Typology, Diagram and Transformation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Typology, Diagram and Transformation - Essay Example Without discussing typography, the basic element of architecture, and the basis, in his opinion, of all building, then the exclusion of this topic causes all other discussions to be impossible or implausible. But typology is a fairly new notion and has not been introduced into past discussions of architecture. It has existed as an ill-defined concept, but not as the essential building block of architectural theory. The transformation of port cities in Europe began as soon as they were erected but increased in recent decades as factors such as population increases/decreases, economic events, security events and others have played a role. The transformations of London's port and Rotterdam's port, and the big differences between both, will be discussed. Also a consideration in those transformations is the diagram, the blueprint, the architect and his imprint upon that city. City councils and planning committees can propose many changes to a city, but without the ingenuity and vision of the architect, only the same type of building will be developed that they were all familiar with, often bringing the same problems, such as its dimension, usefulness or cost. Sometimes the diagram of the building will become a microcosm for a diagram of the city itself. A definition: a study of types of elements that cannot be further reduced (Rossi), which include the elements of a building or the elements of a city, depending on the scope of the discussion; a constant; a necessity for describing form and function. Quatremere de Quincy defined the typological category between 1825 and 1832 in the Encyclopdie mthodique and the Dictionnaire historique. In the historical dictionary, type provides a regulative principle governing the formal and practical aspects of architecture, to wit: "The word type represents not so much the image of a thing to be copied as the idea of an element that must itself serve as a rule for the model. The model, understood in terms of the practical execution of art, is an object that must be repeated such as it is; type, on the contrary, is an object according to which one can conceive of works that do not resemble one another at all. Everything is precise and given in the model; everything is more or less vague in the type." Typology is, for Quatremere, "the antithesis of the repeatable object." The demands of a typological "norm" regulate architecture to achieve concrete forms and specific buildings with design decisions that articulate the model. It was Aldo Rossi who helped make topological theory a reality in his published essays, "The Architecture of a City", written in 1966 (D. Sherer 1966). Rossi incorporated all his thoughts about typology into his designs. But it was in the Baroque age that Borromini brought typology to play when he constructed the Palazzo Carpegna (ca. 1640) and harmonized the geometry of the form with the demands of the site. He also organized the "axiality of his palace around an ellipse which suddenly erupts within its central core" (D. Sherer 1966).

Next Shop Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Next Shop - Assignment Example Next takes a long term view while deciding for its actions and ensures that its suppliers adhere to the same level of commitment too (Next Corporate Responsibility Report, p.3). It would be worthwhile to understand the operations of next before we delve into how the company trains and develops its employees to adapt to the market challenges. Understanding Next's Business Currently, companies are required to operate in the most challenging environment as they need to address complex set of issues for their business, for their customers, the environment in which they operate and the suppliers that they depend upon. Next fully realizes that these aspects cannot be tackled without taking into consideration its people on the job. With average 278,000 transactions done in a day, ‘Next’ claims to have 3 million active customers with them. With turnover of ?3,441million in the year ended January 2012, Next’s operation are spread in 7 countries with 26 its own stores and 1 64 overseas franchise stores in 27 countries operating in Asia, Africa and Europe continents. To cater to the customers efficiently and in time, ‘Next’ has established warehousing and distribution division. Next depends upon its suppliers to cater to the needs of its customers; at the same time, employees form a most crucial and strong link to service its valuable customers (Next Corporate Responsibility Report, p. 5-6). Next’s special emphasis on training and development of its employees should be seen in this perspective. Approach towards its People ‘Next’ believes in attracting and retaining the right people across all levels considering them a most valuable asset for the growth of the company. The company is committed to provide a healthy environment to its employees so that they can thrive in their personal and professional development. Moreover, the company works towards providing an environment where all employees are treated fairly, supported , respected and motivated so that they could reach to their full potential. The company has developed certain policies for training and the development of the employees. The company upholds basic human rights and follows International Labour Organisation (ILO) core conventions. Employees are imparted basic training so that they understand these principles. The company is well aware that committed employees can help grow the organization by delivering excellent services to the customers (Next Corporate Responsibility Report, p.16). Code of Practice Next lists key principles that speak about its employment policies. They are: Healthy and safe working conditions; reasonable working hours; equal opportunities; proper wages and benefits; no forced labour; employment security; no child labour; proper treatment to employees; and freedom of association to employees. Next applies above principles in each of the countries that it operates in and also insists on its suppliers that they also ad here to these norms (Next Corporate Responsibility Report, p.7). Safe Working Conditions Next gives top priority to the Health and safety of its employees. Next has taken necessary measures to protect their employees from high risk areas such as ‘falls from height’, construction and maintenance activities, vehicle movements, fire and many more. Next makes it very clear in its contracts with