TB1 - Sacred Geometry & Human Architecture

 Lecture1:Sacred Geometry

• Pertains to certain truths of mathematical  and geometric constructs that are rooted in deep meaning both at microcosmic and microcosmic scales
• The forms were:

1. Cube (Earth)
2. Pyramid (Fire)
3. Icosahedron (Water)
4. Octahedron (Air)
5. Dodecahedron (Ether)

• Pythagoras influenced Plato and was the first to define 5 climatic zones on earth
• We can find these geometric artefacts in diverse cultures, they are curved stones that are found at Scarboro in the Orkney and thought to be  Neolithic carvings.
• Gerta suggested that geometry is frozen music and can find these elements in nature like snowflakes, beehives, shells.
• Proportion systems have been used for centuries in art - Leonardo Da Vinci, last supper. Moreover geometry has been long used in Architecture to generate plan, section and elevation - Glastonbury Abbey - plan generation.

In conclusion sacred geometry allows us to conjoin the cosmos with the tiniest building blocks of matter, and allows us to conjoin the metaphysical, intellectual and the intangible with the tangible. 

Lecture2:Human Architecture - Its tradition responding to human needs at a number of different scales

• Scarborough, near neolithic settlement in the Orkneys off the coast of Scotland which is an ancient site. This typical dwelling had all the equipment that was needed such as a place to sleep, store goods, defend, gather and cook
• Yorkshire, there Architecture of movement is a design made as a way of crossing a river to ensure a safe way across and staying dry
• Norway local material used widely to provide longevity of shelter 
• Consideration to human needs at 4 scales:

1. The Hand - cutlery made by David Mellor, how we move food to our mouths 
2. The Body - Chaise Lounge - Le Corbusier - how the form of the chair was derived from the human body 
3. The City - spaces populated with  large numbers of people 
4. The Deities - cosmic order to human architecture 

At these scales humane architecture is responsible to the physical and emotional needs of humans.

Many examples of this way of thinking about architecture exist within the more contemporary nordic world of such luminaries as Arne Jacobsen(1902-1917) and Jorn Utzon(1918-2008).