ARC 388R
History of Ornament

Instructor: Dr. Anthony Alofsin
Time: Thursday 2:00 - 5:00
Place: WMB 4.118
Unique #: 945

Prerequisites:

It is suggested, but not required, that students complete a series of survey courses in the history of architecture, or equivalent preparation. The course is open to students in architecture, planning, preservation, art history, history, classics, and related fields. Enrollment is limited.

Advanced undergraduates are encouraged to enroll.

Course Format:

The focus of this course is a historical inquiry into the nature of onament. It consists of a series of lectures that introduce students to the methodological problems and issues concerning a history of ornament. Lectures will examine the practice of using ornament in various cultures around the globe, and the underlying geometric and formal structures ornament as well as the cultural significance--or absence of it--will be explored. In addition to readings for class discussion, three kinds of assignments will be given: short historical studies which will be written or oral presentations; analytical exercises that examine the underlying structure, "rules," and "grammar" of ornament; and a final project, performed in groups, in which students will generate a three-dimensional architectural concept using ornament as a two-dimensional starting point.

Educational Objective:

To develop a grasp of the historical use of ornament in various cultures; to develop familiarity with historical research; and to generate architectural concepts using unitary modules. Participation in class discussion is an essential part of the course.

Evaluation:

Grades will be based on class participation and analytical exercises (one-half), and presentation of research and a final paper that documents the presentation (one-half).

Readings:

Extensive library reserve; Course reader will be available at Speedway Copies in Dobie Mall. The following books are suggested for purchase:
Owen Jones, The Grammar of Ornament: All 100 Color Plates From the Folio Edition of the Great Victorian Sourcebook of Historic Design. Dover SBN: 0486254631 pb
Michael Snodin, Maurice, Howard, Ornament, A Social History Since 1450. (New Haven and London, 1996) ISBN 0-300-06455-1 hb
Robert Lawlor, Sacred Geometry : Philosophy and Practice, (Thames & Hudson, 1989); ISBN: 0500810303.
Ernst Gombrich, The Sense of Order.: A Study in the Psychology of Decorative Art (The Wrightsman Lectures, V. 9) 2nd ed. 1995 (Phaidon) ISBN: 0714822590 pb