Learning objectives
The main aim of the course is to present to the students the materials, the building elements, the techniques and the static principles of the historical constructions. Moreover, the course aims at introducing the students to the understanding of the buildings through the analysis of meaningful historical architectures.
Knowledge and understanding capabilities:
At the end of the course, the student will have a wide view on the materials and techniques used in the construction of historical buildings.
Proficiency
The student will develop the ability of “reading” and surveying autonomously the main features of a historical building, from the building, material, structural point of view.
Communication skills:
During the course, the student will improve its correctness of speech, with specific reference to the technical terms connected to historical buildings.
Learning ability:
The methods of buildings “reading” acquired during the course and first applied on some meaningful examples, will allow the student to understand further historical architectures.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of Architectural History is required to understand and follow proficiently this course, as well as some knowledge of Euclidean geometry and of mathematics.
Course unit content
1. Introduction to the comprehension of historical buildings.
2. “Utilitas, Venustas, Firmitas” and economy.
3. The architectural survey as a mean to understand buildings and to learn design.
4. Measurement units.
5. Geometry, proportions and styles: architecture’s instruments.
6. The materials of historical architecture (stones, bricks, mortars, concrete, wood, iron)
7. Masonries.
8. The weight of materials and of constructions.
9. Equilibrium and strength.
10. The principia of physics.
11. The Art of building.
12. The modern materials and the materials science.
13. Building elements and systems in historical constructions: trylite, “masonry boxes”, arches and flat-arches, vaults, domes, frames.
14. Timber constructions.
15. Iron and caast iron constructions.
16. Executive and stylistic analysis of meaningful buildings.
Full programme
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Bibliography
The pdf presentations of the lectures are available on the course’s website and they represent the main reference to follow and study the course’s topics.
Another reference is the book:
- Gianni V. Galliani, “Tecnologia del costruire”, Alinea Editrice, 2002
The following books are suggested:
- S.A. Curuni, “Guida allo studio diretto dell’edificio storico – appunti di anatomia dell’architettura” Ed. PLUS, Pisa University Press, 2009
- M.C. Torricelli, R. Del Nord, Paolo Felli, “Materiali e tecnologie dell’Architettura” Laterza 2009
- Iori Ivo, “Minimi strumenti di Scienza del costruire”. Edizioni MUP, Parma 2009.
- Mario Como, Ivo Iori, Federica Ottoni, “Scientia Abscondita”, Marsilio 2019
- G. Pizzetti, A.M. Zorgno Trisciuoglio: “Principi statici e forme strutturali”, UTET Torino 1980.
- M. Salvadori, Perché gli edifici crollano, Mondadori, 1970
Teaching methods
The course is composed of traditional lectures (tought class), also with Powerpoint presentaions, and reviews.
The course is divided in two parts: the first one concerns materials, geometry, equilibrium and building techniques; the second one will focus on some meaningful buildings taken as exxamples to inspect their building, static and aesthetic characteristics.
Some direct surveys can be made by the students to real case studies of historical buildings.
Assessment methods and criteria
During the course, the surveys made by the students are controlled and verified.
The examination is written, but in some cases an in depth oral examination can be required in addition to the written exam.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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