Cours d’architecture is a treatise on architecture by French architect and theorist Jacques-François Blondel. First published in 1771, it was the first architecture textbook published in France, and went through a number of editions and translations over the next several decades. The work was very influential in spreading the ideas of the Enlightenment, particularly in the field of architecture. Blondel believed that architecture should be based on rational principles, and that the study of architecture should be grounded in science and mathematics. He also believed that architects should be trained in a variety of fields, including history, philosophy, and the arts, in order to be able to create well-rounded buildings. Cours d’architecture was very popular in its time, and helped to shape the way that architecture was taught and practiced in the 18th and 19th centuries. It remains an important work in the history of architectural thought.
31.march.2022 update
I decided to update my previous text.
The work is divided into three parts: the first
relates “to Beauty or Decoration,” and is contained in two volumes with another which contains engravings illustrating the previous two. The Second Part of the work is devoted to
“Convenience or Distribution” and, like the first section, has three volumes, two of text and
one of plates. The third section on the “Solidity of Buildings” would also have consisted
of three volumes had the author been granted a longer life. In the preface (towards the end)
Blondel says that this “Cours” should prove of use especially in the provincial schools of
architecture for which it is primarily written. It was intended as à guide book and source
book for the student and, therefore, has not been written for “les artistes déjà éclairés” . That
it will also prove of value to the teachers of architecture is another of the author’s hopes.
This is a direct quote of the book witch i found with the help of alice but its so precise and shortly written it could not be done better. Bradbury__Romantic_Theories_of_Architecure_of_the_19th_century S. 19
“Cours d’architecture” is a book that is also written by a French architect, as well as the book “Architecture practique”. So the original language is French. Interestingly they both released their books in the 18th century, even only 15 years apart.
What is interesting is that both these books treat the importance of mathematics used for architecture. As the “Cours d’architecture” is thought to teach students, the book “architecture practique” is thought to help not only students but all people interested in architecture. What still is similar is that both the books want to help and explain in order to create good architecture.