Journal for Geometry and Graphics - Volume 15 - No. 1 - Geometric Analysis of Architectural Drawings of the 19th Century

Oct 24, 2026

The Library of the Department of Architecture of the University of Cagliari preserves drawings from 41 architecture graduation theses debated in the second half of the 19th century. These drawings resulted from a three-year course “Architecture, Drawing and Ornate” taught in Cagliari by Prof. Arch. Gaetano Cima (1805–1878). Geometric marks are used as instruments to reconstruct the outlining process with CAD accuracy, then classify graphic analyses according to construction rules such as golden section, dynamic symmetry, squares and triangles. The aim is to recover Cima’s teaching method and propose a transferable approach when architectural drawings are the only documents.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

2. Historical background

3. Materials

3.1. The drawings

Journal for Geometry and Graphics Volume 15 (2011), No. 1, 69–78 . Geometric Analysis of Architectural Drawings of the 19th Century Paola Casu Dipartment of Architecture, University of Cagliari Via Corte d’Appello 87, 09124 Cagliari, Italy email: [pcasu@unica.it](pcasu@unica.it) Abstract. The Library of the Department of Architecture of the University of Cagliari houses the drawings of 41 graduation thesis of Architecture that had been debated during the second half of the 19th century. These drawings are the results of a three-year long course of “Architecture, Drawing and Ornate” that was taught in Cagliari by Prof. Arch. Gaetano Cima (1805–1878) . From the analysis of the drawing it is possible to make some remarks both of historic and methodological aspects. It is very interesting how the students carried out the architectural composition using geometric constructions. The marks of the geometric constructions are yet visible on many of the drawings. In the work presented here, these tiny signs are used as instruments for reconstructing, using the accuracy of CAD, the outlining process. Drawings were sorted according to the rules of construction found for each architectonic composition: golden section, dynamic symmetry (root 2 rectangle), squares and triangles, etc. The classi􀀌cation of the graphic analysis was then related to the note of Prof. Cima and the books he made use of to teach architecture, in order to value a􀀎nity and di􀀋erences. Aim of the work is to regain the Cima’s teaching method from the graphic results of his students and to establish a method that could be applied to similar cases where architectural drawings are the only documents to regain the outline of a building. Key Words: Geometric structures, drawing, proportions, 19th century, architectural design MSC 2010: 51N05 1 . Introduction To learn from our predecessors is an essential exercise to acquire new skills. The reinterpretation of the drawing methodology, design and project can be a useful stimulus to critically evaluate some passages in the history of architecture, to transform and adapt long forgotten knowledge to current situations. This idea is the basis of the work presented here. ISSN 1433-8157/$ 2.50 􀀍c 2011 Heldermann Verlag 70 P. Casu: Geometric analysis of architectural drawings of the 19th Century “Composition in architecture starts with elements and their relations. Geometry is able to make a contribution to this process by dealing with geometric 􀀌guresand forms and elements as well as proportions, angles, and transformations and relations between them” [6] . An architect is one who thinks the architecture and that is capable of making the transition from idea to form through the mediation of drawing [12] . Starting from these assumptions and the reading of G. Pierluisi [10] and his idea of drawing analysis made for the virtual reconstruction of Giuseppe Terragni’s Danteum, a similar process of geometric interpretation of drawings is attempted. This attempt though was done without the virtual reconstruction than for the same drawings has been partly addressed long ago, albeit for di􀀋erent reasons that the ones in these communication [3] . The study starts from the analysis of ancient drawings kept in the library of the Department of Architecture at the University of Cagliari. These drawings were made by architecture students during the nineteenth century, precisely in the years from 1843 to 1864 . They are the output prepared for the discussion of public examination in Architecture, following the guidance of Professor G. Cima. 2 . Historical background The Sardinian architect Gaetano Cima (1805–1878) began his academic preparation at the School of Bridges and Roads Volunteers in Sardinia, he studied architecture in Turin under the supervision of Ferdinando Bonsignore and Giuseppe Talucchi. He graduated in 1830 then moved to Rome at the Accademia di San Luca following the teachings of Canina and Camp

FAQs

What is the source of the drawings analyzed in the work?

The work analyzes drawings stored in the Library of the Department of Architecture at the University of Cagliari, prepared by architecture students for examinations in the 19th century under Professor Gaetano Cima’s guidance.

How are CAD and geometric construction marks used?

Tiny signs of geometric constructions are used as instruments to reconstruct the outlining process with CAD accuracy, enabling a systematic comparison of students’ graphic work.

Which construction rules are used to sort and classify the drawings?

Drawings are classified according to construction rules for each architectural composition, including the golden section, dynamic symmetry (root 2 rectangle), squares and triangles.

Oct 24, 2026

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