Additional study: the history of architecture

I. Read and translate the text

The history of architecture aims at displaying clearly the characteristic features of the architecture of each country, by comparing the buildings of each period and by studying influences – geographical, geological, climatic, religious, social and historical – which have contributed to the formation of a particular style. The best way to learn about architecture is to study actual buildings and museums which provide excellent opportunities for examining details of style.

Architecture is the art with which we all are in daily contact for it shelters us, gives us home. Architecture is the mother of the arts of sculpture, painting and other decorative crafts. Architectural styles fall naturally into several groups: styles beginning in Egypt and Assyria and styles of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Ancient American and Saracen architecture.

The natural materials such as timber, brick, clay and stone, largely determine the character of Egyptian architecture. The gigantic scale which distinguishes Egyptian architecture was made possible not only by the materials but also by the methods of quarrying, transporting and raising enormous blocks of stone into position. Egyptian architecture is characterized by massive walls and close-spaced columns.

European architecture up to this period may be divided into three main types: the Greek style, the Roman style, The Gothic Style. The chief mineral wealth of Greece was in her marble – the most beautiful and monumental of all building materials. In addition to marble the Romans could quarry terracotta, stone and brick which they used even for important buildings.

II. Give translation of the following words and phrases:

To compare (v), particular (adj), to shelter (v), decorative crafts, gigantic scale, to distinguish (v), quarrying, transporting and raising enormous blocks of stone into position, massive walls and close-spaced columns, marble(n), terracotta.

III. Answer the questions

1. What aims at displaying the characteristic features of the architecture of each country?

2. What influences does the history of architecture study?

3. What is the best way to learn about architecture?

4. What is architecture?

5. How do architectural styles fall naturally?

6. What natural materials determine the character of Egyptian architecture?

7. How is Egyptian architecture characterized?

8. How may European architecture up to this period be divided?

9. What was the chief mineral wealth of Greece?

IV. Complete the sentences

1. The history of architecture aims at…

2. The best way to learn about architecture is to ….

3. Architecture is the art with which …

4. Architectural styles fall naturally into several groups …

5. … largely determine the character of Egyptian architecture.

6. The gigantic scale was made possible not only by the materials but …

7. … is characterized by massive walls and close-spaced columns.

8. European architecture up to this period may be divided …

9. …the most beautiful and monumental of all building materials.

V. Find in the text information about:

• The history of architecture;

• Egyptian architecture

• European architecture

VI. Put all kids of questions to the following sentences:

• The best way to learn about architecture is to study actual buildings and museums

• Architectural styles fall naturally into several groups.

• Egyptian architecture is characterized by massive walls and close-spaced columns.

• The chief mineral wealth of Greece was in her marble.

VII. Retell the text