In this class, we explore the paths by which Greek and Roman mythology, numerology, and geometry permeated medieval architecture and urban design. The work of Vitruvius—the consolidation of Greek treatises on architectural proportion and his own theories on the topic—enjoyed its first revival under Charlemagne in the ninth century, and became an important basis of design from that point forward. Plato’s work in geometry was incorporated into neo-Platonic Christian theory beginning in the fourth century, and according to some contemporary authors, was one of the primary drivers of church design in the Middle Ages. There are many other examples of these threads of continuity presently undergoing scrutiny by medieval scholars. With respect to geometrical analyses, students of architecture are particularly well-suited to join the debate, as their CAD skills and knowledge of construction processes enable them to contribute in a unique way.

Students were encouraged to apply Platonic and Vitruvian theories of geometry to contemporary architectural work. Some of the examples they chose included the work of Louis Kahn, Le Corbusier, Frank Gehry, and Marlon Blackwell. All students presented their research at the University of Oklahoma Undergraduate Research Day. For a sample presentation, click here. Keaton Cizek won the Phi Kappa Phi Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Research from the Honors College. For his paper, click here.

The University of Oklahoma History of Science Collection contains several editions of Vitruvius from the fourteenth century forward, which meant that we had the good fortune to work with some ancient texts.