STRUCTURE
For Christian Rieger’s book „Vniversae Architectvrae Civilis Elementa“ I chose the concept of structure.
I chose this concept because not only is the book written in a very structured way, but above all because the author’s aim was to give structure to the principles of civil architecture. The doctrine is divided into four parts that are chronologically ordered. That brings the necessary structure to the reading. In addition, the parts are divided into sub-chapters. This makes the division even clearer.
As already mentioned, the concept of “structure” fits not only with the structuring of the text, but also with its actual content. The author Christian Rieger wanted to write a clear doctrine about the architectural order. The order of antiquity was supposed to adapt to the modern times of that time. At the beginning of the text he explains where the orders come from and what their first definitions were. This in turn shows that the author proceeded very schematically. He starts from scratch with the basics, such as origin and initial definitions, until he deals with the matter in more detail. He shows the reader how one should apply the architectural arrangements in those days and how they have to be adapted. For example, he explains step by step how to make sketches and how plans and floor plans should be drawn. He addresses every single element, for example the representation of stairs. He also discusses all the orders: the Ionian, the Doric and the Corinthian and their specific decorations. He makes all these descriptions because many were confused and asked for clear guidelines, a structure that regulates the entire construction of a building. Not only that, but he also wrote the text because he noticed that many authors and architects describe and use the orders differently. That should now change and be generalized. Rieger also says that much of what is in his book is also in Vitruvius’ book, but that it is very far from modern times and therefore needs to be renewed.
It is very important that Rieger does not see his structuring of the architecture as the absolute, only truth. Everyone can also analyze the works and opinions of other authors and get their own picture of the order of architecture. However, in Rieger’s opinion, this will be very tedious because there are innumerable methods and rules. This is exactly why he makes his text available as an aid. Ultimately, everyone can decide for themselves what they want to do with the structure specified by Rieger.
Order – Generalization – Guidance