Building History I

Abstract

History of building from classical antiquity to modernity: building types, constructions, forms, with particular reference to functional issues such as flexibility of use, statics, durability. This is not a mere history lecture, but an important part of the basic introduction into construction.

Objective

Participants know the fundamentals of building history, including landmark monuments of each era, key historic constructions and forms. They are able to "read" a historic building and to relate it to building history. They are aware of the variety of historic building constructions.

Content

Building history I covers the period from classical Greek antiquity to medieval architecture. The principal topics include construction issues such as Greek megalithic buidling, Roman mortar-and-rubble construction, and vaulting. Within the Vitruvian and Albertian triad of firmitas, utilitas and venustas, we focus on the first two topics, whereas the last topic (deciphering the "meaning" of architecture) stands at the heart of the "architectural history" lectures. The present lecture contributes essentially to deepening knowledge about historic constructions, an indispensable precondition for buildig within existing fabric. - buildings of Greek antiquity as examples of construction with huge stone blocks - Roman buildungs as examples of building with small materials, strict functional dispositionn, and evolution of the art of vaulting - late antique and early Christian buildings: discovering interior space, developing new paradigms for religious architecture, construction wide-span roofs - early and high medieval construction, continuing antique traditions, revival of dressed stone and vaulting - small buildings, notably rural housing - the medieval monastery

Resources