Reading Response

Reading Response: The Acropolis

After doing this past weeks reading on Ching 113-150, Roth 220-245, and Hersey the place that stuck out the most to me what that of the Acropolis.  I decided to concentrate only on it for this weeks reading response. 

The Acropolis:

By definition the Acropolis is the elevated plateau or citadel containing the principal municipal and religious buildings of a city.  The ancient citadel of Athens, the site of the Erechtheion, the Parthenon, and other temples.  It means the “top” “city”.

- Two levels for the north and east porches

- Plain opening on west wall

- Small door on south wall

- External stairs on northern side was dedicated to Zeus

- Athena is facing east

- Erechtheion was the most unusual

- Stood over a sacred spot

- Athena Nike was the smallest and least important

- Temples were for worshiping Gods

- Focal point of Panathenaia festival

- One building is the most important

- On the very top of the mountain

- Burned and destroyed by the Persians in 480 BCE

- Ideal spot for temples

- Horizontally built of stone

- Nike temple is the first element seen

- Temple for Athena Parthenos was the largest

- Located in Athens, Greece

Above: The Acropolis.

 I think that the Acropolis affects me and the design of today because of the way in which it is organized and the site that it is located on.  This is shown in so many layouts of buildings in today’s society all across the world.  Being that the most important and most powerful building is at the top and the tallest.  This can be seen on the UNCG campus in comparison to the Acropolis.  On the campus the Jackson Library tower is the tallest and most centralized building.  It brings all other buildings and the students together being that it is a place to study and do research.