CHRISTOPHER CASTILLO
Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil
Engineering and Architecture
Introduction
Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of
civil engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us
with awe even today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time
of modernization? These structures have paved the way for many new advances in
the design of the structures you see today.
In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture.
You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
Equipment

History of Civil Engineering and Architecture presentation
Procedure
In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture.
You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
1. Define civil engineering.
A form of engineering dealing with building for public use.
2. Define architecture.
Architecture is similar to civil engineering except architects focus on human
habitats rather than public services
3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?
They needed to protect people
4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
In ancient times building materials were chosen by availability and climate
5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.
An igloo and an African hut
6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
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CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.1 – History Civil Engineering and Architecture– Page 1
CHRISTOPHER CASTILLO
Vernacular Architecture, it is a form of construction that uses locally available
materials to construct local things.
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
The purpose of Egyptian pyramids was to build a tomb for the pharoah’s and the
purpose of the Mexican pyramids was to worship their gods.
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a
simple sketch to illustrate.
Post and lintel
9. What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?
Need of openings in buildings and added structural integrity
10. Explain how an arch is created.
They build a frame of the arch and then lay the voussoir’s on it
11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?
Its used by making many arches at the same time
12. Give an example of an arch and dome system.
13. Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the
ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?
Steel is a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. It
restricted construction in ancient times by what forms they could built and their
height
14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?
To transport clean water
15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.
Greek roads were more straight and flat and roman roads were more rocky and
not as flat
16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.
Roman bridges were made using arches, common materials included concrete
and stone
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CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.1 – History Civil Engineering and Architecture– Page 2
CHRISTOPHER CASTILLO
17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
People started using stone and masonry to build castles. One difference is that
some medieval places used pointed spires instead of domes.
Conclusion
1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does
its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts
for this difference?
Just recently I went to las vegas and there’s a hotel called the Luxor, and basically
every hotel in las vegas is based on something. And the luxor is based on Egypt and is
basically one giant pyramid, its very beautiful. The function differs in that in Egypt they
used it as tombs for pharoah’s while the luxor pyramid is used as a gimmick to make
people come visit their casino and stay in the hotel.
2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
The national centre for performance arts in china. Specifically Beijing.
3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways
defrayed?
The main purpose for modern roads is basically just for transportation. Or movement.
The cost of modern roadways is defrayed by the money that people get taken from
their paycheck every month, and the extra 9 cents we pay for every dollar. So
basically taxes.
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CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.1 – History Civil Engineering and Architecture– Page 3