Classical Architecture - Hardcover

Porphyrios, Demetri

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0856709697 ISBN 13: 9780856709692

Publisher: Wiley-Academy, 1992

Synopsis

Based on a series of lectures given by the author while he was the Harry Shure visiting Professor in Architecture at the University of Virginia, "Classical Architecture" provides the basis for a deeper understanding of this highly misunderstood subject. Appearing here as "Imitation in Architecture", "From Techne to Tectonics", "The Classical Order", "Character and Style", "Common Sense" and "Tradition and the New", this series represents a carefully considered and yet extremely accessible intellectual argument for the reasons behind the perennial appeal of convention. In a logical progression through the etymological implications of mimesis, or imitation, the author discusses the Aristotlean concept of techne, the fundamental meaning of both Classicism and style, the urban implications of today's pluralism and the true value of tradition. He says, for example - that "The Classical Order sets form over the necessities of shelter and tectonics over the contingencies of construction. It provides a definitive account of the laws of nature as manifested through construction and shelter. Whereas the diversity for the contingent world is constantly on the verge of dissolution and the forms of the real world blossom and wilt, the Classical Order makes us see the immutable laws of nature by means of tectonic fiction". Descriptive photographs and sketches collected from a wide variety of locations visually support the text, which also includes a selection of source material that has been edited especially for this publication.

About this title

Review

I find Classical Architecture a very eloquent, thoughtful and deeply moving book. --Philip Johnson

Classical Architecture is a delight to read. It is the most clear argument for a living classical tradition that I have ever read. --Cesar Pelli

About the Author

Demetri Porphyrios has an international reputation as an architect and theorist. He has built in England, Europe, the Middle East and America and has received many awards and honorary degrees for his excellence in architectural and urban design. He was educated at Princeton University where he received his master of Architecture and Ph.D. in the History an dTheory of Architecture. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame and he has been Thomas Jefferson Professor at the University of Virginia and Davenport and Bishop Professoe at Yale University. He has taught at the Architectural Association, the Polytechnci of Central London and the Royal College of Art. He is a Member of the Council of the Green Archaeological Committee (UK), Trustee of the Saint Catherine Foundation, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Member of Europa Nostra and Member of the Society of Architectural Historians. He has recently been appointed Member of CABE Design Review Committee and in 2005 was awarded the Driehaus International Prize in Architecture. His publications include Sources of Modern Eclecticism; On the Methodology of Architectural History; Classicism is not a Style; Building and Rational Architecture and Classical Architecture.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Academy
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0856709697
• ISBN 13: 9780856709692
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 156