Colin Rowe is the author of The Mathematics of the Ideal Villa, an essay first published in 1947. With this piece Rowe makes a comparison between the Villa Malcontenta by the 16th century architect, Palladio – and the Villa Garches by 20th century architect, Le Corbusier. A key portion of the essay deals with similar planning patterns or rhythms, that show up in the two projects. A-B-A-B-A or A-A-A-A type of planing modules. With Malconenta and Garches, the patterns vary depending on whether they are most influenced by structure, by spatial considerations, or both, or other. Palladio and Le Corbusier are highly esteemed for the thoughtfulness evident in their output that included buildings and writing. They are also of interest for the design experimentation that was sustained throughout their careers.
The cover of a 1987 edition of Rowe’s book, The Mathematics of the Ideal Villa and Other Essays, shows a photo image of Palladio’s Villa Rotonda, and drawings of three LeCorbusier projects, none of which is Garches.
The photos here are shown in the order taken.
