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Sustainable architecture emphasizes reducing the consumption of natural resources, and in some places, water is a finite resource. Designing buildings that are sustainable enough to meet LEED Standards means that efficient plumbing, low pressure fixtures, rainwater harvesting and reclamation of runoff techniques will need to be implemented to reduce the amount of water that goes to waste. Water treatment and distribution require energy, so reducing water consumption can also decrease the amount of energy required to supply and treat water. As a result, this makes a building more energy-efficient.

Sustainable materials often have lower carbon footprints and less environmental degradation compared to conventional options. They are usually sourced locally to reduce the overall environmental impact of a building’s construction and maintenance. Materials like high end insulation, locally sourced stone or brick, and recycled metal can increase the sustainability of a building because less energy will have to be generated. Higher end insulation will improve the thermal performance of a building which will reduce the need for heating or cooling systems making the building more efficient.

Brownfield sites are previously developed factories that are now underused or abandoned, often due to contamination or neglect. Redeveloping these areas contributes to the preservation of undeveloped, greenfield land. This reduces urban sprawl while also protecting natural habitats and agricultural areas. Redeveloping abandoned and neglected factories typically involves cleaning up polluted or degraded land. This can reduce environmental hazards which include soil contamination, water pollution, and air quality issues. Redevelopment of these areas can restore ecosystems to their former glory. Brownfield development can also support the gentrification of urban areas.

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Photo 1 (top left) represents a building with balance because it is completely symmetrical. Also the stone used for the facade on the first floor is darker than the stone used on the upper floors. Also there are balconies for the apartment all the way on the left and right and in the middle of the second floor. Also there is darker stone on the sides of the building which makes it look very strong and stable. When people walk by and look at this building they will feel that it is very balanced.

Photo 2 (upper right) represents hierarchy because there is only one balcony for the apartment in the center of the building on the third floor. This probably means that this apartment on the third floor with the balcony is the most valuable because the owners would be able to show off that they have a balcony. Also there is a penthouse apartment which is probably owned by someone who is pretty wealthy. Both the penthouse apartment and the balcony show seniority. The entrance to the building is also in the center of it below all of the stone carvings. If I had to guess there is probably a very fancy lobby in this building compared to others.

Photo 3 (bottom middle) represents rhythm because there is a lot of repetition and patterns. For example in the middle and on the far left and right of the building there are intricate stone carvings surrounding the windows. On the second and third floors of the building there are balconies. In addition, there are intricate stone carvings around the windows and on each floor they are different. These elements make the building dynamic and harmonious.

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There are distinct differences in the history and culture of Rome/Lazio and Florence/Tuscany which can be seen in the architecture and society of the various regions. First, Rome is the Capital of the Roman Empire and Catholic Church. Its culture emphasizes power and prestige and religious significance and the architecture reflects this. Florence, on the other hand, is from medieval times, the 13th to 15th century after the Roman Empire collapsed, and it represents creativity and artistic expression. The culture of Florence is very much tied to the arts. Rome is much more of a bustling city and Florence seems more relaxed with a focus on art and education.

Walking through Rome and visiting iconic structures such as St. Peter’s Basilica, The Coliseum and The Pantheon, I was reminded that these structures are a symbol of the history of the region. The large scale and intricate details represent power and religious importance. The gold and decoration of St. Peter’s Basilica, the huge scale of the Coliseum, and incredible engineering of the Pantheon leave spectators in awe. Rome’s historical importance shines through its “blingy” style.

In contrast, Florence is more simple and understated but still beautiful. Its architecture is detailed and elegant rather than being about size and flashiness. Florence’s medieval roots emphasize artistic detail and creativity which is represented in the design of the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. The architecture of the Santa Maria Novella is also an example of medieval times in which its iconic marble facade, the pointed arches and high ceilings are reflective of the time period.

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The Pantheon in Rome is a masterpiece that is one of the greatest Roman engineering feats, making it a great case for its inclusion as the 8th Wonder of the World. The pantheon’s engineering and architectural achievements are absolutely mind boggling, especially when it was built more than 2,000 years ago. The structure features the worlds largest dome that is not reinforced. The dome has a diameter of approximately 43 meters. This feat has been unmatched by any concrete dome since the Pantheon was built because most of the bigger domes constructed in modern times are made from lighter materials. The Romans were able to construct a dome this big (43m) by using an unconventional type of concrete compared to what is used today. This concrete featured volcanic ash in its recipe which made the concrete lighter. Also, this type of concrete hardens even more over time. Also as the dome gets higher the concrete layer decreased in thickness to keep the higher parts of the dome as light as possible. At the top of the dome there is an oculus which has a diameter of 27 feet. The oculus is an essential structural part of The Pantheon because it reduces the weight of the ceiling while providing triangulation.

In terms of the design of The Pantheon, it reflects the glory and the comprehensiveness of the Roman Empire. The Pantheon was originally built as a temple for all of the Roman gods. The interior space is designed for people to inspire awe. The oculus in the center of the dome is the only source of natural light. The oculus is a symbolic link between heaven and earth. This allows the sunlight to light up the interior space in unusual ways.

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Three examples I’ve noticed in ways that the Greeks and Romans influenced design in the western world are using columns, using an unbelievable amount of marble and using arches to support structures. The Romans and Greeks used lots of columns to support their structures. Most of the structures we have seen over the past two days use columns for structural and aesthetic reasons. In America and on Elon’s campus columns are used for the same reasons but more so for aesthetics. Throughout my childhood I’ve seen columns being used on the inside of older buildings to make their interiors more visually appealing, especially in New York City for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I’ve also realized that the use of marble comes from the Romans and the Greeks as well. For a long time I loved the way that marble looks on almost anything. In America we use marble on kitchen countertops, floors, sculptures, and on the facade of buildings. In America marble has been used for centuries for famous sculptures, buildings, and monuments. Marble is also used because it gives buildings a historical sense of connection and prestige. Marble also gives buildings a type of beauty and elegance that are both timeless. For example there is a lot of marble used inside the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C.

In America we follow the Romans and the Greeks by using arches to support structures such as buildings and bridges. America recognized that one could use arches to build stronger and more stable structures. Arches distribute weight more evenly which allows individuals to build larger and more durable buildings without the need for massive supporting walls. For example, the New York government took inspiration from the Romans and Greeks because the Henry Hudson Bridge is an arch bridge along with many others.

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While in Europe I would like to learn more about the Roman Empire and how they conquered so much land. I would also like to try French cuisine because I have never been to France. I would also love to go to Monaco and walk the Formula 1 circuit. I want to be able to draw a French chateau when I get back to the US. Lastly, I really want to learn more about the Roman Coliseum because it was the first “sports venue” that was famous and also what the Roman Empire did inside of it.

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Koury Business center is my favorite building on campus because it is where I spend most of my time being a business major. First, it has a very open floor plan. Most of the first floor is very open and the foyer reminds me of an old cathedral in some ways because the main hallway and the foyer have very high ceilings. Also from the exterior I notice that there are columns which give the building lots of presence. From the way that the building is designed I noticed that it is balanced and there is hierarchy as well. In addition there is a dome which allows lots of natural light to come into the building.