Friends with an Old Book, Group 37
Task 2: Argument
„Résolution des quatre principaux problèmes d’architecture“, François Blondel
‚Solving the four main architectural problems‘ is the full title of the book translated in English. The author has four thesis about the four main problems in architecture. It reminds me a bit of a „Maturaarbeit“ (Diplomawork of the gymnasium but of a higher level).
The book is divided into 4 chapters. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the four problems and describes a solution. Each chapter starts with the same drawing as shown on the cover of the book. With this element the author symbolizes the start of a new chapter.
The last pages of the book are filled with very detailed drawings. They are drawn by hand with pencils and ruler for straight lines. They are placed at the end and should help to understand theoretical written part.
The book is large. It’s about 50cm high and 30cm wide. There are not so many pages and therefore the book is rather thin. Because the cover was bound with leather and it’s size the book is quite heavy. I think the book is so tall to make the detailed drawings better visible.
François Blondel is the author. He was born in France and lived in Paris in the 17th century. He played a big part during the time of Colberts (founder of mercantilism) and was a role model in Rational Architecture.