Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1 History of Civil
Engineering and Architecture
Introduction
Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of
civil engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us
with awe even today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time
of modernization? These structures have paved the way for many new advances in
the design of the structures you see today.
In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture.
You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
Equipment
Procedure
In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture.
You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
1. Define civil engineering.
Civil engineering is the school of engineering that specializes in the construction
of structures for public use.
2. Define architecture.
Architecture is the design of buildings intended for human habitation.
3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?
Architecture arose when agriculture arose, because humans began to settle in
one place and needed places to live.
4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
Building materials were chosen based off of availability of the materials
depending on the geographic area.
5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.
An Inuit igloo made of snow bricks and a South African rondavel.
6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
Many early buildings were built using a post-and-lintel system of vertical columns
and horizontal beams.
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
Egyptian pyramids were built as tombs for the Egyptian rulers and Mexican
pyramids were most likely built for the sake of astronomical observation.
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a
simple sketch to illustrate.
The aforementioned system of columns and beams was used, called the postand-lintel system.
Conclusion
1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does
its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts
for this difference?
One example of a modern pyramid is the Transamerica Pyramid in Chicago,
which is used for offices and to house the headquarters of a company
instead of dead people. This is probably because our society is more
centered around corporations than it is around honoring our leaders as
gods and ensuring a good afterlife.
2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
The capital building in Washington D.C. uses an arch and dome system.
3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways
defrayed?
The main purpose is to make it easier to get places by car and the cost is
defrayed because we have machines that can pave for us and we use cheaper
materials that are easier to work with (asphalt).