Architectural Theory: Vitruvius to Palladio

Catalog description

Seminar focused on pre-modern architectural theory. Covers a wide temporal span between Vitruvius Pollio's De architectura libri decem (1st cent. BCE) and Andrea Palladio's Quattro libri dell'architettura (1570). Major treatises will be discussed as well as the relevant modern literature. Objective is to insure solid and broad knowledge of pre-modern architectural theory, related historiography, current debates and scholarship as well as to develop students' independent analytical and research skills. No textbook is adopted. Students will read the English translations of the treatises as well as a set of critical academic articles and books provided by the instructor.