History of architecture

The classical language of architecture

This course is designed as an introduction to the history of architecture from the 15th to the 18th century, showing how scholarly practice based on the ancient theory of orders was established in Quattrocento Italy, then disseminated and reinterpreted in other contexts, notably France. The thread running through the course, through the prism of “language”, highlights the experimental aspects of this architecture, in its formal, structural and programmatic aspects. The main aim of this course is to provide the basic knowledge required for a cultural, morphological and constructive analysis of old buildings. Another objective is to deconstruct the postulate of “classical” architecture, whereas the period studied, from the 15th to the 18th century, corresponds to a strong claim to modernity. Why do we call “classical” architects who called themselves “modern” and whose practices underwent such an upheaval in their time as the moderns of the 20th century?

The course is based on the study of the vocabulary specific to the architecture of the orders, as well as on the analysis of a series of major works, which should enable students to visualize and understand the development of an old building by following all the stages of the project, from the initial intentions to the material realization, and even its evolution over time: to this end, examples of building rehabilitation are also presented. Emphasis is placed on certain housing programs, in line with the project teaching theme for the same semester.
Certain architectural figures – such as Palladio or Philibert Delorme – are also the focus of particular attention, to understand how the profession was formed in this period, laying the foundations for contemporary practice.

Targeted skills
-Continued acquisition of fundamental knowledge and vocabulary specific to ancient and classical architecture.
-Deepen the architect’s general culture, develop visual memory and critical thinking skills by reading and analyzing theoretical texts.
-Ability to question the project process, especially when rehabilitating old buildings.

Final written exam: 100%.
A bonus is awarded for the ‘Mon Grand Tour dans Paris’ appropriation exercise.

Compulsory reading from the bibliography.
Exercise in personal appropriation of old buildings, based on careful observation of ordered buildings chosen from a thematic list: ‘Mon Grand Tour dans Paris’.

Transmitted during the first session of the course.

Powerpoint-based lecture.
A series of 4 quizzes punctuates some sessions to help you learn how to observe buildings.