In class 3

This week in class we talked mostly about architecture and a little about paintings. I must admit that I enjoy talking and studying architecture. As a mechanical engineering student, I tend to appreciate the ways how people do and build things. The artwork is interesting, but how these people designed and built these massive churches during the Gothic Era. I am amazed how they are still standing today, and that these people actually succeeded in putting flying buttresses and arches to hold the building. I honestly believed that people had more pride in their building practices than many people in our day. As a construction worker, you go to work just to get paid, and if it works, it works. It seemed as if these people had more respect, especially for their churches and temples.
Our architecture today is a bit boring. Before college when I worked in construction, it was the same thing everyday. Nothing extravagant was built. I worked on building dental offices. The only really expensive commercial buildings had interesting features with waterfalls in the lobby or beautiful marble flooring and such. Don't get me wrong, we did a great job making our work look nice, but the outside buildings are called building shells with temporary improvements on the inside such as law office, dental office, and other offices. The keyword "shell" is a building that is a typical one story rectangular box. I guess the important factor is saving money, but being professional at the same time. However there are some buildings today that look extravagant such as LDS temples, custom homes, and hotels in Las Vegas. It is interesting how our society is much different, and we just like to make it easy even with our modern conveniences such as cranes, computers with CAD systems, concrete trucks, etc.
When we started talking about art on Wednesday I did not realize the difference colors make emotionally. Looking at those weird interesting color paintings made me realize that colors do matter. It is interesting how subconsciously we recognize and respond to colors. Van Gogh's usage of colors definitely sinks deep down into the soul. For example that one painting in the restaurant with the pool table he used a dull yellow to make the painting seem dark and solemn.