Nate Benner HUMA 1100 E-Portfolio Assignment

1. Pick three structures in Isfahan from different time periods and describe them in a
complete paragraph. In addition to general details, be sure in this paragraph to explain
their architectural and societal functions (what purpose did they serve), how they fit into
their historical period, and what drew you to these particular buildings.
The first structure that I chose to analyze was the Masjed-e-Imam Mosque. There is some
confusing regarding when the mosque was first started, but it was somewhere in-between 1590,
and 1630. The function of this establishment would be similar to that of the Vatican City, just a
place for people to visit and practice their religion. This was a place of very high precedence
when it was constructed, Shah Abbas having it made himself added luster to the whole
environment. This building is magnificent, it has a huge gate, and a big dome where people can
do inside and practice. What drew me to this building was just its pure beauty, and the fact that
Id like to visit.
The second structure I chose was the Masjed-e-Oshtorjan. This was the place of worship for the
village of Oshtorjan, was constructed by Ali the Son-in-law of Muhammad. This place is made
around 740 AH, and is still up today. This Mosque intrigued me because of the humble sandy
box structure that looks very plain, but still has an incredible entryway, and the two big pillars
that most Islamic mosques have. This really shows me how even the most humble of mosques
can still be very decadent, and beautiful.
The third structure I chose was the Baba Rokn al-Din. This serves as the tomb for Baba Rokn alDin and was built in the 17th Century. What drew me in about this Mosque was the structure of it

all. It has a very boxy structure, with a turquoise tent like dome on the top. It isnt the most fancy
building on the list, but it is very beautiful in its own right.
2. Again in a complete paragraph write about how the architecture of Salt Lake City
compares to Isfahan. Include what is similar and what is different about the buildings of
the two cities. Are there structures in Salt Lake City that would provide insight into
American culture and tradition (not just Utah culture)? {that is: what would a foreigner
looking at our buildings on a website be able to understand about Americans from their
buildings. Think a bit more than usual about these questions. I want you to act like
archaeologists or anthropologists and try to think about what our buildings tell about
ourselves}[If you are outside of Utah, you may use another large U.S. city near your
location].
The architecture in Salt Lake City has a vast diversity of architecture. From the beautiful
Cathedral of the Madeleine and the Mormon Temple, to the newer Jessie Eccles Quincy Dance
building, our building clearly represent the time period they were made in. This is a very boxy
building with a lot of windows, that give the people inside a sense of the surrounding
atmosphere. The Isfahan in contrast have more of a timeless feel to them. The building all look
very similar, despite being made hundreds of years apart. There are not a while lot of windows,
and as a result it gives one a sense of focus in a distraction free environment. All of the buildings
are wider than they are tall, taking up a lot of ground space. The buildings of Salt Lake City on
the other hand, are tall to consume less ground area. The building of Isfahan have very intricate
designs on the outside, whereas the architecture of Salt Lake City have a lot of windows instead.
In some of the older buildings, such as the Cathedral of the Madeleine, has a very intricate
entryway, similar to that of the Isfahan Mosques.

All of the buildings in Salt Lake City give insight into the American time period they
were constructed in. For instance, one just has to look at the difference between the old
courthouse and the Mormon Temple downtown, and the new City Creek Shopping Center and
Downtown Library. The old courthouse has the old spired towers, and the cool old clock tower
that makes us feel the old timey phase its from. One can tell how old it is just by looking at what
its made out of. The old brick material just shouts old fashioned America, and one can envision
1920s and 1930s suited men walking in and out. The Mormon Temple is a clean white marble,
with spires, similar to that of the Isfahan Mosques. The Mormon Temple is old just by looking at
it. The marble it is made out of is a testament to the period it is from. One doesnt see a pure
marble building every day in this day and age. It takes too long to build, and isnt very cost
efficient. Also, the statues on top of the building really contrast, and give it that old heavenly
feel. The new City Creek building, the bridge in particular, has a very modern feel, the bent
ladder overtop of the bridge, with windows all around, give the feel of the modern era. It gives
the feel of being outside, when it really isnt. That is a similar theme to all the modern buildings.
The new Library in downtown Salt Lake City is the epitome of the new modern style of
architecture. It combines the old style with the new by using the Greek auditorium style of stairs
out front, combined with the wide building that is slanted from short to tall that it leads into. The
open atmosphere is representative of the new form of business that is going on in America.
When looking at the inside of the building the buzzwords, open, efficient, and wise, come
to mind. This new era of American business tells all that we are combining lessons from our
past, with new progressive style of business today.