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Federico von Borstel

This is a course on Roman Architecture. It is a comprehensive review of Roman Architecture. Everything that we cover in this course has been personally researched, studied, visited and documented first hand by me. And, I encourage you to also visit and study these incredibly interesting architectural sites. Roman Architecture has had a decisive impact on all architecture, so knowledge of Roman Architecture helps you understand all architecture. Roman Architecture along with Greek Architecture are the foundations of modern architecture. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

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This is a course on Roman Architecture. It is a comprehensive review of Roman Architecture. Everything that we cover in this course has been personally researched, studied, visited and documented first hand by me. And, I encourage you to also visit and study these incredibly interesting architectural sites. Roman Architecture has had a decisive impact on all architecture, so knowledge of Roman Architecture helps you understand all architecture. Roman Architecture along with Greek Architecture are the foundations of modern architecture. I teach lecture courses and studios as I wish they would have been taught to me. Much of the graphic material in my lectures is taken or generated first hand directly by me on site. I teach to learn. I teach subjects as I wish they were taught to me. The Mission Statement. Education is a tool for the improvement of successive generations. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This course is designed under the premise that humans should be taught in a way that is modeled after the educational patterns of evolution.

The design, development and application of educational systems based on the educational principles of evolution generates a philosophy and methodology of education in synchrony with the evolutionary education system that is firmly and deeply rooted in each of us.

Education for evolution is an educational system designed to help propel humans forward in the natural course of evolution. The purpose of education for evolution is to enhance and strengthen the natural evolutionary process of humans through the mechanism of education. The means to achieve this objective is the design of a curricula based on the same educational techniques and strategies used by natural evolution, enhanced and guided by the application of conscious educational decisions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • At the completion of this course students will have a good working knowledge of roman architecture.
  • The course enhances human development.
  • The course seeks to enrich your life experience.
  • The course promotes self-learning.

Syllabus

Introduction
Roman Architecture Lecture 2
Roman Architecture Lecture 3
Roman Architecture Lecture 4
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive review of Roman architecture, which serves as a foundational element for understanding modern architectural principles and design, making it highly relevant for students
Offers first-hand insights and documentation of Roman architectural sites, enriching the learning experience with personally researched and visited locations, which may inspire further exploration
Aims to enhance human development and enrich life experience, suggesting a broader appeal beyond technical architectural knowledge, potentially attracting individuals interested in personal growth
Promotes self-learning, indicating a course structure that supports independent study and exploration, which is beneficial for individuals who prefer to learn at their own pace
Covers Roman architecture, which, alongside Greek architecture, forms the bedrock of modern architectural styles, making it essential knowledge for aspiring architects and designers
Presents a teaching approach modeled after evolutionary educational patterns, which may resonate with learners who appreciate innovative and holistic methods of knowledge acquisition and retention

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive study of roman architecture

According to learners, this course on Roman Architecture is a comprehensive and detailed look at the subject. Many praise the instructor's evident passion and the use of strong visual material derived from personal site visits, which greatly enhances understanding. Students feel they gain a solid foundation and a rich historical context. However, some reviews note technical issues, particularly with audio and video quality, and a few found the lecture delivery dry at times. Overall, it is considered a valuable resource for gaining a deep appreciation of Roman Architecture, despite occasional presentation drawbacks.
Course is well-organized into manageable lectures.
"The course was logically structured lecture by lecture."
"Liked how the topics progressed through the history."
"Found the breakdown into distinct lectures easy to follow."
High-quality images and videos enhance learning.
"The photographs and diagrams used were excellent."
"Seeing the actual sites documented by the instructor was helpful."
"Visuals were a key part of understanding the concepts."
"The images were fantastic and really brought the architecture to life."
Instructor's enthusiasm for the subject shines.
"You can tell the professor is very passionate about this topic."
"The instructor's personal experience visiting sites adds a lot."
"His enthusiasm made the lectures engaging for me."
"The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable and loves the subject."
Offers a detailed look at Roman architecture.
"This course gave me a very detailed overview of Roman architecture."
"I learned so much historical context I didn't know before."
"Provides a comprehensive look at the subject matter."
"It really covers a lot of ground in Roman building history."
Some found the lecture style dry or difficult to follow.
"While knowledgeable, the instructor's delivery was a bit dry."
"Needed to rewatch lectures several times to grasp everything."
"Could be improved with more dynamic presentation techniques."
"Sometimes found it hard to stay focused during the lectures."
Some technical problems reported with audio/video.
"The audio quality was poor in some lectures, making it hard to hear."
"Video was sometimes choppy or low resolution."
"Had trouble understanding the instructor due to background noise."
"The sound quality could definitely be improved."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Roman Architecture with these activities:
Review 'Roman Architecture' by John Ward-Perkins
Gain a strong foundation in Roman architectural history and key concepts before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Roman Architecture' by John Ward-Perkins.
  • Read the introductory chapters on Roman history and culture.
  • Focus on chapters covering materials and construction techniques.
Review Basic Architectural Concepts
Solidify your understanding of fundamental architectural principles to better grasp Roman architectural innovations.
Show steps
  • Review definitions of key architectural terms.
  • Study examples of different architectural styles.
  • Practice sketching basic architectural forms.
Create a Timeline of Roman Architectural Periods
Reinforce your understanding of the chronological development of Roman architecture.
Show steps
  • Research the major periods of Roman architecture.
  • Identify key architectural innovations of each period.
  • Create a visual timeline with images and descriptions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Compile a Glossary of Roman Architectural Terms
Solidify your understanding of Roman architectural vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Identify key architectural terms used in the course.
  • Research the definitions and origins of each term.
  • Compile a glossary with definitions and illustrations.
Review 'The Architecture of the Roman Empire' by William L. MacDonald
Expand your knowledge of the social and political influences on Roman architectural design.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Architecture of the Roman Empire'.
  • Focus on chapters discussing imperial patronage and urban planning.
  • Take notes on the social and political context of key buildings.
3D Model of a Roman Structure
Deepen your understanding of Roman construction techniques and spatial design by creating a 3D model.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific Roman structure to model.
  • Gather architectural plans and historical information.
  • Create a 3D model using software like SketchUp or Blender.
  • Add details and textures to enhance realism.
Write a Blog Post on a Specific Roman Architectural Site
Deepen your understanding of a specific Roman architectural site by researching and writing about it.
Show steps
  • Choose a Roman architectural site that interests you.
  • Research the history, design, and significance of the site.
  • Write a blog post with images and descriptions.

Career center

Learners who complete Roman Architecture will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Architectural Historian
An Architectural Historian studies buildings and their historical context. This role requires deep knowledge of architectural styles, techniques, and their evolution. A course on Roman Architecture directly supports this by providing a foundation in one of the most influential periods of architectural history. The course, with its comprehensive review and first-hand documentation, helps the Architectural Historian understand the direct impact of Roman forms on subsequent architecture. This background is especially useful in analyzing and interpreting buildings, as well as educating others about architectural history.
Professor of Architecture
A Professor of Architecture teaches architecture at the college or university level. A comprehensive understanding of Roman Architecture, foundational to modern architecture, helps a professor develop and deliver courses on architectural history. This course, with its emphasis on first-hand research and an approach designed to enhance self-learning, might assist a future Professor of Architecture in developing their teaching style and course content. The educational philosophy that is the basis of the course helps to inform student learning and the professor's approach to teaching.
Architectural Conservator
An Architectural Conservator works to preserve and maintain historical buildings. This includes assessment, documentation, and practical intervention. A course on Roman Architecture, which stresses first hand experience and documentation of sites, gives an Architectural Conservator a deep understanding of classical construction techniques, materials, and forms. This knowledge helps guide sensitive conservation practices. Understanding the roots of modern architecture, starting with the Roman period, allows for a more informed approach to preservation and restoration of buildings from this and later eras.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator manages exhibits and collections, often specializing in a particular area, such as architectural history or architectural artifacts. A course on Roman Architecture would be highly relevant for a curator focusing on classical or architectural exhibits. The course provides detailed knowledge of Roman architectural history, forms, and methods that may provide crucial context for the curation of exhibits relating to this period. The course’s emphasis on personal research and site visits may also influence how the curator approaches the collection, documentation, and presentation of historical objects.
Urban Planner
An Urban Planner is involved in the development and management of cities. This includes shaping public spaces, transport networks, and infrastructure. A deep understanding of architectural history, such as the Roman examples studied in this course, helps an Urban Planner understand the historical roots of urban design. This knowledge may be useful when considering the impact of ancient forms on modern patterns of city planning. Historical understanding gained in this course can positively inform the approach to planning and designing functional and aesthetically sound urban environments.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces such as gardens, parks, and other public places. A course on Roman Architecture may be useful because the forms of buildings and outdoor space are closely linked. With a knowledge of Roman Architecture, the Landscape Architect may have insight into how classical forms and spatial concepts have influenced the design and placement of landscape elements. The course’s emphasis on personally visiting and studying sites may also give the Landscape Architect ideas for how spaces are experienced and how specific sites can be integrated into a design.
Archival Researcher
An Archival Researcher works with historical documents. These documents may relate to many fields, including architectural history. A course on Roman Architecture introduces a core topic within architectural history, which forms a firm foundation for understanding primary source materials on the subject. The course's emphasis on learning through personal research and site documentation helps with the interpretation of historical records, giving the Archival Researcher the necessary insight to understand the context of the materials they study.
Building Surveyor
A Building Surveyor inspects properties and advises on their construction, condition, and repair. Though this role is more concerned with modern structures, a course in Roman Architecture may help the surveyor understand historical construction techniques. The roots of building design can be found in this period, and understanding the design of Roman structures, as presented in this course, may allow the Building Surveyor to understand the logic behind construction techniques and common structural issues. This historical background may also help a surveyor working on the preservation of historical buildings.
Academic Librarian
An Academic Librarian helps support the research and learning activity of a university, often specializing in areas such as architectural studies. A course on Roman Architecture may be useful in this role, as a librarian supporting those who study architecture may benefit from a deep understanding of this topic. The librarian may also be more adept at identifying and categorizing research materials in this field, and the course may help the librarian better understand the material and provide higher quality support to researchers and students.
Exhibition Designer
An Exhibition Designer designs spaces and displays for museums, galleries, and other public venues. A course on Roman Architecture may be useful for working on historical displays, as understanding classical forms and architectural influences is helpful for an Exhibit Designer that works with related material. The course’s emphasis on personally researching and studying sites might help the designer to consider how visitors experience exhibits from a physical and spatial perspective. This might inform decisions about layout, lighting, and flow within an exhibition space.
Art Critic
An Art Critic analyzes and interprets works of art, including architecture, often for publication. A course in Roman Architecture may be useful when critiquing buildings or writing about architecture from this period, or architecture that has been influenced by Roman designs. The course's emphasis on personal research and detailed study may help the Art Critic develop a deep understanding of the subject, which would allow for more informed and thoughtful critiques of historical and modern buildings. This may improve the validity and readability of the critic's work.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager plans, coordinates, and oversees building projects. A course on Roman Architecture might be useful, as construction management techniques have evolved over time. This course, with its emphasis on personally documented learning, may allow the Construction Manager to view projects through a historical lens, understanding the classical antecedents of modern building methods. The course also provides a broad understanding of architectural forms, which may improve managerial communication.
Real Estate Developer
A Real Estate Developer manages the process of bringing land or property to market. This includes choosing designs and supervising construction. A course on Roman Architecture may be helpful if the developer has a personal interest in the history of architecture. The course may encourage the developer to consider architectural heritage and historical context in the decision making process. Understanding the origins of architectural styles and layouts may help the developer to think more creatively about modern design and development.
Travel Guide
A Travel Guide leads tours, often to historical sites or landmarks. This course on Roman Architecture may be useful, as they might lead tours to related sites. A rich personal understanding of the architecture of ancient Rome, as provided by this course, would help a Travel Guide offer deeper and more engaging information to tourists. The course’s focus on first-hand documentation may make the travel guide a more informed, and thus more compelling, interpreter of the cultural heritage.
Writer
A Writer may work on a variety of writing projects, such as articles, books, and reports. A course in Roman Architecture would be useful for anyone wishing to write non-fiction material on the subject. The course’s emphasis on personal research and in-depth study may make this writer more credible as an authority. The writer may also be inspired by the material to write fiction, as architecture is an important part of human life and forms a background for many stories.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Roman Architecture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Roman architecture, covering its historical development, key building types, and construction techniques. It valuable resource for understanding the evolution of Roman architectural styles and their influence on subsequent architectural movements. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions. It adds depth to the course by providing detailed analysis and historical context.
Explores the political and social context of Roman architecture, examining how imperial power shaped building design and urban planning. It is valuable for understanding the relationship between architecture and Roman society. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It adds breadth to the course by providing insights into the cultural and political influences on Roman architecture.

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