
This multiauthor volume presents thirteen case studies that showcase the scientific, analytical, and often archaeological study of historic buildings that is known in German as Bauforschung. Written by established and emerging experts in this field, the chapters focus on the architecture of the Classical world and cover a wide variety of topics, such as construction processes, design principles, building traditions, and historical contexts. Despite this diversity, there is a common thread, since all contributors perceive architecture not as piles of dead matter, or as mere bearers of decoration and sculpture, but as dynamic organisms--bodies full of inner tension to defy gravity. Thus, they pursue the common goal to situate architecture in its historical contexts by documenting, reconstructing, and visualizing the structures as well as their spatial settings, technical underpinnings, and ideological symbolism.Throughout this volume, ancient buildings are considered historic documents in their own right, reflecting both the efforts of their designers and builders, as well as the aspirations of their patrons and communities. The collection represents a wide cross-section of approaches brought to bear on ancient Greek and Roman architecture and, thus, serves as an English-language introduction to the technical and historical questions, and the methodologies inherent in Bauforschung.
This volume investigates how the German methodology of Bauforschung—the scientific and analytical study of historic buildings—can be applied to better understand the architecture of the Classical world. The authors, Dorian Borbonus and Elisha Ann Dumser, curate thirteen case studies from established and emerging experts to demonstrate how ancient structures function as dynamic historical documents. By analyzing construction processes, design principles, and ideological symbolism, the contributors argue that architecture should be viewed as an active organism rather than static material.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts recognize this collection as a significant English-language resource for introducing the technical rigor of Bauforschung to a broader academic audience. Readers frequently note that the text provides a necessary bridge between archaeological fieldwork and architectural theory.
Page Count:
312
Publication Date:
2022-07-22
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190690526
ISBN-13:
9780190690526
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