Abstract
Should we be surprised that a theory of architecture such as the De Architectura speaks highly of mechanics? Our days where the use of digitally controlled machines constantly increases in the building trade, where software are needed to link the components to the generation of machining programs, the relation between architecture and mechanics should be more than evident. It was however already the case in antiquity where the architect’s position was as well represented as it is our days.
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References
TACITE, ANNALS, 15,42, 1–2; CHECK THE TEXT AT STIERLIN
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FOR EXAMPLE, DEMOSTHENE, THIRD PHILIPPIQUE, IX, 47–50: “CAN WE NOT SEE HOW THINGS HAVE PROGRESSED, HOW THE PRESENT DIFFERS A LOT FROM THE PAST AND THAT THE MOST PROGRESS AND CHANGES ARE FOUND IN THE WARS? THE LACEDEMOMIENS SUCH AS ANY OTHER GREEK WOULD INVADE A COUNTRY ONLY FOR 4 OR 5 MONTHS, DURING SUMMER AND AFTER HAVING DEVASTATED IT WITH THEIR HOPLITES (HEAVILY ARMED SOLDIERS) WOULD LEAVE AND GO HOME. FURTHERMORE THEY WERE SO IN TOUCH WITH TRADITIONS OR THE CIVIC SPIRIT THAT THEY WOULD BUY NO ONE’S SERVICES. HOWEVER THE TRAITORS HAVE ALMOST RUINED EVERYTHING. FOR EXAMPLE PHILIPPE’s VICTORIES WERE NOT CAUSED BY PHALANX OF HOPLITES BUT BY LIGHT TROOPS, CAVALRY, ARCHERS AND MERCENARIES FOLLOWING HIM EVERYWHERE. AND WHEN HE MET A POPULATION AFRAID OF FIGHTING STAYING BEHIND THEIR FORTIFICATION INSTEAD OF DEFENDING THEIR NATION, SUSPICIOUS, HE WOULD RAISE HIS MACHINES AND INVADE THE CITY, AND OBVIOUSLY HE WOULD MAKE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINTER AND SUMMER AS THERE IS FOR HIM NO SPECIFIC SEASON TO SUSPEND INVASIONS.” THE IDEALIZATION OF THE SPARTIATE HOPLITES IS THAT THEY WOULD DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO THEIR TRAINING AND TO WARS WHILE THE SERFS WOULD BE IN CHARGE OF THE AGRICULTURE, IN CONTRADICTION WITH THE OTHER GREEK POPULATION WHERE MOST OF THE SOLDIERS WERE FARMERS AND CONSEQUENTLY COULD NOT SPEND ENTIRE SEASONS FIGHTING.
PAUSANIAS, VI, 22, 8
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(2007). Vitruvius Machinator Terminator. In: Objectile Patrick Beaucé + Bernard Cache. Consequence Book Series on Fresh Architecture, vol 6. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-69295-0_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-69295-0_9
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
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