fireplace. Design is based on the human desires, and this shows how natural gathering spaces became an important part of interiors.
Modern Application:
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial shows an example of how post and lintel architecture remains today. It started as just simple stacking of stones and turned into beautiful columns that hold large material to enclose the shape of the space.
Modern Living Room
Stone is still a popular material used today in modern interiors and architecture. This image shows how stone is used in a modern living room. Since the prehistoric age, stone has been a versatile material with natural beauty.
Contemporary Fireplace
Fireplace gatherings and hearth spaces are still used today. It has evolved into much more than what it was in the Skara Brae. It represents comfort and warmth, along with fellowship and community, giving people a comfortable place to gather.
I would also love to share my experience of the mini Stonehenge I visited on my way to school this year. It is located in Rolla, Missouri, at the Missouri School of Science and Technology. We made a pit stop to check out the setup, and it was really interesting to me! I did some research of my own in the car after this stop, and it made me really want to go visit the actual Stonehenge to see how it works. It is amazing how it is still a mystery how it was built, how the stones were transported from miles away, and how they were lifted and stacked. It is also fascinating how the rocks align with the sun for all the solstices. I would love to see this take action! I watched a video in the car after this experience, I will link it at the bottom of this post.
One Step Further:
There are not many relevant or known architects or interior designers from the prehistoric era, but I will go more in-depth on the Catal Huyuk homes. I did some more research on this, and I learned that residents of these homes were able to enter from the roof. This is fascinating because it creates a compact way of living, with no streets in between these homes. They are made of mud brick, and densely packed. Interiors of these spaces often included painted murals and shrines. Art and spirituality have remained an important part of our daily lives. These places also show how sewage systems are able to manage waste. People back in this era were beginning to think about how design could support both visual and physical needs!
Wall Murals at Catal Huyuk
Gathering place for spiritual or ritual practices
The layout model of Catal Huyuk represents the dense clustering style, with shared walls and rooftop entry.
Reflection:
I really thought it was interesting how the prehistoric designs use community-focused ideals and were more practical than they appear at first glance. Homes were not just shelters; they were a place to feel connection and a place of survival. These homes were the earliest examples of how human need and desire shaped the way we form interiors of homes today.
Allyssa,
ReplyDeleteThis blog post was very impressive to me. You provided exactly what was required in the assignment. You summarized the "Prehistoric Era" well. I appreciated your statement that this period was mainly focused on function and not aesthetics. I loved your visual examples and description underneath. ( There is something weird going on with your formatting. Your descriptions as they go outside of the page- maybe you can look at that). Your current examples were excellent. I loved the "Modern Living Room" stone coffee tables. I also loved the "mini Stonehenge". So cool. Your "One Step Further" was perfect. An I appreciate the video your shared. Well done. 50/50 points.
I loved your emphasis on the principle of beauty in the ancient caves -- humans have truly always valued being creative and giving attention to the details of their work. I also thought you made a good point about humans' natural desire to gather together being reflected in the way they designed their homes to have a hearth to express feelings of warmth, comfort, and love.
ReplyDeleteHey Allyssa! I also am a fan of modern-day stone living room furnishings that you found. I also think it's awesome that you were able to visit the Stonehenge. Thanks for sharing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI think your post did a great job showing how prehistoric design ideas are still relevant today. The Lincoln Memorial example really stood out to me as a modern continuation of post-and-lintel construction. Also, your description of the mini Stonehenge visit made me realize how inspiring it must be to see even replicas of ancient monuments.
ReplyDelete