BP 2:CIRCLES GROUPS and STACKS

This past week we've been learning about three design elements that go way back, even to ancient times...circles groups and stacks. They can be found in all sorts of objects, places, people, and spaces...no matter where you look. Friday we went out and looked around the UNCG campus for examples of these elements and we were surprised at how many we found.

CIRCLES: sacred spots, connections to sun and moon [light sources], center points [focus], etc.

One of the best examples of a circle on campus was found on College Avenue. It used to be [and still may be] the center of campus during simpler times before the school was expanded and built up. It was the center point between the dorms, the cafeteria, the library, and a few other buildings. It symbolized a meeting point for people and an equal space for everyone to travel to. Another place where circles were found was in the EUC. There were circles above both entrances letting in natural light and adding visual interest. The circles, like the one on College Ave. also represented meeting spaces for people. The principle of unity/harmony ties in very well with the circle element and it's shown in many places on campus.

GROUPS: people, trees [groves], columns reaching vertically, etc

There are so many examples of groups in the buildings and architecture around campus. Many buildings have columns in front of them. These could emulate many things: trees, people, etc. The housing buildings are also in groups. They stand together like a group of people, nicely balanced. Anything that's grouped together and has unity fits the group element and can be found rather commonly around campus.

STACKS: mountains, piles, gathering resources

 Stacks were also pretty easy to find around campus, considering most buildings are made out of brick. The School of Education, Alumni House, and Faculty Center are all places we looked at to see how the stacking of bricks contributed to the structure and appearance of the buildings. The stacking provides structure and unity as well as balance. Stacks can also be found in the stairs and their upward ascension. 

The question of environments and rituals and their effects was also posed to us. We were asked, "do environments influence rituals or do rituals influence environments...or both?" I honestly believe it's both. Rituals can be anything-they don't necessarily have to be "religious". So throwing trash away or driving to work can be rituals for people. These things definitely have an effect on the environment in that they lessen the quality of it. On that note environments definitely influence rituals as well. People have always felt a connection to nature and that can be shown in some of their rituals. I think the two can go hand in hand.