Learning From Palladio

by Branko Mitrovic

This book summarizes what is known today about the design procedures and methodology of Andrea Palladio, arguably the most influential Renaissance architect. Even when Modernism dimmed interest in the work of classical architects, Palladio's opus never ceased to attract attention. This book sets Pallado in his contemporary context, discusses the theory of the orders, proportions, space composition, façade design, and presents this material in a way accessible to practicing architects and students, so that the ideas can be applied in their architectural work. 200 illus.

Genres: Architecture

228 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Harlan Lewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book 6 years ago. Recently I picked it up again and read it because it tied into my study of 18th cent. London architecture for a story about the British artists Jefferson got involved with in Paris. Mitrovich's book was a stretch for a non-architect, but it paid off in giving me a seed of understanding about 1. Palladio's methods of studying antiquity, and his intentions, and building practices; 2. The debate over Platonic versus Aristotelian interpretations of forms and concepts in building; 3. The pros and cons of modern classicism; 4. the philosophical roots of modernist architecture. I love walking in the city and looking up into buildings to see architectural forms dating back to 500 B.C. which originated in the stone rendering of originally wooden rafters and beams. They are still with us as reminiscences of Palladio's (and others') Four Orders of classical/Renaissance architecture.