Prehistoric Architecture and Interiors

 WEEK ONE: PRE-HISTORY: Prehistoric Architecture and Interiors
https://youtu.be/cEsmNnstsYo?si=XUphQ4EDCBIb06u6

NEOLITHIC PERIOD: Use of giant stones for monuments and architecture.

Began 12,000 years ago; One of the first signs of farming in the Fertile Crescent of Western Asia.

Menhirs: Giant Stones placed upright, used as memorials.
Dolmens: Made of TWO or more upright stones with a single stone lying horizontally. 

Postel-and-Lintel is the construction system used for Dolmens

Dolmen burial chambers have been found with capstones and have been reported to weigh up to 1,000 tons. First, the ground is dug up, stones are placed around the burial, and then stones are laid horizontally to cover the chamber. Heavier stones are placed to mimic the structure and then a giant stone is laid horizontally.

Dolmen Illustration - Veronica Aguirre

Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare

Around the New Stone Age Time - ONE OF SIXTY Dolmens to have been found in Ireland.

-A ceremonial area, as bones of 33 people were gathered here. 

• Unburned bones, some scorched.
• male and female: all age groups.

2.5 meters long. The front of the tomb is matched by two tall portal tombs and has a capstone oversailing the tomb. 

CURRENT APPLICATIONS OF ARCHITECTURE:

Andy Goldsworthy: Modern-day Earth Artist - style based on Neolithic times.

Andy Goldsworthy creates site-specific installations using natural materials such as stone, wood, and clay. His work is temporary since nature eventually reclaims it. 

Goldsworthy often uses dry stone stacking to create arches, cairns, or enclosures that mimic the timeless feel of megaliths.

A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a prehistoric structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones. 

“It's not about art,” he has explained. “It's just about life and the need to understand that a lot of things in life do not last.”

NEOLITHIC PERIOD: Architecture was functional, symbolic, and communal-- there is no individual architect being the "mastermind" like we have today. 

The Neolithic people are given credit for creating ceramics and pottery.

https://youtu.be/nrI1LJbKIvk?si=eQA8WkR2mVXI5YRz

1. Start with Raw Clay- bang it with a stone until the clay continues to be crushed down.

2. Add Water- breaks down the clay.

3. Work the clay into a round shape. 

4. Ready to manipulate the shape you want.

5. Smooth Surfaces

6. Set aside for several days to Dry Out

7. Once dry, it gets set into flames and hardens to be proper pottery. 

The Neolithic Times was the first time humans changed a natural form into an artificial material. They spent a lot of time and detail into creating. 

ONE STEP FURTHER

I befriended a ceramics artist. I need to explore this world more as it became interesting to me recently. I would say she is genuinely one of my favorite artists.

Hannah Lawrence

Marlaina the Pottery Lady: 25-year-old Professional Potter and Instructor 

Marlaina - The Pottery Lady - Home - marlainamathisen.com 

Revel in Suffering- 5.5” x 6” x 4” Clay with layered glaze and gold paint.

​METAMORPHOSES ​
23.5” x 17” x 16”
Clay with charcoal, ink, graphite, and
gold paint

DETERMINATION, BUILDING UP FROM FAILURE
​10.5” x 7” x 4.5”
Clay with layered glaze

Hannah Lawrence