How Is Geometry Used in Architecture

Architecture could be said to begin with geometry. Since earliest times, builders relied on imitating natural forms—like the circular Stonehenge in Britain—and then applied mathematical principles to standardize and replicate the forms. The Beginnings The Greek mathematician Euclid of Alexandria is considered the first to write down all the rules related to geometry in 300 BCE. Later, in about 20 BCE, the ancient Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius penned more rules in his De Architectura, or Ten Books on Architecture. Vitruvius is responsible for all the geometry in todays built environment—at least he was the first to write down the proportions for how structures should be constructed. Renaissance Popularity It wasnt until centuries later, during the Renaissance, that interest in Vitruvius became popular. Cesare Cesariano (1475-1543) is considered the first architect to translate Vitruvius work from Latin into Italian in about 1520 CE. Decades earlier, however, the Italian Renaissance artist and architect Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) sketched out the Vitruvian Man in his notebook, making da Vincis the iconic image imprinted onto our consciousness. The images of the Vitruvian Man are inspired by the works and writings of Vitruvius. The man portrayed represents the human being. The circles, squares, and ellipses that surround the figures are Vitruvian calculations of mans physical geometry. Vitruvius was the first to write his observations about the human body—that the symmetry of two eyes, two arms, two legs, and two breasts must be an inspiration of the gods. Models of Proportion and Symmetry Vitruvius believed that builders should always use precise ratios when constructing temples. For without symmetry and proportion no temple can have a regular plan, Vitruvius wrote. The symmetry and proportion in design that Vitruvius recommended in  De Architectura were modeled after the human body. Vitruvius observed that all human beings are shaped according to a ratio that is astonishingly precise and uniform. For example, Vitruvius found that the human face equals one-tenth of the total body height. The foot equals one-sixth of the total body height. And so on. Scientists and philosophers later discovered that the same ratio Vitruvius saw in the human body—1 to phi (ÃŽ ¦) or 1.618—exists in every part of nature, from swimming fish to swirling planets. Sometimes called a golden ratio or divine ratio, the Vitruvian divine proportion has been called the building block of all life and the hidden code in architecture. Geometry in Our Environment Sacred geometry, or spiritual geometry, is the belief that numbers and patterns such as the divine ratio have sacred significance. Many mystical and spiritual practices begin with a fundamental belief in sacred geometry. Architects and designers may draw upon concepts of sacred geometry when they choose particular geometric forms to create pleasing, soul-satisfying spaces. The following examples of geometry in the environment frequently influence architectural design. The BodyWhen studied under the microscope, living cells reveal a highly ordered system of shapes and patterns. From the double helix shape of your DNA to the cornea of your eye, every part of your body follows the same predictable patterns. Gardens The jigsaw puzzle of life is made up of recurring shapes and numbers. Leaves, flowers, seeds, and other living things share the same spiral shapes. Pine cones and pineapples, in particular, are composed of mathematical spirals. Honeybees and other insects live structured lives that mimic these patterns. When we create a floral arrangement or walk through a labyrinth we celebrate nature’s innate forms. Stones Nature’s archetypes are reflected in the crystalline forms of gems and stones. Amazingly, the patterns found in your diamond engagement ring may resemble the formation of snowflakes and the shape of your own cells. The practice of stacking stones is a primitive, spiritual activity. The SeaSimilar shapes and numbers are found beneath the sea, from the swirl of a nautilus shell to the movement of the tides. Surface waves themselves are patterned, like waves that pulse through air. Waves have mathematical properties all their own. The HeavensNature’s patterns are echoed in the movement of planets and stars and the cycles of the moon. Perhaps this is why astrology lies at the heart of so many spiritual beliefs. MusicThe vibrations we call sound follow sacred, archetypal patterns. For this reason, you may find that certain sound sequences can stimulate the intellect, inspire creativity, and evoke a deep sense of joy. The Cosmic GridStonehenge, megalithic tombs, and other ancient sites stretch across the globe along underground electromagnetic tracks or ley lines. The energy grid formed by these lines suggests sacred shapes and ratios. TheologyBest-selling author Dan Brown has made a lot of money by using the concepts of sacred geometry to weave a spell-binding tale about conspiracy and early Christianity. Browns books are pure fiction and have been hotly criticized. But even when we dismiss The Da Vinci Code as a tall tale, we cant dismiss the importance of numbers and symbols in religious faith. Concepts of sacred geometry are expressed in the beliefs of Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and other formal religions. Geometry and Architecture From the pyramids in Egypt to the new World Trade Center tower in New York City, great architecture uses the same essential building blocks as your body and all living things. In addition, the principles of geometry are not confined to great temples and monuments. Geometry shapes all buildings, no matter how humble. Believers say that when we recognize geometric principles and build upon them, we create dwellings that comfort and inspire. Perhaps this is the idea behind the architects conscious use of divine proportion like  Le Corbusier did for the United Nations building.

Teen Pregnancy - 1426 Words

Introduction Teen pregnancy is often unplanned and challenging for the future life of mother and child. The increase risk of health problems for both mother and baby occur during teen pregnancy. Teen pregnancy impacts adolescent development in all aspects: physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. Negative consequences result from teen pregnancy include: low income, increased school dropout rates, lower educational levels, and increased rates of substance abuse (Garwood, Gerassi, Reid, Plax Drake, 2015). Risk factors of teen pregnancy lead to risky behaviors that increase the likelihood of teen pregnancy. Primary risk factors for teen pregnancy include: poverty, low socioeconomic status, limited maternal education†¦show more content†¦Interventions have shown to address issues related to adolescent sexual behavior such as reducing sexual partners, reducing unprotected sexual intercourse and decreasing teen pregnancy. Healthy Teen Transition is a teen outreach program, it is an intervention program that is offered in schools, after school programs and community settings. Healthy Teen Transitions teen outreach program overall goal is to help adolescents build relationships with supportive adults, build interpersonal skills and critical thinking. In efforts that adolescents will develop a positive view of their future through various opportunities and experiences while in the program (Walsh et al, 2016). Physical Development According to researchers Patel Sen (2012), teen pregnancy can result in severe physical health issues. Researchers conducted a study that examined the physical and mental health outcomes associated with teen pregnancy. Teen mothers were reported to have the poorest health of all women examined in the study. Teen mothers’ poor health may be linked to lack of education in prenatal and postnatal care. Teen mothers may neglect their own physical health in efforts to care for their child. Teen mothers’ physical health problems may be linked to lack of financial resources for adequate food, nutrition, and medication (Patel Sen, 2012). There has been little research that has examined teen pregnancy and theShow MoreRelatedTeen Pregnancy1023 Words   |  5 PagesDoes access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy? Adolescent pregnancies remain a concern in public health worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that annually about 16 million girls between 15 and 19 give birth. Indeed, in many countries policies and programs are developed and implemented for the prevention of teen pregnancy and reduction of risks and consequences it might cause. 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There are otherRead MoreEffects Of Teen Pregnancy On Teens1643 Words   |  7 PagesEvery teen has dream about how they want to graduate from high school and then go to college, but some teens are not willing to take the challenge. Some of these teens want to drop out of high school and other teens want to keep furthering their education. For some there are obstacle that life throw at them to be able to accomplish their goals. Earning an education is challenging enough, but when there is a teen parent trying to finish their education it becomes more difficult than it would beRead MoreTeenage Pregnancy And Teen Pregnancy905 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"16 and Pregnant†/ â€Å"Teen Mom† Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy? (Agree/Promote) When it comes to the topic of do TV shows like â€Å"16 and Pregnant† and â€Å"Teen Mom† promote or discourage teenage pregnancy, most of us will readily agree that it in fact does promote teenage pregnancy. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of how does this promote teenage pregnancy. Whereas some are convinced that it promotes teenage pregnancy through the fame some of the young couples haveRead MoreThe Effects Of Teen Pregnancy On Teens978 Words   |  4 Pagesare getting younger in age, and the birth rate is rising higher. Mississippi has the highest birth rates in teen pregnancy, and has held this title for the past few years. This problem has had such a rise to fame because this is a problem that can be prevented. Parents and communities should take action to help lower the teen pregnancy birth rate in Mississippi. Since the birth rate in teens is so high that means there is more need of government assistance. This becomes such a problem in states because

Taking the Risk Why It Matters free essay sample

What does taking a risk mean? It means stepping out of your comfort zone, and at times doing new things even if it terrifies you. One of the greatest risks I have ever taken was auditioning for my high schools fall play. Not only am I a person who has no performance experience, but I also stutter. The thought of performing in front of a large auditorium full of people terrified me. The reason I decided to audition was because I wanted to try something new and get involved in my schools theater program. On the day of the auditions, there was also a special acting workshop meant to warm us up. I walked into to the auditorium, and set my backpack down. I looked around and saw about twenty people, calmly getting ready. Soon we began special acting exercises such as the Machine where one person begins a motion and a sound, and others add on. We will write a custom essay sample on Taking the Risk: Why It Matters or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Then we split into partners to rehearse parts from the play. I was incredibly anxious. After I delivered some of the lines my thespian line partner said Oh and I noticed you were stuttering. Was that for dramatic effect or do you really stutter? I was speechless. When it came time to audition, I was feeling apprehensive. I was put into a group of five and paired up with a person for a scene out of the play. I stood on a piece of faux parquet floor, left from the latest play, surrounded by the pitch black walls of the drama performance center. Across from me the director and two of his assistants sat in metal chairs like a jury about to deliver its final verdict. Needless to say I was really worried about making a good impression on the director. In the scene I played the role of a male painter disguised as a woman, because he had faked his own death in order to gain millions. The comedic effect of the scene was enhanced by the fact that my scene partner was playing an evil picture dealer bent on marrying me (the woman). We said our lines and, amazingly, I didnt stutter. Nevertheless it was awkward pretending to try and seduce a guy. Then the director had us switch roles and I played the evil picture dealer. We went through it several times, and finally the audition was over. I was so relieved, not to mention embarrassed. I left the audition thinking Well that was a flop, but hey it was a good experience, and I can always do crew. The next Monday I got a call. I had made the play. I was cast as the King of France. I was ecstatic. It was a lot fun doing the play, and it did really well. It was clear to me: My stuttering couldnt prevent me from doing the things I wanted to do, and that taking risks (even if they embarrass you) is well worth the time and effort.

Speech Class Essays - Nonverbal Communication, Gesture, Actio

Speech Class I am one of those who suffer from butterflies, that uncomfortable feeling in my chest and stomach, before speaking in public. This is not only a problem for myself, but it is also a common fear and a concern for many people. My purpose is to denounce a few dynamics I feel have helped me to become a more effective speaker and to manage my butterflies. I will prove to you that strong body language makes ideas and feelings more clear, vigorous and engaging. First, I will show how eye contact unconsciously engages the audience. Second, I will prove that vocal emphasis is the key to a vigorous speech. Third, I will confirm that gestures reinforce the ideas of the speech, making the speech clearer to the audience. I am able to tell how well my audience is engaging through eye contact. Eye contact is not achieved by looking out the window, at the ceiling or floor, or at notes too often. Good eye contact does not mean looking over the heads of people or moving quickly from face to face, or even picking out and speaking mainly to one member of the audience who seems interested. Rather, eye contact means looking into the eyes of a member of the audience and holding the gaze for a moment or two and then looking at other members of the audience in the same way. Through eye contact a sense of interaction is enhanced. I have learned through presenting my speeches that eye contact allows me to get to know and appreciate my audience as individuals, as they are given an opportunity to get to know and appreciate me. By means of eye contact, I am able to make ideas and feelings more clear. I am able to determine if I am being understood. I can detect signs of interest or lack of comprehension. I feel that I must eye the audience to really engage communication. Our voices naturally convey feeling. When we suppress our emotions or exert strong will power to control our actions, our voice reflects such activity. We may appear calm and even manage a smile, but there is edginess to our voice that shows the tenseness. An effective voice reflects the speaker's true feelings about the idea. A voice that reflects the speaker's personal involvement is generally vigorous. According to Wilbur E. Gilman, a graduate of Queens College of the City University of New York and author of The Fundamentals of Speaking, the speaker who develops the skills to control his voice gives his words richer and fuller meanings, makes his ideas clearer and more emphatic, brings out contrast in thought, expresses a variety of feelings, heightens his climaxes and total effect. Hypothetically speaking, a moving object always attracts attention. This principle is true in public speaking in the sense that a speaker can always count on moving his vocal emphasis by lowering or r aising his voice to help him gain or hold the audience's attention. Vocal emphasis is valuable for punctuating the speech and providing variety. I feel that the effective voice is vibrant, forceful, and varied. A voice that is alive is filled with the excitement and enthusiasm, which the speaker feels. In Franklin Roosevelt's fireside chats, I can see the importance of vocal emphasis. Roosevelt's speaking on the radio seemed spontaneous and intimate, as though he was in the living room with his listening audience. Therefore, I feel that through modulating my voice, I am able to establish the mood I want and my ideas efficiently. Gestures reinforce the ideas of the speech and as a result add clarity to the speech. Gestures should be kept simple and natural, so that they add to the speech not detract from it. Our spontaneous gestures, which are simply a reflection of our inner feelings, stimulate others to feel as we do. There is an old saying Tie a German's hands and he cannot speak. I believe this saying is filled with truth when applied not to Germans alone, but also to speakers in general. Gestures aid in adding description to ideas. For instance, when the fisherman tells us with the use of his hands that he caught one so