Paper Assignment #3
Hsci 1714: Technology and Civilization:
Stone Tools to Steam Engines
Due Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Was Filippo Brunelleschi an architect, an engineer, or both?
Use Ross King’s book, Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented
Architecture and the modern definitions of architect, engineer, and engineering listed below to
try and answer this question. What are some examples of Brunelleschi the architect? What are
some examples of Brunelleschi the engineer? What does this say about changes occurring in the
way things are built during the Renaissance, as compared to earlier ages?
A modern architect is:
1. A person trained and experienced in the design of buildings and the coordination and
supervision of all aspects of the construction of buildings.
2. A designation reserved, usually by law, for a person or organization professionally qualified
and duly licensed to perform architectural services, including analysis of project requirements,
creation and development of the project design, preparation of drawings, specifications, and
bidding requirements, and general administration of the construction contract. An architect
usually renders services that require the application of art, science, and the aesthetics of design to
the construction of buildings, including their components and appurtenances and the spaces
around them, taking into account the safeguarding of life, health, property, and public welfare;
often includes consultation, evaluation, planning, the provision of preliminary studies, designs,
and construction documents; and may also include construction management, and the
administration of construction documents.
A modern engineer is:
A person professionally engaged in a field of engineering. Engineers are concerned with
developing economical and safe solutions to practical problems, by applying mathematics and
scientific knowledge while considering technical constraints. As such, the work of engineers is
the link between perceived needs of society and commercial applications. Some consider this
profession to be the link between art and science.
Engineering is:
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design,
manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and
systems.
Format for papers:
The format rules, as described in the syllabus, apply for this paper. Papers must be 3-5 pages
long. By this I mean that they must be at least a full three pages, and must not extend beyond
page five (if you have a page six, it will be ignored). Longer or shorter papers are not
acceptable. The papers must be typed, double-spaced, on letter-sized paper (8.5” x 11”), with
one-inch margins on all sides, using ten or twelve point type. The pages should be numbered in
the upper right-hand corner, and should be stapled together. The student’s name must appear on
the first page.