19090 - Architectural Composition Theories (A)

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, the student knows and is able to identify the close relationship between the practice of the project and its theoretical reflection of architectural culture and together with the general elements of the theory of architectural and urban composition.

Course contents

The objective of this module is to provide students with the necessary tools to orientate within the vast, complex and multifaceted contemporary theoretical production. To do this are clarified some terms and concepts that structure from within the discipline of architecture: architectural type, shape, monument, study area, part of the city, but also architectural composition, character, language, decoration, representation, figurative structure.
The program of course consists in ten lessons in which the above concepts will be explained from the point of view of various theories of architecture on the basis of the literature of the discipline and exemplified by the analysis of some buildings and projects.
0 - Introduction: Architectural Theories
1 - Architectural Type
2 - A Theory for the Shape
3 - Ornament and Crime
4 - Form and Structur
5 - Characters
6 - The Narration's Principle
7 - Topology and Iconology
8 - City and Landscape
9 - The Language of Architecture

Readings/Bibliography

- Lamberto Amistadi, Ildebrando Clemente (a cura di), Soundings 0: John Hejduk, Aiòn, Firenze 2015;
- Luciano Semerani, L'esperienza del simbolo, Lezioni di Teoria e Tecnica della Progettazione architettonica, Lamberto Amistadi, Ildebrando Clemente (edit by), TECA1 Teorie della Composizione architettonica, Clean, Napoli 2007;
- Ignasi de Solà-Morales, Decifrare l'architettura, “inscripciones” del XX secolo, Umberto Allemandi, Torino 2001;
- Giorgio Grassi, Scritti scelti, 1965-1999, Franco Angeli, Milano 2000;
- Rafael Moneo, La solitudine degli edifici e altri scritti, Umberto Allemandi, Torino 1999;
- Rafael Moneo, Inquietudine teorica e strategia progettuale nell'opera di otto architetti contemporanei, Electa, Milano 2005;
- Luciano Semerani, Dizionario critico illustrato delle voci più utili all'architetto moderno, Edizioni CELI, Faenza 1993;
- Aldo Rossi, Autobiografia scientifica, Pratiche, Parma 1990.

Teaching methods

The course consists of 4 CFU corresponding to 48 hours divided between classroom lectures and discussion seminars on the exposed topics.

Assessment methods

The final examination is carried out in the form of a written test at the end of the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Lamberto Amistadi