Architectural Design Canons from Middle Ages and Before: An Inspiration for Modern Sustainable Construction
André Frans De Naeyer
The role of geometry and arithmetic in ancient building is common knowledge, but it has seldom been proved by measured drawing. This chapter looks for the remote origins design criteria canons, their application representative antique medieval architecture. Architectural had to reflect universal cosmic Order Harmony architect-designer rely on same intangible instruments, i.e. arithmetic’s, created Divine Geometer. forms numbers quantities dimensions served as a mayor instrument developing coherent modulation structure his environment. They also symbol an allegorical sign convey messages from commissioner. Metric analysis reveals this evident practices probable semantic content. illustrated six cases: Cheops pyramid at Memphis, Pantheon Rome, Charlemagne’s Palace Chapel Aachen, Our Lady’s Cathedral Chartres, S. Francis Basilica Assisi Castel del Monte Andria. historic examples should inspire modern creative sustainable construction.
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