Week One- Prehistoric Architecture and Interiors

Prehistoric Architecture and Interiors

There are many things in the prehistoric era that set the precedence of interior design and architecture, it would have held a much simplistic form compared to the way we live now. However, it set up the basics of life for a human and civilization. Many of these simple forms had complex meanings for these developing people.

Caves had many symbolic meanings for the Prehistoric era, caves are considered ready-made structures. Forms that don't need constructed like the other main three types of structures: cliff dwellings, mud and thatch, and stone. During the stone age they most likely would have delt with these more simplistic elements wood, hides, and reeds. One thing I found very interesting was the Menhirs and Dolmens. Menhirs were giant stones placed in an upright position, when I see these, I recall how many movies hold these symbolic stones. The henge is a neolithic monument that is in a circular form, and created with banks, ditches, and upright stones. The Stonehenge was a place for rituals and consisted of two concentric circles and their openings astrologically positioned according to lunar and solar paths. These henges were very strategically placed and formed.

Prehistoric Cave

Grass Mud Home

           

Homes were made with mud and brick walls with small openings for light, it's interesting to compare the tendencies of prehistoric architecture and the current. As we develop, we create a more efficient way showing people how to live. For example, in the slides it talks about how the fireplace would have been placed in the center of the home. This makes sense to keep the heating central, to keep it warmer longer. When you think of the current heating systems in our homes, we see a similarity in the fact that heating is central and dispersed through the whole home. Fixity allowed people to have construction of furniture and to accommodate a more settled and habitual life. This enhanced the more permanent home, they would use tree trunks, stones, and hides to encourage certain social interactions. Catal Huyuk was a large Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city settlement in Turkey, each home had a sewer system that would pipe waste from the home to the ocean. They would also have woven textiles, and woven mats to cover the floors. They really stated to form a life full of things, such as highly polished obsidian o create mirrors, wooden bowls, and coiled baskets. They would produce beads and pendants out of copper and lead.

Large Stone Layered Home

Weave Mat

Mud/ Clay Home

 

In the book they also discussed the topic of symmetry, how the neolithic people responded well to symmetry. "Symmetrical objects were prized such as seashells and perfect flowers" The response to something "perfect" to me show the connection to Christ. Yes, nothing is perfect in this world, we are sinful and lost however every part of our beings almost long for the perfection that we lost. It's such a powerful thought to me, that we wish to be so connected to Christ that we strive to be in the image of him.