History and Theory of Architecture II

The course History and Theory of Architecture II offers a chronological and thematic overview of the architecture and architectural theory produced in Europe from the 15th up to 19th century. Thematic lectures on central questions of a given era are augmented with detailed analyses of individual historical buildings.

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 media of architectural design and practice (drawings and texts); patterns and media of dissemination and influence (books and prints); building types (the palazzo and the villa); questions of beauty and ornament; questions of patronage (e.g., the Roman papacy); the relation of buildings to the city (e.g. the development of Rome); attitudes towards history (origin myths, historicism); the question of the monument.