Additional Instructions: There are only two questions here (although they each have two sets of images for you to write about). There are, however, a lot of things to talk about for these two traditions; so don’t just write about the most obvious ideas and information the images present. You should look at these two questions as your opportunity to talk about all of the key inform-ation and ideas we have discussed in class – all of it. If you’re not sure you know what all of it is, then go over the Key Notes outline, the posted list of terms reviewed in class, the handouts and other posted docs.; and to be sure, ask me in class or ask your TA in section (remember this is due Thursday).
So it’s not “What can I say about this image or work?”; rather, it is: “How can I find an illustration of EVERY KEY TRAIT OR IDEA somewhere in the works I am writing about, so I can show that I have learned and understand all of the material?”.
1.a) Examine the images provided of the Great Mosque at Cordoba (and look over some more
images on line on your own). What general, and also specific, aspects of the design of this
building can you cite as typical of design from this particular cultural tradition? In other words,
which society produced it, how is it typical of that society’s design, and why? Be sure to
discuss how it is rooted in the earlier, tribal phase of this society, reflecting a way of life tied to
its unique environment; and then how it represents those typical traits of design as they were
adapted to new uses in the later phase of the society, after it adopted a new faith. Use this work
of design as an example, to illustrate this cultural tradition’s response to its original
environment, and it’s tendencies and interests seen not only in forms of design but woven into its
stories and its beliefs. Be specific, with numerous specific examples of traits that tell us
particular things about this cultural tradition and how they are expressed in design.
b) Now talk in a parallel way about how the Borgund Stave Church (see images, seek out some
more) illustrates design tendencies that reflect conditions, a way of life, characteristic cultural
attitudes, interests and beliefs, both from tribal, pagan times, and later after conversion to the
new faith this building serves. For both buildings, start with the usual elements of morphology,
material, imagery, functions, etc., and talk about how they go back to their tribal phase and way
of life in some ways, but reflect an evolution in other ways. Explain what this work (and the
other) tells us on several different levels, in different kinds of ways about this tribal society, in
this specific environment, as it evolved into a true civilization – and the same for the mosque in
1.a), for that society and tradition. You may think of this as a direct comparison of the two
buildings, point by point, if that helps you be very clear in your answers, but you don’t need to.
2. Now look at the examples of illustrated and/or “illuminated” holy books from the two faiths (the
first two book images go together – same faith tradition – and the second two book images are
from the other cultural / faith tradition). Which pair of images (first two, or second two) are from
Islam and which are Christian? How can you tell, specifically? Connect specific traits and design
phenomena covered in class (and on the in-class test) to the information and ideas we have discussed
unique to each culture, especially it’s faith and how it adapted design traits and ideas from earlier
cultural tradition to its new needs and purposes.
