Architectural Theory

By:
Asst. Professor. Dr. Kadhim Khalil
PhD. Philosophy of Architectural Theory

Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to

Middle Age.
Lecture : 3
Architectural Theory: Lecture : 3
Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to Middle Age.
Antiquity
Vitruvius was a Roman writer, architect, and engineer active in the 1st century BCE. He was the most
prominent architectural theorist in the Roman Empire known today, having written De architecture, (known today
as The Ten Books of Architecture). Divided into ten sections or "books", it covers almost every aspect of Roman
architecture, from town planning, materials, decorations, temples, water supplies, etc.

It rigorously defines the classical orders of architecture.

Architectural Theory: Lecture : 3
Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to Middle Age.
Antiquity
It also proposes the three fundamental laws that Architecture must obey, in order to be so considered.
(meaning structural adequacy, functional adequacy, and beauty).
Architectural Theory: Lecture : 3
Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to Middle Age.
Antiquity
The rediscovery of Vitruvius' work had a profound influence on architects of the Renaissance.
Renaissance architects, such as Niccoli, Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti, found in "De Architectura"
their rationale for raising their branch of knowledge to a scientific discipline.
Architectural Theory: Lecture : 3
Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to Middle Age.
Middle Ages
Throughout the Middle Ages, architectural knowledge was passed by:
1.Transcription.
2.Word of mouth.
3.Technically in master builders' lodges. Due to the laborious nature of transcription, few examples of architectural
theory were penned in this time period.
Surviving examples of medieval secular architecture mainly served for Castles and fortified walls provide the
most notable remaining non-religious examples of medieval architecture.
Architectural Theory: Lecture : 3
Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to Middle Age.
Romanesque
Early Middle Ages may be divided into Early Christian and Pre-Romanesque.
Romanesque, prevalent in medieval Europe during the 11th and 12th centuries, was the first pan-European
style since Roman Imperial architecture and examples are found in every part of the continent.
The term was not contemporary with the art it describes, but rather, is an invention of modern scholarship
based on its similarity to Roman architecture in forms and materials.
Romanesque is characterized by :
1. Use of round or slightly pointed arches.
2. Barrel vaults.
3. Cruciform piers supporting vaults.
Robertson, D.S. (1943): Greek and Roman Architecture, 2nd edn., Cambridge.
Architectural Theory: Lecture : 3
Pre Modernism. Architectural theory cross History: Antiquity to Middle Age.
Gothic
The various elements of Gothic architecture emerged in a number of 11th- and 12th-century building projects.
1.Verticality is emphasized in Gothic architecture.
2. Features almost skeletal stone structures.
3.Great expanses of glass.
4.Pared-down wall surfaces supported by external flying buttresses.
5. Pointed arches using the ogive shape.