C/A/16. Analyse three of the churches of Nicholas Hawksmoor with particular reference to his interpretation of the classical tradition

The paper examines three of Hawksmoor's churches, Spitalfields, St-Giles and St. George's, Bloomsbury, discussing his knowledge of the writings of Pliny and the use of Classical architecture in his own designs, colossal scales, sculptural detail and white stone. Hawksmoor's style is discussed in the context of the political unrest of the early eighteenth century.

C/A/12. Antoni Gaudi in context, both architecturally and politically

This discussion is based on Antonio Gaudi's art forms and sculpture and a critical analysis is done on the characteristic features of Gaudi's art that distinguished his art forms from that of all other architects. Gaudi's art was unique and he represented modernism with unusual and unrealistic patterns and designs. His designs could be found in commercial buildings, residential buildings, public places, parks and the famous church Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's influence in Spain and throughout the world has been not just artistic and cultural but also political and social. Features of his art and his influence are discussed here.

S/A/17. Capitalism is described as dynamic and ever changing. Can 20th century art or architecture be described as expressions of capitalism when its character is so variable?

The paper examines architectural styles of the twentieth century relating them to the development of the capitalist economy, discussing the influence of the Roman society on British architecture, etc.

S/A/11. Architectural theory

The paper examines the theory of architecture defining the concepts of architectural style, aesthetics of architecture, etc.

C/A/11. Landscape: changing perceptions and reality since 1950

The essay looks at changes which have occurred in the landscape and its architecture since 1950. It suggests that landscapes hold great psychological value for those who observe and experience them. This is reflected in the choice of examples - such as the work of Le Corbusier, and the examples of Britain's coast. These examples aim to epitomise the decade of culture from which they were born. Furthermore, they aim to show how a landscape can help to facilitate human understanding of their place in the world - whether through silent contemplation or active enjoyment. The use of the 1980's project in Bath where a Georgian garden was excavated and restored is used to illustrate the beginning of a trend, which has become increasingly popular today - seen in programmes such as TimeTeam. Although excavation and landscape history have always been an important part of the UK's academic framework, this paper suggests that since the eighties it has became more integral due to the rapid rate of urban development. Such development has encouraged people to value the presence of open and hidden spaces, perhaps encouraging land and space to be increasingly seen as a commodity.

S/A/15. Islamic architecture

The paper investigates Islamic architecture providing an overview of the core religious and cultural concepts of Islam, the origins of Islam, the history of Arabian architecture, etc. The underpinnings of the architectural theory are outlined; academic literature on sacred and secular architecture of Islam is reviewed.

S/A/14. The impact of traditional design on contemporary Islamic architecture

The paper examines the influence of traditional Muslim architecture on modern Islamic architectural projects providing a review of approaches to the concept of Islamic design and comparing architectural features of traditional and contemporary designs, Muslim and Western designs, etc. Examples of architectural solutions are analysed.

S/A/13. New concepts, new materials and techniques in contemporary Islamic architecture

The paper examines the architecture of the Arabian cultural centre in Paris, Institut du Monde Arabe, built in the 1980s by Nouvel. Nouvel's style is analysed identifying traditional Islamic and modern Western features combined by the architect.

S/A/12. A paradigm for sustainability in Islamic architecture

The paper examines the architectural aspects of an Islamic courtyard house explaining the functions of the courtyard and discussing their architectural solutions in terms of utility, durability and beauty.

P/A/16. Musee d’Orsay and Gare d’Orsay: comparative analysis

The paper evaluates the renovation of the French art gallery Musee d’Orsay comparing it to the original Gare d’Orsay building. The architectural style of Gare d’Orsay is described highlighting the combination of academic classicism and the advanced engineering solution of the period.

P/A/15. Architectural and political influences of Gropius’s school of Bauhaus in Germany

The paper examines the history and architectural influences of the Bauhaus art school founded by Walter Gropius. The philosophy behind Gropius’s architectural style and definitions of architecture are reviewed; the outcomes of bringing together art, architecture and politics are discussed focusing on the role of the new Bauhaus style in the 1920s Germany and the Nazi’s attitude towards it.

C/A/10. Cultural significance of English gardens

The paper examines the cultural significance of English gardens reviewing their depiction in the English literature built on the association with the Garden of Eden. The styles of Tudor gardens are described highlighting the connection between art and nature, the flourishing of Romanticism, the development of the aesthetical theory of gardening and the ÑpsychologyÒ of the landscape.

P/A/13. Skyscrapers development

The paper examines skyscraper architecture comparing the earlier skyscrapers in New York and Chicago to the post-war tower forms and the new aesthetics of postmodernism. Ideological and technological factors behind the changing designs of tall buildings are discussed; the functions of skyscrapers in urban development are outlined.

P/A/10. Notre Dame de Paris as an example of Gothic architecture

The paper opens up with the definition of Gothic architecture focusing on Notre Dame de Paris. It reflects on the most conspicuous features of the cathedral, namely, its flying buttresses and stained glass windows, and concludes that in spite of the lengthy construction period that allowed for different architectural influences, Notre Dame de Paris is an ideal example of Gothic architecture.

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