A4357 Theory of Architecture Before the 18th Century
History/Theory SeminarDerek Moore
The theory of architecture had a very different existence, a very different place in the making of architecture before the eighteenth century. Theory, as a form of knowledge, was conceived of in much less explicit terms, and the means by which the theory of architecture was recorded and transmitted was less overt and less systematic. As contemporary experience shows us, theory conveyed by the written word does not alw ays adequately explain intention, formal mechanisms, or meaning. This is particularly true in premodern times when writing was more circumscribed by conventions of various sorts. Not only do we need to lean how to read older texts, but we must supplement them with research into other forms of knowledge and praxis.
And yet premodern times were not, of course, without either formalized writings about architecture or unwritten habits of thought and customary practices that guided the design and making of buildings. In fact, it can be said that many fundamental areas of modern architectural theory were delineated by at least the sixteenth century. These include ideas about, and practices governing, the role of the architect, the place of architectural drawing in both deign and construction, the framework of building categories and a kind of precursor of typological practice, the proposal of comprehensive and utopian urban planning, and so forth. In fact, the prospective and prescriptive nature of theory, the very idea of propagating a cultural or social program through architecture, also came into focus before the transformations of the eighteenth century. A knowledge of premodern theory at the very least can throw into relief the nature of modern concepts.
It is intended that the seminar take the form of an extended discussion. Each session has a dual focus. On the one hand the seminar will proceed in a chronological fashion, working through key texts and analyzing selected buildings in relation to formal theory of their time. On the other hand each session will have a topical, diachronic subject, focusing on one of the principal themes of premodern architectural theory.
The instructor will carry the first sessions and will bring supplementary materials to all later sessions. Participants will be responsible for leading a session, to be selected early in the semester. Reading notebooks are required, as well as short (5 page) but dense summary of work. These materials will be due at the end of the beginning of ex am week. There are no prerequisites, although a familiarity with the writings of Vitruvius and Alberti would give one a head start.
SYLLABUS OUTLINE
1. Introduction. Writing, building and theory in premodern times. Introduction to the seminar, its aims and methods. The various kinds of evidence.
2. Foundations in ancient art theory. Ideas of Plato, Aristotle and others. Architectural theory and practice in Greece.
3. Vitruvius, and ancient theory of architecture. The nature and limits of his book.
4. Aspects of medieval writing and practice. Some Christian ideas about architecture, ekphrasis, Augustine, the heavenly Jerusalem, number symbolism, etc. Gothic building.
5. Alberti (part 1). The formation of architectural theory. The nature of Brunelleschi's critique. Retrospection and contemporary design method: proportions, module, perspective, etc.
6. Alberti (part 2). Alberti s project for architecture and the humanist cultural program,. Architectural theory and social structure.
7. Other Renaissance writers: Filarete and Francesco di Giorgio. The theory of building categories and of type in premodern architecture.
8. Sixteenth century books. Serlio and Vignola: the theory of orders and ornament.
9. Other sixteenth century concepts. Michelangelo's ideas about the body.
10. Palladio. The problem of meaning in premodern architecture. Modes of signification in built form: iconography, proportion theory, rhetorical and literary modes.
11. Seventeenth century theory. Art theory and knowledge of the world.
12. French theory of the seventeenth century. Premodern urban theory. Utopian theory and ideal cities.
13. Summary. The transition to the eighteenth century.