The educational goal is for the student to develop the ability to understand, critically interpret, and independently discuss aesthetic, philosophical, and philosophical-political texts in relation to architectural practice.
The specific learning objectives are the ability to understand, critically interpret, and independently discuss the topics outlined in the course program.
Laboratorio di Composizione Architettonica 1.
Lectures: 52 hours
Workshops/Exercises: 8 hours
The lectures will adopt a dialogical and participatory approach, with ample room for discussion and critical exchange.
The exercises, preferably carried out as group work, will follow a workshop-based teaching model.
During these sessions, students may produce and discuss assignments serving as intermediate assessments of their learning progress.
The exam will take the form of an oral interview on the theoretical texts.
During the workshop sessions, intermediate assessments of learning may be carried out.
REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ettore Rocca, L’umano e l’inumano. Filosofia dell’architettura come filosofia della natura, Carocci, Roma 2025
Donald W. Winnicott, Gioco e realtà, Armando, Roma 2020
Platone, Timeo, BUR, Milano 2003
Recommended readings
Fabrizio Desideri, Chiara Cantelli, Storia dell’estetica occidentale. Da Omero alle neuroscienze, Carocci, Roma 2020
Marcello Ghilardi, L’estetica giapponese moderna, Morcelliana, Brescia 2016
DESCRIPTION
The course aims to raise awareness of: the theoretical, philosophical, and aesthetic aspects related to architecture; the relationship between architecture and other arts; the connection between aesthetic needs and human needs and desires; the relationship between architecture and the construction of a just and democratic society; and the relationship between the philosophy of architecture and the philosophy of nature. In summary, its goal is to develop the student’s critical and theoretical capacity— aesthetic, philosophical, social, and environmental— in relation to architectural practice and artistic activity.
COURSE PROGRAM
The course will address the relationship between the philosophy of architecture, the philosophy of space, the philosophy of nature, theories of dwelling, and ecological thought.
This will begin with Plato, where the relationship between the philosophy of nature, the philosophy of architecture, and political theory is first explored— particularly in the Republic, the Timaeus, and the Critias.
The course will then examine the relationship between the philosophy of architecture and the philosophy of nature in Leon Battista Alberti.
It will analyze the fundamental difference between East and West concerning the relationship between architecture and time, starting from the essential traits of Japanese aesthetics.
The relationship between Le Corbusier’s Modulor and the notion of “ineffable space” will also be studied.
The connection between building, dwelling, and thinking will be explored through Martin Heidegger’s reflections.
The relationship between architecture and power, as highlighted by Michel Foucault through the concept of the panopticon, will be examined.
The link between art, creativity, and play in Donald Winnicott’s thought will also be discussed.
Finally, the meaning of inhabiting places will be deepened through the anthropological reflections of Vito Teti.
Interdisciplinary references will include the history of architecture and art, architectural theory, urban theory, architectural design, environmental design, and drawing.
Attendance is not mandatory but is recommended.
If attendance is not possible, the teacher is available for any clarifications regarding the course topics during office hours or via e-mail.
