SECTION 1:
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN – FORMAL ANALYSIS
Begin with a description of the formal elements that contribute to the layout and design of
each structure. (For reference, re-read the “Starter Kit” in your textbook).
Consider:
• Materials and construction; composition of plan;
• Where did they get the stone
• Size and scale
• When was it built, where is it
• Briefly discuss the phases of construction
• Site layout (how does the structure relate to the site? Is it significant to consider
where the structure has been built? Are there astronomical or seasonal guiding
points?);
• Elements of design including structural features (shape of structure, vertical span,
slanted sides, space, lighting, etc.);
• Engineering/ construction methods
SECTION 2:
FUNCTION OF EACH STRUCTURE
• What religious function did each structure serve? Be sure to include a brief
discussion of each culture’s religious beliefs (with Stonehenge, what is theorized)
that support your assessment.
• What religious rites and rituals were performed with regard to this structure (again,
for Stonehenge, what was theorized?)
• How was the structure used in relation to religious belief?
• Briefly, how did the architectural elements you discussed in Section 1 reinforce the
religious belief system embodied by the structure?
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SECTION 3
SOCIAL/ POLITICAL ROLE
• Besides serving a predominantly religious function, we may find that each structure
served a social and/or political role (statement of a ruler’s importance/authority).
Describe how each structure played a role in society beyond a religious purpose.
SECTION 4
COMPARE/ CONTRAST
In this section, you will demonstrate critical thinking as you perform your comparative
analysis.
Discuss and elaborate on the following points of similarity between these two structures
(Each point listed below should constitute a paragraph describing the similarities with
respect to this main point of similarity):
1) Served as religious burial sites in which to honor the dead
2) Involved precision planning and construction with thought given to site layout
and astronomical alignment
3) Functioned to make beneficial connections between humankind and the universe
(cosmos)
After considering the similarities, briefly discuss what the differences are
between the two structures. What do the differences tell us about these two
cultures?
CONCLUSION
Architectural structures embody value and belief systems. What does the comparative
analysis you just performed in this essay help YOU determine about what was important to
each respective culture and how can we find parallels to our culture today?
Infuse the conclusion with YOUR own thoughts and ideas about what this comparison has
