OVERVIEW

An introduction to the main episodes of the of the history of Italian architecture in Renaissance age, from the early Quattrocento up to the the middle of the following century.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to illustrate a general survey of the main topics of the history of Italian Renaissance architecture, dedicating particular attention to urban aspects. The lessons will focus on specific case-studies, discussed as examples of more general issues: the importance of the contexts (political, social, economic), the evolution of building crafts, the cultural dimension of architecture.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, exercises; possibly educational visits

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• The rediscovery of antiquity and Florentine humanism (from Brunelleschi to the Sangallos)
• Italian courts and the treaties on architecture in the 15th century: Rimini and Ferrara (Leon Battista Alberti), Urbino (Francesco di Giorgio), Milan (Filarete, Bramante)
• Classicism VS Tradition: Rome (from Niccolò V to Paul III, Bramante, Michelangelo) and Venice (Sansovino, Palladio)
• The new fortifications and 16th-century architectural treaties (bastions and citadels, Serlio, Palladio, Vignola)
• The image of the architect and the organization of building activities in the Renaissance

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Given the approach of the course and the topics considered, there isn’t a single handbook that can substitute the attendance at classes. For a general overview, and / or for more analytical studies it may be useful to consult:

generally:

• G. Cricco-F. Di Teodoro, Itinerario nell’arte, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2010, 5 voll. (versione gialla);
• C.L. Frommel, Architettura del Rinascimento italiano, Milano, Skira, 2009;
• L. Spagnoli, Storia dell’urbanistica moderna, 1, Dal Rinascimento all’età delle Rivoluzioni (1400-1815), Bologna, Zanichelli, 2008;
• D. Watkin, Storia dell’Architettura occidentale, Bologna, Zanichelli, 1990.

for urban aspects:

• D. Calabi, Storia della città. L’età moderna, Venezia, Marsilio, 2001;
• E. Guidoni-A. Marino, Storia dell’urbanistica. Il Cinquecento, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 1982.

The teacher is available for any orientation and bibliographic information, and for further advices about classes and exams

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO FOLIN (President)

GUGLIELMO BILANCIONI

SOLANGE ROSSI

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written + Oral

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exams will focus on the issues and problems discussed during the lessons, and will comprise a written (multiple choice) test and an oral examination. Attending students will have the possibilty to take midterm examinations (substitutes of the final written test) during the year.

In addition to the knowledge of the topics discussed in class, for the oral examination it is required the reading of one book by choice among the following:

• J. S. Ackerman, La villa: forma e ideologia, Torino, Einaudi, 1992 (20002);
• J. S. Ackerman, L'architettura di Michelangelo, Torino, Einaudi, 1988;
• E. Concina, Venezia nell’Età moderna. Struttura e funzioni, Venezia, Marsilio, 1989;
• Rappresentare la città. Topografie urbane nell’Italia di antico regime, a cura di M. Folin, Reggio Emlia, Diabasis, 2009;
• M. Tafuri, Venezia e il Rinascimento. Religione, scienza, architettura, Torino, Einaudi, 1985;
• M. Tafuri, Ricerca del Rinascimento. Principi, città, architetti, Torino, Einaudi, 1994;
• B. Zevi, Saper vedere l’urbanistica. Ferrara di Biagio Rossetti, la prima città moderna europea, Torino, Einaudi, 1971.

Exam schedule