Architecture Project Essay Guidelines for the Blogpost

US History Chicago Architecture Essay

Your essay need not be limited to the following, but most of the following questions must be addressed.

Key idea/thesis:  How does this building represent its time period?

Part #1             INTRODUCTION

Remember that your introduction must orient the audience.  To do that, your intro will:

• Introduce the buildings name What is significant about the name?   
• Where it is located, what’s its height, when was it made,  
• Who created it?
• State one or two basic descriptive facts about it.
• State what YOUR  focus of the interpretation and significance in history will be

◦   Remember the key idea should be: How does this building represent its time period?

Part #2             LOCATION Start with a topic sentence.

• How would you describe the characteristics of the city or town where this building stands?
• Is the street in front busy and noisy or is it quiet?
• Does the building sit close to the street or is it set back?
• What is located on either side of the building?  Are any structures attached to the building or does it stand by itself?
• Does the building site have any trees, grass, or other landscaping?
• How does this building relate to the other buildings around it?
• What about the history of Chicago might have influenced the location?
  
  

Part #3             STYLE AND MATERIALS  Start with a topic sentence.

• Full description of what you see on the building.
• What is the color(s) of the building?  Do they contribute to the building or make it distinct from surrounding buildings? What feeling does the colors of the building convey?
• What styles of architecture is this? 
• How is it different and similar to other pieces of architecture made in the same style?
• What else was happening in the world, the country, or the city when this building was constructed?  How did this affect the building’s design?
• Does the building have any special ornamentation or details?  How do these details contribute to the character of the building?
• Does the roof and features of the roof like the slope contribute to the character of the building?
• Are there parts of the building that make it unique because they project from the walls of the building?  (balconies, porches, cornices, windows).
• Is there a rhythm or pattern to the arrangement of the windows?
• How might the shape and features speak to the time period that it was built in?

Part #4             FUNCTION in the past and today

• What was the purpose of this building? 
• If you were able to enter the building how is it decorated?  Does the ornamentation and decoration demonstrate its function?
• Is the main entrance to the building marked in a special way?  How?
• Does the design of the building make it easier to use?
• What was the economy like during its construction?  How did that impact the building and its design?
• What is the purpose of the building now? Who uses the building now?
• What have been the different uses of this building in the past? 
  
  

Part #5             CONCLUSION

·         Conclude your main points in a short paragraph that ends with insightful comments.

·         Restate how this building represents its time period in its Location, Materials, and Function