Identify the chosen building. Why do you think the architect chose a pyramid for the shape of the building? How would you design this building as a prism? Justify. How would the change in shape affect the construction of the building? How would the change in shape affect the use of the building? Use the concept of volume in this post.
The chosen building is the Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France. The architect, I. M. Pei, chose a pyramid for the shape of the building as a modern and striking contrast to the traditional architecture of the Louvre Museum. The pyramid shape was also chosen for its symbolic meaning, representing longevity, stability, and strength.
If I were to design this building as a prism, I would create a rectangular prism by keeping the same dimensions as the pyramid in terms of length, width, and height. I would justify this by the fact that a prism has a more practical and functional shape, allowing for more usable interior space without any wasted corners or slopes.
The change in shape from a pyramid to a rectangular prism would affect the construction of the building as it would require different structural elements to support the new shape. The sloped sides of the pyramid would need to be replaced with vertical walls, potentially adding more weight to the structure.
The change in shape would also affect the use of the building as a rectangular prism would provide more homogeneous and functional interior space for exhibition rooms, offices, and other facilities. Additionally, the volume of the building would change, potentially affecting the acoustics, ventilation, and lighting of the interior spaces.
In conclusion, the change in shape from a pyramid to a prism would impact the construction, use, and overall design of the building by altering the structural elements, interior layout, and volume of the space.