93710 - Construction History

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will have acquired an in-depth knowledge on historical tecniques and building characters. The acquaintance with the practicality of the workshop will be also referred to the laws regulating the structural reasons and the constructive feasibility of the technical solutions, within the frame of the wider knowledge in the history of construction.

Course contents

The course includes an in-depth discussion of some macro-themes in the history of constructive techniques; the aim is to provide an analytical vision of the materials and techniques that have allowed the creation of architectural works differing not only in formal and stylistic nature but also for their chronological and spatial contexts. In particular, the following themes relating to the history of construction will be explored in depth: classical architecture (the Romans and their masonry techniques); medieval architecture (stone, brick and wood architecture); modern architecture (from iron to reinforced concrete).

In parallel, the case of the Bolognese porticoes, recently inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list, will be explored in depth. A live visit will be scheduled and students will be asked to prepare an exercise relating to this theme in groups, also in accordance with the "Heritage Conservation" component of the integrated course.

Readings/Bibliography

General bibliography of the course is provided by these books:

• P. Roca, P. B. Lourenço, A. Gaetani, Historic Construction and Conservation. Materials, Systems and Damage, Routledge, 2019. (chapters 3, 4)
• F. Ceccarelli, D. Pascale Guidotti Magnani, The Bolognese Portico. Architecture, History, and the City, Bologna University Press, 2022. (the entire volume)

At the end of the lessons, a specific bibliography will be provided.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, seminars, exercises that will be partially carried out in the classroom and partially at home and will also include a presentation of the work done to the other students.

Assessment methods

For students who attended classes
Students have to present the results of their group work. They have to demonstrate accurate theoretical preparation on the topic of porticoes and show in-depth knowledge of the area being analyzed. They also will be asked one question about the general program of the course. All group members will have to present part of the work.
Please remember that group works must be reviewed before the exam, with one (or more) reviews, online or in presence.

Students who did not attend classes
Students will be required to have in-depth theoretical preparation on every aspect covered during the classes and above all to carefully study the books indicated in the course programme. Studying only the notes and slides will not be permitted. Students will be asked three or four questions about the general program of the course. For clarity, the required books and chapters are summarized here:

• P. Roca, P. B. Lourenço, A. Gaetani, Historic Construction and Conservation. Materials, Systems and Damage, Routledge, 2019. (chapters 3, 4)
• F. Ceccarelli, D. Pascale Guidotti Magnani, The Bolognese Portico. Architecture, History, and the City, Bologna University Press, 2022. (the entire volume)

 

Teaching tools

The presentations used to support frontal teaching will be uploaded to Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Daniele Pascale Guidotti Magnani