Following a busy first month in Rome and five days in Napoli, the group undertook a short hiatus during its fifth week abroad to step back and explore precedents. Multi-unit housing projects, the history of the basilica and the Catholic church, and the progression of Rome's civic development were investigated.
In Professor Jenkins' studio, various housing terms were introduced, such as skip-stop circulation systems, double-loaded corridors, and path/room analyses. Students were given partners and asked to examine famous housing projects and their units. Unite d'Habitation, Casa Rustici, and Peabody Terrace were three of the ten projects reviewed at the end of the one-week project. Guest Svite Kessner visited during the review to give his comments on the students' documentation and analyses.
Professor Jenkins explaining housing terms
working hard, or hardly working?
Daniela and Nick - 3 a.m.
Tom explaining the importance of unit analysis
Svite Kessner providing feedback to students
Professor Marina Kavalirek guided the group through the Capitoline Museums, pointing out interesting artifacts uncovered in the ancient city. The transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age to the Archaic Period was reviewed, along with fantastic views of the snow-capped Roman Forums. Paintings by Caravaggio and sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses also lined the walls.
Marina describing the museum's expansion
Jamie, skeptical of Michelangelo's scale
Capitoline Hill in Archaic Period
Roman Forum under blanket of snow
Tom squatting with the group
In History and Theory to Roman Architecture, Dr. David Dawson led a tour of the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome. Looking at the history of the Catholic Church and Christian Liturgical architecture, themes of Roman Catholic identity and the development of the basilica were highlighted. Dr. Dawson focused on the importance of church symbolism and its purpose. The transition of the basilica from a place hosting civil affairs to a place of religious worship demonstrates its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the people.
Dawson describing the layout of the courtyard
Dawson lecturing in the nave
Gilded Apse of St. Paul's
Columns of the Monastery of St. Paul
Chris deciphering Latin-inscribed tombstones
The strategies used for architects to analyze housing are similar to those used by historians and theologians alike. In any field, precedent studies are important for learning from the past and reapplying concepts that have been in effect for hundreds of years. In week five, CUA architecture students discovered the importance of this crucial skill.
- Christine Jimenez and Dylan King
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