Architectural Forms in the Computer Age Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Architectural Forms in the Computer Age - Essay Example More evidently it has resulted in the translation of complex geometrical forms into architectural designs. This can be perceived by observing the innovative and complex forms that the later buildings predominantly adopt. As seen by Bart Lootsma (Zellner 1999), "instead of trying to validate conventional architectural thinking in a different realm, our strategy today should be to infiltrate architecture with other media and disciplines to produce a new crossbreed." Computational design processes is characterized by flexibility, speed, precision and the fact that it allows one to clearly visualize the forms and spaces with the help of animation and rendering. Hence the use of computer technology in architecture is highly rewarding and leads to solutions for a number of issues. The common most positive outcome is that it has become increasingly easier to conceptualize complex geometrical forms and perform various calculations upon it to generate a design that can be practically executed. The technology also allows performing complex structural and environmental calculations with the output data giving precise information regarding the building's performance in various aspects. Further, the modification s and improvements in design have become extremely rapid and it has become highly convenient to transfer or share data and information between the team members of a project, at times sitting across the globe. This technology also offers great precision as compared to manual work. The word 'Digital architecture' refers to the architecture that is generated with this kind of high end computer technology. Such architecture does not only deal with the designing of forms but also with the construction and fabrication of the building on site with the use of computers. This essay explains and describes the computational architectural technology in the digital age through design process, design analysis and building construction process of some recent projects. The role of CAD-CAM It is only since the last few years that the Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) have began influencing the field of architecture. Realizing of complex and geometrical shapes became possible with the inception of this technology. This has helped in realizing possibility to design and construct buildings which seemed to be difficult and expensive when designed in the traditional manner. Note the below placed images of the Empire State building and the millennium tower in Tokyo, the former resembles the architecture of non-digital age as in 1930s. These forms predominantly rely upon repetitive geometry to achieve structural stability. The latter is a product of digitally generated form with the geometry that changes with its height. This is precisely controlled with computed calculations. The design of the digitally evolved form is more complex geometry and depends primarily upon its form for its structural stability rather than it's mass. The present essay discusses the use of computer technology in some of the advanced buildings designed by Foster and Associates. The digital architecture

To what extent had a middling class emerged in Britain by 1832 Essay

To what extent had a middling class emerged in Britain by 1832 - Essay Example The nobility controlled political and economic power in Britain whilst the commoners formed the working class. The Industrial Revolution was however based on the potential to make wealth and control estates. Due to the possibility of commoners becoming successful in business or in industrial affairs, a significant proportion of members of this class became wealthy and developed a different social life. Gradually, the noble class accepted a distinct social class of commoners who were able to wield a lot of influence and could not be considered like the destitute paupers. This culminated in the Reform Bill of 1832 which recognised the middle class3. However, it is apparent that a lot of transformation occurred in the period prior to 1832, which ushered in the need to recognise the 'middle class' as a distinct social grouping in England. This paper will study the period circa 1780 to 1832 to ascertain the important elements and aspects of the emergence of the British middle class. This paper will establish a historiography of the British middle class and its beginnings. Fundamental Debates Basically, the British society before the mid-eighteenth century was mainly ran by the nobility who formed a top tier of the society4. This include people from noble births and this was in sync with the teachings of Medieval times that kings and nobles had the divine right to rule over communities. In examining the pre-Industrial revolution period, Carmadine goes further to trace the different classes back to the Civil War and Great Rebellion which ushered Britain from an era of serfdom to a period where things were shaped in a capitalist manner5. However, by the mid-1700s, the British isles was basically agrarian. And this allowed the aristocracy to maintain an oligopoly over matters in the country. Wealth was strongly connected to the distribution and control of land and this allowed the aristocracy to have a great dominion over the way things were done in Britain6. Then came the Industrial Revolution which transformed the economy significantly and had an effect on the way things were done. This caused the society to be based more on wealth and money rather than just an agrarian system which was tied to beliefs and acceptance of nobility. The discussion on the growth of the middle class in Britain is based on some important factors that can be examined in order to justify why the society changed. From research, it is identified that two fundamental schools of thoughts exist to explain why and how the middle class evolved in the late 1700s to take over from the status quo. The first idea is based on the premise that the middle class evolved as a challenge to the aristocracy that existed and held an oligopoly over things. Under this argument, it is said that there was the need to liberalize and recognize the middle class and this caused the changes that culminated in the Reform Bill of 1832. The second school of thought identified that the middle class evo lved directly from the wealthy industrialists who made the best of opportunities that came with urbanisation, industrialisation and the growth of capital through investments. This group became significantly powerful that they were able to rise up and effect changes. Due to this, the aristocracy had no choice but to recognise them. The Economic Evolutionary School of Thought. This school of thought identifies that the gradual economic strength that some members of the old proletariat society acquired after

Music Education for Chinese Pupils Dissertation - 1

Music Education for Chinese Pupils - Dissertation Example Chinese music has evolved since ancient times under the influence of religious, philosophical and ideological doctrines (Reimer, 1989). In Confucian treatises the concept of the cosmological nature of the music was developed, its social and political role was highlighted. Music in Confucianism was regarded as one of the means of governance, as well as a significant factor in educating people and in achieving social harmony. According to the ideas of Taoism, the music was to facilitate the natural expression of psycho-emotional reactions of man, its fusion with nature. The school music education, which was developed during one of the most complex, saturated with global cataclysms, the period in the history of the country, gradually became a public system, marked by both significant achievements and serious shortcomings. Nowadays the assessments of achievements of challenges facing China’s school education are prerequisites for successful reform. Music became a compulsory subject in secondary schools of China in 1912. In accordance with the suggestions for the educational course of the country, made by Education Minister Tsai Yuanpey (1912), the role of arts education plays the significant role in shaping the personality, thus, particular attention should be paid to music teaching in secondary schools. This document determined a new status of the given subject. The lessons of music education ceased to be selective subject and moved into the category of compulsory in both junior and secondary schools (Mingyue, 1985). Further development of mus ic education in the Chinese school was influenced by the Movement of May 4, 1919, which was initiated by the university intelligentsia.

Explain how the closer relations with Hitler Essay Example for Free

Explain how the closer relations with Hitler Essay Mussolini’s closer relations with Hitler certainly contributed to their defeat in the Second World War. It was because of Germany that Italy felt pressured to join the war in the first place. The scale of the German victories of the autumn of 1939 and the early summer of 1940 stimulated Mussolini’s greed. There was now the prospect of large rewards if Italy joined the war on Germany’s side. It appeared that the war would soon be won by Germany. It was, therefore, imperative to ‘assist’ Germany before the opportunity to gain economically and territorial gains from the war was lost. He feared being isolated in a German dominated Europe. Militarily, Germany was not a trustworthy ally. Mussolini pushed ahead with the ‘parallel war’ despite the fact that Germany was unlikely to co-operate with Italian desire for French colonies. Hitler was unwilling to hand France’s North African colonies to Italy, preferring to leave them and the French Med fleet under the puppet Vichy regime to ensure the latter’s permanent collaboration. Furthermore, Italy attacked Greece in 1940, interestingly in part because the Greek government was too friendly to Germany for Mussolinis liking. It could also be said that the German Italian Alliance contributed to the Italian’s failure in North Africa. Hitler’s priority became the Russian Front which involved drawing off German troops and supplies from North Africa. This sealed Italy’s fate. The German alliance had a poor economic effect on Italy as well. The regime had given little thought to the problem of large-scale armaments production during war time, with strategic materials, notably coal and iron ore, having to be imported from Germany and German occupied territories. Despite the pre-war policy of encouraging autarky, the Italian economy was far from self-sufficient in 1940. There was a 35% decrease in industrial production and a 25% reduction in agriculture as peasants were being conscripted. This led to a fall of 20% in Italian steel production between 1940 and 1942, with result that losses, particularly in tanks and aircraft, could not be replaced. As war began to go badly for the Axis, the Germans became increasingly reluctant to divert such scarce resources to their ineffectual Italian allies. This put further strain on the already over-stretched Italian economy. Furthermore, the German alliance only increased the disillusionment the Italian people felt towards the war. The German alliance had always been unpopular, illustrated by Grandi’s comment of July, 1943: â€Å"You believe that you have the devotion of the people†¦You lost it the day you tied Italy to Germany. † Elements within the Fascist Party, the army, the Vatican and the Royal Household began considering alternatives culminating in the July coup of 1943. On 8th September, 1943, Italy’s new government officially surrendered to the Allies. The Germans, however, occupied North Italy and delayed final victory for the next 18 months. To conclude, the German alliance was detrimental to Italy’s war effort and contributed greatly to their loss.

Independent Man :: essays papers

Independent Man1 Growing up in a dysfunctional family is a hard thing for a child to endure. As a child my classmates and I lived average lives. On occasion I would hear stories, from friends at school, how "dysfunctional" their families were. It was not until my sophomore year of high school that I had a friend that was from a dysfunctional family. Through my best friend I learned that growing up in a dysfunctional family builds a child’s personality in numerous positive ways. I saw, in James Smith, that being raised in a dysfunctional family made him an independent man. James was born and raised in Houston, Texas. At a young age James’ parents divorced. Due to the divorce James has two younger half brothers. One from each biological parent and their second spouse. The older of the two brothers is 16 and serving time in a state correctional facility for boys because of burglary charges. The younger of the two is about 9 years old and lives with James’ estranged ex-stepmother. James’ biological father is very ill with the HIV virus and James is unsure of his health or where he currently lives. James worries if his father is well or even still alive. His mother and stepfather, whom he lived with until he was 12, are currently trying to kick their heroine addiction. Throughout the 20 years of James’ life he has lived with multiple family members and a friend, which is I. He currently, has a two-bedroom apartment, in a very exclusive area of Houston, with a co-worker. James has been working at Compaq Computer Corp. for almost a year. He works 40 to 48 hour weeks as a computer technician earning $14.50 due to his vast knowledge in the computer field. James is a very unique person. He is 5’5 and weights about 150 lbs. making him slightly stout. His jolly round face is set on his manila colored skin. While accompanied by hair, as brown as the wet sand on a beach, cut in a military style. However when it gets long it curls and resembles a shaggy dog. The whites of his mocha brown eyes have a blue tint to them as a result of James having Osteoporosis. A past leg injury has left him with a slight stagger when he jogs or runs. When he walks he always seems to keep his hand right at his sides.

Lagos, Nigeria :: essays research papers

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria. In 1989 the population was 1,274,000. It is still growing immensely as we speak. It is the former capital of Nigeria. It is located on the Gulf of Guinea. It occupies four islands(Lagos, Ikoyi, Victoria, and Ido). Lagos is Nigeria's largest city. It is the administrative and economic center of Lagos and also its main port. Main Industries include railroad repair, motor vehicle assembly, food processing, and the manufacture of metal products, textiles, beverages, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, soap, and furniture. The city is a road and railroad center and has an international airport. In Lagos, education is usually private. There are both Boarding Schools and Home schooling and both cost a lot of money. Public Schools are not that common in Lagos like they are here. The main source of transportation in Lagos is Buses and â€Å"tracks." Tracks are a simple version of street cars. In Lagos, power failures, water-supply interruptions and traffic jams is very common due to the huge population. Pollution is a very serious problem because of the surrounding lagoons have been used as dumps for the past few years and the increase in factories and cars. There are many national institutions located in Lagos, among them are the National Museum, the National Library, the University of Nigeria, and the University of Lagos. Brief History The Portuguese, was the first to visit Lagos in 1472. It was later established as a slave-trading center. The area was under the rule of the Kingdom of Benin from the late-16th to the mid-19th century then in 1861. It was later taken over by the British.

Book Review.. Law and Society

Slavery, Law and Society in the British Windward Islands 1763-1823 September 29, 2011 Lecturer: Dawn M. McNeil Reviewed by Natasha Stewart DR BERNARD MARSHALL (2007) SLAVER, LAW AND SOCIETY Published by Arawak Publications ISBN 976 8189 81 9 (hbk) ISBN 976 8189 27 4 (pbk) One of the most important courses that are required for matriculation into law school is â€Å"law and society†. This is due to the fact that this course covers interaction between Law and Society from a historical, economical, political, sociological perspective of Caribbean societies, from primitive to transitional and also modern societies. It incorporates trends of law enforcement as well as current social and technological changes that influence society. It is premised on the fact that law has a critical function in all forms of social conduct. Though not the exact words of lecture McNeil, they were enough to help me to understand the importance of this course. Therefore upon her instructions to review the book â€Å"Slavery Law and Society†, I was most enthused, as I intended to read with an objective that would allow me to understand more about the laws of slavery and their impacts, the composition of society and to compare it with the society we have today. As I thought that this would allow me to be understanding of this course of study. My attention was also naturally drawn to the author Bernard Marshal, as I think he did a great job in compiling this case study. Nonetheless, I feel privilege to know that my review o this book will ultimately make it better, while giving me knowledge of a society that I fortunately escaped. The book slavery law and society is a comparative study, which looks at the political, economical, legal and social life of a majority black population, a minority white population and a relatively large amount of free colored in St Vincent, Tobago, Dominica, Grenada and the Grenadines between the years 1763 to 1823. This period marks a relevant and vital time in the history of the Caribbean and the importance of these Windward Islands to French and British economy. These two European nations stood in constant conflict over wealth and ownership of these islands. Thus building our understanding of how Caribbean history in these islands was developed. Bernard Marshall assessed the relationship between different groups in society, with special attention placed on the enslaved population who were in constant resistance of slavery, especially the maroons. Throughout the sixty years of slavery, many writers have analyzed the nature of slavery in some of the more popular Caribbean islands, however it must be noted that this book is the first to help with understanding the nature of the slave system in these four important communities. At a time when slavery and plantation ownership was very important to the economic success of the planter class, the nature of the slave society was examined and critiqued in this study. Special emphasis was placed the political, social, religious, economic and legal organizations of these islands. Nonetheless there was decline which brought into question, the importance of a seemingly redundant enslaved population. Bernard however, presents a harsh historical reality, which was seen in the most inhumane activities meted out to mankind, which is the trans-Atlantic slave trade. During that period the establishment of sugar plantations required purchasing of land, plantation buildings, equipment and upkeep of one’s own labour force which translated into large expenditures: for example a sugar estate in St Vincent that contained 442 acres was 74,035 pounds. Funds were secured to purchase such an estate from the mercantile houses in the metropolis. When the economy declined and prices paid for crops were reduced, many planters defaulted on their loans and went bankrupt. This period saw many such declines and loss for planters, whether for economic reasons or as a direct result of the many revolts that were carefully planned and executed by the slaves seeking freedom and social status. To date the Caribbean is very familiar to almost everyone, due to the contributions of historians, sociologists, lecturers and legal scholars. Nonetheless, only this writer has sought to give a comparative analysis of these communities as they are generally ignored in most readings of Caribbean history, though same were the experiences of these islands in the era of slavery. The role of law was carefully examined and most importantly, its relationship with economic, political and social life of persons in these communities. Marshall’s study provides adequate insight into the society of slavery in an ignored area of the Caribbean history. It must be noted that while the whips and the other physical brutal methods of control were deemed effective to control the slave population. A critique of religion was also evident as it was used as an effective form of social control which made the slaves subservient to their masters. The book is mostly viewed from a Marxist perspective; therefore the function of law was an instrument of the ruling class. This authority created an exploited Caribbean society by colonial rule whose authority was justified by the existing political and judicial precedents created by them and used to keep the â€Å"less fortunate† Africans and free coloured in check. Marshall showed how the law worked in favour of the ruling class, those who owned the means of production. This aspect of Marshal’s analysis can be compared to present day societies, where preference is given to the â€Å"big man†. Law is a coercive order†¦.. the norms which form a legal order must be norms stipulating a coercive act, e. g. a sanction, the evil applied to the violator of the order when sanction is socially organized, consists in a deprivation of possessions- life, health, freedom or property. As the possessions are taken from him against his will, this sanction has the character of the measure of coercion; a social order that seeks to bring about the desired behavior of individuals by the enactment of such measures of coercion is called a coercive order. The laws of the islands recognized the owner’s right to his property in the slave, and protected right from violation by others†. Therefore various acts were passed to govern the every movement of slaves. (Slave laws of 1768) In an attempt by the minority white to ensure social stability, laws were designed to push actions such as rebellions, robbery, running away, arson etc, the actions were severely punished, in fact, dealt was the ultimate. The responsibility of punishment was given to the police, who ensured that laws were upheld. The law was therefore seen as a weapon of social control that worked in the interest of the minority white population. It was used to dehumanized the African population in a most barbaric and unthinkable way. The ruling class fashioned its own brand of social engineering to support a system of racial inequality and exploitation. In the period between 1763-1773, Great Britain acquired what was well known as the British Windward islands. An economy which was initially based on the production and trade of cocoa, coffee, spice and tobacco was now changed into one based on sugar production. This lead to the immediate migration of white owners who could not compete with the emerging sugar industry and influx of slaves. this lead to a cultural change of the society into that of which was centered around the sugar industry, slavery and a dominating planter class. â€Å"The history of slavery in the British Windward islands indisobly and extricably linked to the expansion of the sugar industry. Ever since 1773, sugar had gained a position of first rate importance in the plantation economy. A position which it maintained throughout the period of this study, to almost the total neglect of other kinds of economic activities. For instance, in St. Vincent after 1773, tobacco cultivation was carried out by the Black Caribs only, and following their expulsion in 1797 it was most likely to be abandoned. Report from the island in 1788 also revealed that the culture of coffee and cocoa was being neglected by planters†. This aspect of history saw decline in the economy of these islands due to revolts by slaves and other economic reasons such as cut off of trade with America, knowing that this trade with America was vital to the survival of plantation economy. In Grenada and St. Vincent, production level fell, while prices also declined presenting famine in these islands. French rule played a significant role in the losses suffered by these islands. Nonetheless, the treaty of Versailles gave back to Britain these islands. British were well interested in the American rum and liquor, which were relatively cheap and affordable, thus inviting the interest of the British to trade for a profit in their market. The economy suffered extreme effects of war, of which the planter class was seemingly unaware. Through Marshall’s theses, revelation was made of economic politics which resulted in revolts of the whites, mullatos and slaves. Slave rebellion in Tobago between the years 1770 and 1773 saw 80 whites killed. These revolts were influenced by other revolutionary wars, such as French Revolution, American Revolution and enlightenment thinkers. Passive and submissive behaviors were thought to the slaves by Christian missionaries. In a report submitted to the Privy Council in 1788 it was asserted that â€Å"if they (the slaves) receive punishment for misdemeanors, though they might seem too severe, the brethren have no business to interfere† this policy was perused by the Moravian Brethren in Tobago. In addition, they preached the virtues of obedience, submission and diligence to their converts and by doing so they made a fairly significant contribution to the maintenance and stability of the slave society. The brethren had no choice than to adapt to these policies of the planters, since their focus should be on conversion of the heathen to Christianity. Failure to comply would result in them being forced to leave the islands. When in 1799 Brother Schirmer’s went to say the last word to a slave who was about to be executed, this was what he said: â€Å"Though God is merciful and gracious and forgives repenting sinners, yet he also executes his vengeance against those who persist in sin and commit iniquity with greediness and has authorized the powers he had established in the world, to do the same. Even after the abolition of slave trade in 1807 the lives of slaves still had no value to the planter class. The inferiority of Negro slavery was still polished in their minds, and this harsh trend has been brought down into our societies today. The thought that slave trade was abolished and slaves could now buy their freedom was a most welcomed notion by the slaves, however this was a mere dream in reality, as the price to purchase such freedom was unattainable. In St. Vincent, one slave out of every 630 gained his freedom each year; in Grenada, one out of every 408: in Dominica 1 out of every 90 and in Tobago one out of every 832. The slave society in the new world and Brazil remained fairly closed. Slave societies in the Windward Islands and other islands of the New world such as Brazil are quite similar, regardless of a few supersticial differences. Nonetheless, Marshall’s contribution to slavery in these islands is commendable a great deal of achievement, however, many generations to come, will encounter different articles on slavery. Perceptions of slavery might change in future references. However the process and nature of slavery will be the theme for many great writers, who will borrow from Marshall’s study of these Windward Island. A criticism of Marshall’s theory links it to a cohesive society with shared norms and values and similar goals and objectives. Nonetheless, this text was a well researched on, based on various references provided from other writers to substantiate information given. The relevance of this study to my course of study was what gave me the drive to continue reading Marshall’s ork. It was quite informative; on the other hand it could have been far more concise, as there was too much repetition of points that were made clear in earlier chapters. The dates though very important, were overused and at some points they were not significant, and caused me to lose focus on many occasions. A book of this nature which caters to a wide range of intellectuals, specifically uni versity students should have been vetted thoroughly to avoid spelling errors and incorrect grammar. I also found that paragraphs were exhausted and one point either overlapped into another or it was too long. Marshall’s study of these islands was somewhat limited as it could have incorporated more impacts of the outside world on these plantations, such as the rise to industrialism and enlightenment, impact of French revolution, slave actions in other Caribbean territories, works of humanitarians etc. all the aspects of slavery impacted the windward islands, but Marshall paid little attention to them. I think however that had he made relations to more similarities between these islands and other well written about Caribbean territories history of slavery, then he would attracted more authors of this school of thought to add the history of the windward islands into their writings of Caribbean history and slavery. Though I am appreciative of the fact that this study gave me extended knowledge of Caribbean history, which I very much appreciate, I think that this source was not one of the more captivating piece of Caribbean history that I have read, and if not for a specific purpose I would not be enthused to read it again. Though a local case study, the book is nevertheless an important contribution to the history of slavery in the Caribbean and in the New World in general. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Hans keelson, general theory of law and state [ 2 ]. House of commons Accounts and papers, volume xxvi,1789 [ 3 ]. Periodical accounts, volume ii: extract from brother Schirmer’s diary.