Date of Graduation

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Architecture

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Architecture

Advisor/Mentor

Shannon, Jeff

Committee Member/Reader

Herman, Greg

Committee Member/Second Reader

McComas, William

Abstract

This paper will outline and detail an investigation into religious Greco-Roman structures of antiquity through the lens of anthropomorphism. Through defining anthropomorphism, three lenses of thought have presented themselves as means of inquiry: metaphor, scale and proportion, and ergonomics. Previous research into these structures and cultures has shown that there was indeed consideration for the human body in designing in construction; this project hopes to solidify these claims and present new supporting information regarding specific relationships to the body using anthropomorphism. Many contemporary buildings approach the relationship to the human body as a mask or an afterthought, disregarding what reflecting the human body can do. This inquiry looks back to the foundations of western architecture to show the importance of this rationale and what we have moved away from, as well as specific points detailing how to achieve and repeat this thinking. Most notably, a relationship between average heights of females and males during relevant periods in history and the height of feminine and masculine columns in temples have been discovered. This information could reframe the mindset of antiquity as well as the approach to contemporary architecture. I anticipate this discovery to represent the creation of new knowledge.

Keywords

Anthropomorphism; Architecture; Religious; Greco-Roman; Ancient

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