History of Interiors Wk. 1 -- Prehistory

 

The history of interiors begins with early shelters such as caves, which provided protection from natural hazards and are considered the most basic form of architecture. During the Stone Age, humans worked with materials like wood, hides, and reeds, though little has survived from these early periods. Ancient peoples likely valued beauty in humans and objects and infused their crafted items with aesthetic qualities. The Paleolithic caves at Lascaux, dating to 17,000 B.C., were not used as homes but as ritual spaces, featuring 1,500 engravings and 600 animal paintings. These depictions possibly held spiritual or ritual significance, as animals played important roles in their lives. The pigments used for these artworks were derived from natural materials, highlighting a deep connection between the people and their environment.

The Neolithic period, which lasted from 9,000 to 2,000 B.C., is named for the widespread use of stone in construction and object-making. Notable structures from this period include menhirs, large upright stones used as focal points, and dolmens, post-and-lintel constructions creating enclosed spaces. These dolmens are considered precursors to architectural elements like walls and door frames. Another significant Neolithic structure is Stonehenge, a circular monument built for ritual purposes, with its openings aligned to the lunar and solar cycles. Stonehenge, like dolmens, was built using post-and-lintel construction.



Residential structures from this period include Skara Brae, a small Neolithic village in Scotland (3,100 – 2,500 B.C.), where stone houses were built without mortar. These curvilinear houses represent early domestic architecture, contrasting ritual centers like Stonehenge. Another important Neolithic settlement is Catal Hüyük in Anatolia (modern Turkey), dating from 6,700 to 5,650 B.C. The mud-brick houses in this settlement, coated with plaster, featured wooden posts, beams, and ladders, despite the scarcity of wood in the region.

Skara Brae


Catal Hüyük



The Bronze Age, which followed the Neolithic period, marked a shift in material culture. People began using metals like bronze and stone for building and crafting objects. One of the most advanced Bronze Age cities was Mohenjo-Daro, part of the Indus Valley Civilization (2,600 – 1,900 B.C.). The city was known for its sophisticated civic infrastructure, including brick-lined wells, a drainage system, a public bath, and a granary, demonstrating the growing complexity of urban planning during this period.


In conclusion, the development of interiors from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age highlights humanity's growing ability to create functional and meaningful spaces. From basic shelters and ritual sites to Neolithic villages and early urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro, advancements in construction and design reflected both practical needs and aesthetic values. These early innovations set the stage for more complex architectural achievements in the future.


Comments

  1. Bethany Huizenga INT270September 6, 2024 at 8:00 PM

    I think your summary of all the information is really good! I also love your conclusion especially this part, "From basic shelters and ritual sites to Neolithic villages and early urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro, advancements in construction and design reflected both practical needs and aesthetic values." Your pictures are also very helpful to get the information across

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rebeca HerreraSeptember 6, 2024 at 11:19 PM

    I really like how detailed your summary is and the pictures you included as examples.

    ReplyDelete

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