Special Topics: The Column as Bearer of Meaning

Abstract

The definition of the orders from the 15th century onwards took place as much in the design of buildings as in graphic media. The course traces the iconography of the column from the Renaissance to the present day and examines the various references that made the column the most important vehicle of meaning and expression in architecture.

Objective

In addition to gaining knowledge about a pivotal topic in architectural history and theory, this course aims to develop the ability to analyze and understand historical concepts and buildings within their broader intellectual and historical contexts. Furthermore, it encourages students to reflect on these historical subjects in relation to contemporary issues and their own design practice.

Content

The definition of the orders as the key element of ancient architecture from the 15th century onwards took place as much in the design of buildings as in graphic media such as drawings, engravings and paintings. There, the column became a motif associated with particular iconographies in ways that fed back into the research of architects and builders. The course traces the iconography of the column from the Renaissance to the present day and examines the uses and adaptations of the column motif in the visual arts in order to reveal the various references that made the column the most important vehicle of meaning and expression in architecture. Topics: Vitruvius’ order of columns / Columns and proportion / Columns and bodies / Columns of Honor and Shame / Cross, Marian, and plague columns / Knotted columns / Spolia columns / Twisted columns / The columns of Solomon's Temple / The columns of Hercules / The column of the primitive hut (Marc-Antoine Laugier) / Tree and palm columns / The columns of the “Strada Novissima” (1st Venice Biennale 1980) / “The 6th Order of Architecture” (Leon Krier) / The column in Empathy and Gestalt theory / And today?

Resources