Geometric Alaysis of Architectural Drawings of the 19th Century

CASU, PAOLA

2011-01-01

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Abstract

The Library of the Department of Architecture of the University of Cagliari houses the drawings of 41 graduation theses of Architecture that had been debated during the second half of the 19th century. These drawings are the results of a three-year long course of "Architecture, Drawing and Ornate" that was taught in Cagliari by Prof. Arch. Gaetano Cima (1805-1878). From the analysis of these drawings it is possible to make some remarks both of historic and methodological aspects. It is very interesting how the students carried out the architectural composition using geometric constructions. The marks of the geometric constructions are yet visible on many of the drawings. In the work presented here, these tiny signs are used as instruments for reconstructing, using the accuracy of CAD, the outlining process. Drawings were sorted according to the rules of construction found for each architectonic composition: golden section, dynamic symmetry (root 2 rectangle), squares and triangles, etc. The classification of the graphic analysis was then related to the note of Prof. Cima and the books he made use of to teach architecture, in order to value affinity and differences. The aim of the work is to regain Cima's teaching method from the graphic results of his students and to establish a method that could be applied to similar cases where architectural drawings are the only documents to regain the outline of a building.