A531:  History of Architecture and Interiors III
Professors Breiner and Coco  

Pennsylvania Academy of Art, by Frank Furness, at Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, 1871 to 1876. 
From the Great Buildings Collection at http://www.GreatBuildings.com/

Architecture Visual Analysis and Research Project:  Step II

Introduction
As part of your assignment in researching the building, architect, and style it's helpful to consider the following questions:

How did the building relate to the historic landscape/greenery around it?  To other buildings around it, at the time it was built?

Historically, how did the building receive and discharge water, receive fresh air, discharge solid waste?  How was it heated, cooled, and illuminated?  How was electricity introduced into the building and how has it changed the building?  

Historically, what functions were housed in the building?  Have the functions changed? If so, did the design of the building allow for changes over time?

From where and how did the architect/designer draw upon a style from the past in this building?

What specific building, building type, or interior was used as a model?  How did the building and interior differ from the past and reflect the values of its own time?

What significant later changes have been introduced over the years?

Compare the style of this building to painting, sculpture, or furniture design from the same period.  Examine visual and conceptual similarities or differences. 

There's a lot to think about, and it can be overwhelming.  This page is designed to help you become familiar with tools available through the Gutman library that can help you find the answers to these types of questions.  

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Your Task
Each of The Steps below will help you form a bibliography for your project.  You don't have to do them in order.  All conclude with an exercise for you to complete (look for ).  Each exercise  available as a Word document or as a PDF file.  PDF files require you to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader (it's free).  Questions?

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The Steps
(from The Seven Steps of the Research Process, Olin*Kroch*Uris Libraries, Cornell University Library, URL: http://www.library.cornell.edu/okuref/research/skill1.htm)

Step 1:  Think about your topic and how to describe it.  
Step 2:  Find background information.
Step 3:  Find books.
Step 4:  Find articles.
Step 5:  Find Internet resources
Step 6:  Evaluate all the stuff you find.
Step 7:  Cite what you find (example:  MLA Style)

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Questions?  
If you need help, just let us know.  You can contact any of the  librarians at the Gutman Library.

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