Architecture 441: History of Architectural Theory 1400 to 1914

Professor Ghirardo
Fall 2012, 2 units Class #11254D
Tuesday WAH B7 6.00 – 8.00

This seminar explores theories of architecture since the beginning of the

Renaissance. It involves both reading original texts (where available in
translation) and study of the contexts in which the theories were produced. We
will also consider some of the buildings which influenced or were influenced by
the theories. There are therefore two components to the analysis of the texts:
theory and context.

Seminal writings on architecture in western Europe, these texts certainly do not

exhaust the thoughtful theoretical writings of many others, and there are essays
from other cultures and in the United States during the late nineteenth and early
twentieth century, but they will not be considered in this course. What were the
questions architects and theorists asked of architecture in the early modern era?
What was important, and why? What were the assumptions they made about
architecture, and about architects, and how did this color the types of questions
they asked and the theories they devised?

As a seminar, the course depends upon the full participation of all students.
Therefore everyone is expected to do all of the reading each week. We will have
a field trip to the Getty Center to view some original works of architectural
theory, in October or November. I will try to organize this to accommodate
students’ schedules, but because the Getty has reduced personnel, we also are
limited to the days they make available to us.

Assignments and Grading. There are two written assignments in this class.
a) Students will prepare one report, to be presented orally in class.
Each student will prepare a presentation on the theories to be considered at
one class meeting, which will entail readings from one or two architects. This
presentation should also be presented as a paper from 5 to 7 pages long. This
is not a biography of the theorist, but a summary and discussion of the
theories. Specifically, you should choose one or two issues to explore in the
writings of two or more theorists. You may choose to write about theories of
perspective, for example, or about theories of beauty, or about materials, or
ornamentation, about antiquity, and you must refer to at least two of the
authors in your paper. This is an analytical exercise, not a research into a
particular architect or theorist.

Students will sign up for these presentations by the third class meeting
(September 11). Therefore I recommend that you go to the Architecture and
Fine Arts Library in the basement of Watt Hall during the first week of classes
to review the readings and select the one you are interested in working on.

b) All students are expected to have completed the reading and to be

prepared to discuss the texts. During the course of the term, you are each to

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 prepare a two page summary, or synopsis, of the reading for one of the
weeks, but not the theory about which you are writing your paper.

This is a brief, two page précis, or critical summary, of TWO of the readings
during the course of the semester. For information on how to prepare these
précis, see ML Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History (Fifth Edition, 2007),
25-30.
Papers must be submitted in 12 point, Palatino or Times New Roman
typeface. My computer does not open .docx papers – all submissions
must be in Word .doc format.

***Papers not submitted in correct form, with proper footnotes

following the form outlined in Rampolla WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED. THEY MAY NOT BE RESUBMITTED FOR A FULL
GRADE.***

Grading:
The paper is worth a combined total of 70% of your grade; another 20% is
based upon a 2-page synopses of the one of readings, and another 10% will be
based on class participation – that is, attendance and preparation for
discussion. Grades on papers are based on clarity, thoroughness, and
successful synthesis and analysis of important points. To this end, I will
review drafts of your papers prior up to the final class meeting.

Important dates:
Sept. 25 one page paper proposal due
Nov 13 1st draft of paper due
Dec. 4 2 page synopses
Final Paper due: submit online at time of final exam, December 18, 11-1pm

Course goals: In the most general terms, this course is an introduction to

architectural theory from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Students should
gain a working knowledge of developments in architectural theory in Western
Europe during this period.

The course has other objectives as well. I am particularly interested in students

developing the ability to write a critical synthesis of a specific set of architectural
theories, and I am also especially concerned that students learn to make cogent
oral presentations.

I will comment upon the paper and return it to you for revision. The grades on
your drafts do not count in the calculation of your grade. Your grade on the
paper will be based on the final version that you submit.
I expect the revision to include issues raised in class discussion as well as those
that I note on the paper. I will grade and return the revised paper to you. Should
you wish to improve your grade, I encourage you to make further revisions; I

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will grade them as I receive them, but the last day to present revised papers is
the last day of class. The final paper is due at the time of the final exam.

I do all revisions and comments online so that both you and I have copies of all
work presented.

The schedule for the classes this semester follows; all readings will be on reserve
in the Architecture and Fine Arts Library in the basement of Watt Hall. If a
reading is not available, I will make photocopies and distribute them in class.

Texts: Taschen, Architectural Theory

Reader, from University Readers (asterisks below)
Leon Battista Alberti, On the Art of Building in Ten Books
M. A. Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History
Lynne Truss, Eats, Shoots, and Leaves

Schedule of Readings and Classes

August 27 Introduction to Architectural Theory

Sept 4 Guest Lecture: Prof. Victor Jones

“Beauty in 20th century architecture”

Sept 11 Topic: Recovery of Classical Antiquity

Leon Battista Alberti (1404-72), On the Art of Building in Ten Books
Read: 2-9, 23-28, 33-48, 61-71, 79-84, 92-97, 117-131, 145-53

Sept 18 Topic: The Function and Appropriateness of Architecture

Alberti (cont’d) Read: 154-64, 189-95, 200-218, 268-77, 291-96
*Filarete (Antonio Averlino), Treatise on Architecture, 1-27, 177-192
Sebastiano Serlio (1475-1553?), On Architecture, Books I – V
pp. 3-4, 83-93, 97-106, 127-134, 250-270, 281-94, 320-7, 396-429

Sept 25 Topic: Rules of Composition

Sebastiano Serlio, On Domestic Architecture
Read: All
Submit proposal for paper

Oct 2 Topic: Modifying the Classical & Rules Redux

Palladio (1508-80), Four Books of Architecture
Read: Books I & II

Oct 9 Topics: Architecture and Science

H. Meeks, Guarino Guarini (1624-83)
*C. Perrault, Ordonnance for the 5 Kinds of Columns (1613-88)
Read: 47-79, 153-75

Class at Getty: date and time to be announced

Regular class will not be held

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Oct 16 Topic: Architecture, History, Nature, Poetry and Synthesis
James Gibbs (1682-1754) , A Book of Architecture
Read: 1 – 39, 54 - 85
H. Aurenhammer, Johann Fischer von Erlach(1656-1723)
Read: Chapters 2 & 3

Oct 23 *Marc-Antoine Laugier (1711-1769), An Essay on Architecture

Read: pp. 7-67, 147-58
Claude Nicholas Ledoux (1736-1806) Unpublished Projects
Read: review projects, introduction
Etienne Louis Boullee (1728-99), Treatise on Architecture

Oct. 30 Topic: Gothic Revival and the fate of Classicism

*Viollet le Duc (1814-1879), The Foundations of Architecture
*Read: pp. 33-101; Lectures on Architecture, Read: 9-33,247-342
August W. N. Pugin (1812-1852), Contrasts, iii-v, 1-58
Read: pp. 103-135, 161-175
Submit draft of paper

Nov 6 Visiting Lecture: Prof Victoria Di Palma

Nov 13 Topic: Architecture of Imperial Ambitions

Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781-1841), Saamlung Architecktonischer
Entwurfe review all
B. Bergdoll, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Chapters 2 and 4

Nov 20 Topic: Honesty and Ethics in Design

John Ruskin, (1819-1900) The Seven Lamps of Architecture
read: pp. 15-33, 100-141, 167-88
Gottfried Semper (1803-1879), The Four Elements of Architecture
reading: pp. 168-74, 215-40, 264-84

Nov 27 Topic: Dismantling Architectural Theory

*Sir Geoffrey Scott (1885-1929) The Architecture of Humanism
read: Chapters One, Four, Seven and Eight
Dec 4 Last class/discussion last drafts of papers due

Final Exam: December 13, 7pm to 9pm

Last day & time to submit electronic versions.

Statement for Students with Disabilities

Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is
required to register with Disability Services and Programs (DSP) each semester.
A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be obtained from DSP.
Please be sure the letter is delivered to me (or to my TA) as early in the semester
as possible. DPS is located in STU 301 and is open 8:30AM-5PM, Monday
through Friday. The phone number for DSP is (213) 740-0776.

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Statement on Academic Integrity
USC seeks to maintain an optimal learning environment. General principles of
academic honesty include the concept of respect for the intellectual property of
others, the expectation that individual work will be submitted unless otherwise
allowed by an instructor, and the obligations both to protect one’s own academic
work from misuse by others as well as to avoid using another’s work as one’s
own. All students are expected to understand and abide by these principles.
Scampus, the Student Guidebook, contains the Student Conduct Code in Section
11.00, while the recommended sanctions are located in Appendix A:
http://www.usc.edu/dept/publications/SCAMPUS/gov/
Students will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and Community
Standards for further review, should there be any suspicion of academic
dishonesty. The Review process can be found at:
http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/SJACS/
For information on what constitutes plagiarism, please see the required text for
this course, Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, 5th edition,
pp. 88-96. The Office of Student Judicial Affairs also has free pamphlets
available. Nonetheless, the University does not seem to take academic integrity
seriously, although I strongly advise against plagiarizing in your papers.

Statement on USC School of Architecture attendance and class protocols

Attendance via signin at outset of class; more than one unexcused absence
lowers grade by one full grade. See attached School of Architecture policy.

Attendance is required. In the event of an absence for a health emergency or

other excused absence, please notify the instructor in advance.

Reserve List Arch 441

Leon Battista Alberti (1404-72)
Anthony Grafton, Leon Battista Alberti: Master Builder of the Italian
Renaissance NA1123.A5G73 2000
On Alberti and the Art of Building NA1123.A5T38 1998
Sebastiano Serlio (1475-1554)
Sebastiano Serlio on Architecture, Books I-V of Tutte le opere d’architettura et
prospetiva NA2515.5513 1996
Sebastiano Serlio on domestic architecture. different dwellings from the meanest hovel to
the most ornate palace: the sixteenth century manuscript of Book VI in the Avery
Library of Columbia University NA7109.S47 1978
Andrea Palladio (1508-1580)
Andrea Palladio, The Four Books on Architecture NA2515.P253 1965
Guarino Guarini (1624-83)
H. Alan Meek. Guarino Guarini and his Architecture NA1123.G8M44 1988
Andrea Palladio, The Complete Illustrated Works NA1123.P2A4 2001
Claude Perrault (1613-88)
Wolfgang Herman. The Theory of Claude Perrault NA2515.H47 1973
Johann Fischer von Erlach (1656-1723)

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Hans Aurenhammer, J. B. Fischer von Erlach NA1011.5.F57 A94 1973b
James Gibbs (1682-1754)
James Gibbs, A Book of Architecture, Containing designs of buildings and ornaments
NA2620.G5 1968
Terry Friedman, James Gibbs NA997.G5F73 1984
Etienne-Louis Boullée (1728-99)
Perouse de Montclos, J.-M., Etienne Louis Boullee, Theoretician of
Revolutionary Architecture NA
Etienne-Louis Boullée, Treatise on Architecture 720.944.B7643e
Rosenau, Helen. Boullée and Visionary Architecture
NA1053.B69R68

Laugier Marc-Antoine (1711-1769)

Laugier, An Essay on Architecture NA2515.L2913 1977
Claude-Nicholas Ledoux (1736-1806)
Claude Nicholas Ledoux, unpublished projects NA2707.L44L431.1999
Lemagny, Jean-Claude. Visionary Architects: Boullée, Ledoux, Lequeu.
NA1052.L4
Anthony Vidler, Claude-Nicholas Ledoux: Architecture and Social Reform at the
end of the Ancien Regime NA1053.L4V5 1990
Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879)
E.E. Viollet-le-Duc, The Foundations of Architecture NA1041.V7413 1990
________, The Architectural Theory of Viollet-le-Duc. readings and commentary
NA1053.V7V47 1990
Robert Mack. Robert Willis, Viollet-le-Duc, and the Structural Approach to
Gothic NA440.M37
Karl Schinkel (1781-1841)
Karl Schinkel, Saamlung Architecktonischer Entwurfe
NA1088.S3A4 1989
____________, The English Journey NA1088.S3A35 1993
Barry Bergdoll, Karl Friedrich Schinkel. An Architecture for Prussia
NA1088.S3B38 1994
Gottfried Semper, 1803-1879
Gottfried Semper, The Four Elements of Architecture and other Writings
NA2500.S46.1989
H. Mallgrave, Gottfried Semper: Architect of the Nineteenth Century
NA1353.S45M36 1996
August W. N. Pugin 1812-1852
AWN Pugin Master of Gothic Revival NA997.P9A4 1995
__________, A Gothic Passion NA997.P9A4 1994
John Ruskin 1819-1900
John Ruskin, The Seven Lamps of Architecture NA2550.R75 1981
Unran, John. Looking at Architecture with Ruskin NA2760.657 19789B
Geoffrey Scott 1885-1929
Geoffrey Scott, The Architecture of Humanism. A Study in the History of Taste
NA2500.S4 1999
Louis Sullivan, 1856-1924
Louis Sullivan, The Function of Ornament NA737.S9A4 1986

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_____________, Kindergarten Chats 720,4.S949lc 1947
Otto Wagner 1841-1918
Otto Wagner, Modern Architecture NA642.W3413 1988

School of Architecture
University of Southern California
Approved Attendance Guidelines

Attending classes is a basic responsibility of every USC student who is enrolled in

courses at the School of Architecture. Although any student should be evaluated
primarily on their demonstrated knowledge through project development, papers,
quizzes, and exams, the School believes important skills such as verbal presentation,
design discussion and articulation of critical issues within each course are equal
additional measures of demonstrated knowledge, particularly for our professional degree
programs. In studio courses, the central learning experience is through direct contact
between the student and the faculty which advances a student’s understanding of
architecture through shared exploration. As most all of our enrolled students are
completing accredited professional degree programs, regular and punctual class
attendance is considered an essential part of satisfying both the NAAB and LAAB
accreditation requirements. It is also expected that our faculty will use the majority of
valuable contact time with students to cover material that cannot be covered through
readings, out-of-class projects and other supplemental learning methods.

As our curriculum is composed of a variety of learning environments, it is important that

each instructor has authority over the precise terms of their own attendance policy as
outlined in each course syllabus. The following points are to be considered the School of
Architecture’s collective policy to be referenced in all syllabi, or unless otherwise outlined
with individual faculty variation within a particular course syllabus:

The School of Architecture’s general attendance policy is to allow a student to miss the
equivalent of one week of class sessions (three classes if the course meets three
times/week, etc) without directly affecting the student’s grade and ability to complete the
course. If additional absences are required for a personal illness/family emergency, pre-
approved academic reason/religious observance, the situation should be discussed and
evaluated with the faculty member and appropriate Chair on a case-by-case basis.
For each absence over that allowed number, the student’s letter grade can be lowered
up to one full letter grade (some instructors might vary the consequences such as only
being worth 1/3 letter grade etc). This policy or any variation of it should be stated clearly
in the syllabus of the course.

Each instructor should review his/her attendance and grading policies with the students
in the first week of class. If the instructor believes a stricter policy should be followed,
and he or she has explicitly called it out as a policy in the syllabus, the School will fully
back up the stated penalties for this stricter policy if any grade disputes might occur. Any
attendance procedure should not take up more than a few minutes of class time. The
policy for late work or for making up missed work due to absence or not due to absence
should be explicitly outlined in the syllabus. All students should understand that any false

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representation of their attendance is grounds to be considered for a violation of ethics
before the University in the syllabus.

Any student not in class within the first 10 minutes is considered tardy, and any student
absent (in any form including sleep, technological distraction, or by leaving mid class for
a long bathroom/water break) for more than 1/3 of the class time can be considered fully
absent. If arriving late, a student must be respectful of a class in session and do
everything possible to minimize the disruption caused by a late arrival. It is always the
student’s responsibility to seek means (if possible) to make up work missed due to
absences, not the instructor’s, although such recourse is not always an option due to the
nature of the material covered.

Being absent on the day a project, quiz, paper or exam is due can lead to an “F” for that
project, quiz, paper or exam or portfolio (unless the faculty concedes the reason is due
to an excusable absence for personal illness/family emergency/religious observance). A
mid term or final review is to be treated the same as a final exam as outlined and
expected by the University. Students must understand that days allocated for their studio
final in the syllabus are considered an examination period. If they are absent or tardy on
any review day and miss their opportunity to present, this is considered equal to missing
a final exam.

No instructor can require a student to withdraw from a course even if that student will
eventually fail due to numerous absences or poor performance. All faculty members
should notify any student who has missed more than the equivalent of one week of class
IN WRITING, COPYING THE STUDENT SERVICE OFFICE, that their lack of
attendance will now begin to have a significant effect on their grade (even if these
absences occur at the end of the semester or if the faculty believes the student has
withdrawn due to whatever reason). If the student is near the point of failure due to
absences, the faculty member should then again notify the student in writing. The
majority of grade disputes tend to center around absences (often at the end of the
semester), and, thus, it is imperative that a clear attendance policy is referenced in each
provided syllabus and that timely notification is provided by the instructor to any student
whose absences begin to exceed that policy.