OSHER 250 - Why Do Buildings Look The Way They Do?

Picture in your mind a building, any building. Examine its size, shape, color, and the materials from which it was constructed. Now ask yourself: Why does it look the way it does? The answer is quite complex, and can significantly enhance your appreciation of the structure. In this course we will delve into that complexity. We'll explore the why of architecture, the various factors that determine why a given building looks the way it does. We will address a broad range of topics from the evolution of materials to the role of cultural values to the influences on how we perceive buildings.