History and Theory of Architecture I

The course History and Theory of Architecture I-II offers a chronological and thematic overview of the architecture and architectural theory produced in Europe from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Thematic lectures about key questions at play during the period will be combined with in-depth analysis of historical buildings, texts and iconographies.

Themes will cover the emergence and development of Vitruvian design theory and practice up to the 19th century and related issues such as the emergence of the architect; the development of original design practices and of divergent theories of architectural composition and design; the media of architectural design and practice (drawings, models, building materials); patterns and media of dissemination and influence (books, imagery, micro-architecture); building types (the palazzo and the villa); questions of beauty and ornament; questions of patronage (e.g., the Roman papacy) and the formation of religious and political symbolism through architecture; the relation of buildings to the city (e.g. the development of European capitals); attitudes towards history (origin myths, historicism); the question of the monument.