This course will focus on the notion of mimesis as the backbone of Western architectural theory, and will discuss the notion of imitation in architecture (in its double meaning, as imitation of nature and imitation of archetypal buildings) in Vitruvius, Alberti and in modern Vitruvianism, as well as some aspects of architectural imitation in the Middle Ages. The second section will highlight the development of modern tectonic principles and the dialectics between rule and licence in some sixteenth-century architectural treatises, particularly Serlio and Palladio. Finally, some later developments of the mimetic principles will be briefly surveyed, particularly in the context of nineteenth-century historicism (Ruskin), of early twentieth-century modernism (Le Corbusier), and of contemporary architectural theory and criticism. Requirements: There will be three equally spaced exams, corresponding to the three sections of the course. Prerequisites: ArtH 101-102. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 25).

Hour: CARPO