1. Process
The book (Theatrum Architecturae Civilis – Charles Philippe Dieussart) is roughly divided into three parts:
Part 1:
• Definition of architecture
• Composition of architecture
• Material foundations
Part 2:
• Column lessons from six model Renaissance architects
• Column orders
Part 3:
• Proportion – of rooms, stairs, windows
• Explanation of terms: Words of architecture
I chose my keywords based on this outline. For each part I tried to determine the two to three most important keywords. These are the ones I chose: “composition”, “symmetry”, “material foundations”, “pillar theory”, “five classical orders of columns”, “proportion”, “copper engraving”
As the topic of conversation, I used the keyword “architecture” and as shown in the tutorial I used “Xenotheka” as Alice’s brain. To my surprise for each keyword, I quickly found many different and relevant books. I looked up the most relevant books on “Google” and finally decided on two books.
Elements of Architecture – Rem Koolhaas
Rem Koolhaas describes the architecture as a mixture of continuity and change. In the book he devotes himself to the individual components of the diverse and complex architectural collage: window, facade, balcony, corridor, chimney, step, escalator, elevator. It examines the basic history of the construction details. The book describes the architectural history of origins, takeovers, influences of technical advances, political circumstances, economic contexts, legal requirements and new digital possibilities.
Modern Architectural Theory: A Historical Survey, 1673–1968 – Harry Francis Mallgrave
“Modern Architectural Theory” provides a comprehensive survey of architectural theory in Europe and the United States, during three centuries of development. Harry Francis Mallgrave examines architectural discourse within its social and political context. He explores the philosophical and conceptual evolution of its ideas, discusses the relation of theory to the practice of building and most importantly considers the words of the architects themselves, as they contentiously shaped Western architecture.
The book covers the late 17th century, the time in which Charles Philippe Dieussart (1625-1696) lived. The two books share common topics as proportion and symmetry. Mallgrave states in his book: “Symmetry plays no role in its appearance, and neither does proportion, because both are arbitrary conventions formed by association.”