Pre-recorded Lecture: Theory v. Practice; Building in Ancient Rome Readings:
- Start Vitruvius, De Architectura Books 5-10 (pp. 63-134) [NB: You have two weeks to finish this reading]
- I. Dekoulakou-Sideris. 1990. “A Metrological Relief from Salamis,” American Journal of Archaeology 94.3: 445-451.
- L. Haselberger. 1985. “The Construction Plans for the Temple of Apollo at Didyma,” Scientific American 253.6: 126-133.
Links to Readings: Metrological Relief from Salamis; Haselberger 1985. Construction Plans Apollo Didyma
Asynchronous Assignment: Short Essay (2-3 pages double-spaced, 12 pt. font)
Please read the two articles by Dekoulakou-Sideris and Haselberger. The articles provide description and analysis of two important archaeological discoveries that have transformed the way we think about the homo bene figuratus passage. In your essay, briefly explain what was discovered and its significance in its own right (that is, provide a synopsis of the readings’ main points). Then explain why these discoveries are important comparative evidence for De Arch. 3.1, particularly concerning the debate discussed in the prerecorded lecture over whether the analogy of buildings to bodies is purely theoretical or is to some degree also informed by the practice of building in antiquity. Towards this end, you might want to think about the following:
- The role of the body in measurement and architectural practice
- Representations of the body in non-artistic/quotidian contexts
- The relationship between what Vitruvius says in the text and actual archaeological remains
- The role of math and drawing (and/or plans) in construction, i.e. on the building site
- The use of modules and proportions
The essay is due on Wednesday, September 16 at 11:59PM. Please submit the assignment by email to mgp263@nyu.edu in the form of a PDF or Microsoft Word document.
Synchronous Discussion:
- Theory v. Practice, Close reading of De Arch. 1.1
- Encountering Practice in the De Arch.; Tacit Knowledge
- Anthropomorphic Measurement
- Design
- Modules and Proportions
- Math and Drawing
NB: I mentioned in the pre-recorded lecture that we will look at some sample passages from the De Arch. that illustrate the way in which building practice and manual/experiential knowledge inform Vitruvian theory. If there are any passages you are particularly interested in discussing, please send them my way and I will do my best to incorporate them into our discussion.
Slides from Synchronous Discussion Discussion 3. Practice