Ancient Egypt

 

Near the Nile in Egypt and in Mesopotamia and Nubia, in around 4,000 B.C. signs of larger towns and more advance styles of living became prevalent in research. With the shelter and food becoming more solidified and secured people of this era were able to put more time and effort in the arts and complex inventions.

During this era their was a large growth in Mathematics, Architecture, Sculpture, and written laws. With the new style of living and advances in practices and technology came the construction of large scale buildings. These buildings were used to symbolize many things, including:

• Distinguish different classes of individuals
• Used to show power sometimes to intimidate others
• Artifacts were stored and used at tombs or burial sites

An example of Ancient Egyptian Art/Symbols
as well as patterns

Below is some information in regards to the environment and geographical location on Egypt. This allows us to better understand the construction methods and materials used during this time.

Furniture from the Ancient Egyptian Era

Nile River

The Nile River allowed for trade to be more readily available which allowed for easier access to materials that are not locally available. With the river nearby Agriculture was something that was easily doable. The water available was used for crops when it was not necessarily in the rainy season. And finally, along with the trade option the river allowed for communication with others who have access to the river.


Timber


The use of natural materials was obviously the main option of materials available and to be used in construction and the artifacts. However, timber is one of the materials that is always widely used and in Egypt was not necessarily of abundance. For this reason timber was imported from Lebanon. Something that is seen now in a all furniture and carpentry is that of the joinery, which was first seen in the Ancient Egyptian era.


Interior Architecture and Design


The architecture and design during the Ancient Egyptian era was a time where hierarchy of the citizens was denoted by the style and type of home individuals lived in. Plaster was vastly used in the construction of the homes during this time. Hypostyle roof systems are used in the construction where it is column and beam, where these columns are made of sandstone. Sometimes, like the Temple of Karnak, the columns have inscriptions and relief designs.




MODERN: Chrysler building has Art Deco inspired Architecture
inspired by the Ancient Egyptian Design

Overall, in the design community we are able to see an impact from the Ancient Egyptian time in design over time and with current applications. The most significant and obvious impact is from the Art Deco period. The use of Egyptian patterns and color pallets are seen in the Art Deco style.

MODERN: Modern glass shelving unit


Click here to see a video on the engineering of the Egyptian Pyramids (1.5 hours long)