HST545 History of Interiors and Architecture I

Instructor: Richard Joncas

Final Exam Study Questions

In preparing to answer these questions, remember to include representative

buildings/interiors (with all identifying information, of course) of the historical
periods under discussion. You should show the relationship between the points you
address and the examples you use. You will not do well if you fail to examine
specific buildings and interiors relevant to your answers. Where relevant, be sure to
refer to the course text or other readings. You should also be able to demonstrate a
knowledge of the technical terms we’ve learned throughout the course. You will
have 20 minutes on the final exam to answer one of these questions.

1. The Classical Tradition: The attraction and transformation of classical ideals has
been a central theme throughout the course. Beginning with ancient Greece and
Rome we have seen how classicism provided the model for architecture and
interior design. Using Summerson’s Classical Language of Architecture as your
guide, choose two buildings/interiors representative of different historical styles
(i.e., ancient Rome, Renaissance, Baroque, or 18th century Neo-Classicism in
either England or France) to compare and contrast. How are these buildings
distinctive of Summerson’s characterization of the developments of each period?
What do they convey about the different attitudes toward classicism in each
period, and how is this evident in the way classicism is adapted to new conditions
and ideas? Conclude by indicating what relevance, if any, you think the classical
tradition has for architecture today.

2. Domestic Interiors: We have seen significant developments in interior design,

from the ancient Roman domus through to the 18th century English country house.
Select two interiors from different historical periods (e.g. Ancient, Medieval,
Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, etc.) and countries and compare and contrast the
significant elements of their interior design. Show how the interiors are
representative of the interests of their periods. What features, including
furnishings of course, characterize their design, and why? In your opinion, do
they offer contemporary opportunities for design? Do not examine religious or
other public building interiors, such as Versailles.

3. Theory: Beginning with Vitruvius’ Ten Books of Architecture, architectural

treatises played a significant role in shaping notions about design. The writings of
Alberti, Palladio and Serlio built on the ideas of Vitruvius, while during the 18th –
19th centuries Burke, Abbe Laugier, Ruskin, and Pugin each in their own way
challenged the doctrinaire classical approach to design established by these earlier
writers. Choose two theoretical writings from very different historical and
stylistic periods and characterize the impact they may have had on the formation
 of style. Describe the innovative concepts promoted in each of the writings and
their appeal to each period. Use buildings and interiors to illustrate your points.
When relevant, refer to Summerson.

4. Eclecticism: The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed the strongest challenge yet to
the dominance of classicism. Greek, Gothic, Turkish, Chinese, etc. styles
emerged as alternatives to the conventions of Roman classicism, promoting new
aesthetic theories and freedoms for the designer after 1750. Additionally, the
theoretical writings of Edmund Burke, Abbe Laugier, John Ruskin, and Augustus
Pugin helped to undermine the doctrinaire classical approach to design. Choose
two “eclectic” styles that exemplify this challenge to convention, explain why
they do so, and examine them in light of representative architectural examples and
theoretical writings. In your opinion, what impact has eclecticism had for today’s
designer?