Module (architecture)

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The term module (from the Latin modulus “measure”) denotes a basic element or a basic unit that is defined in a design or for production. In architecture and in the investigation of archaeological findings, a common basic dimension, which forms the basis of the dimensions of a building or a facility, so that all dimensions can be expressed as a multiple of this basic dimension, is called a module . In archeology and art history is often parallel structural size or standard size used.

The term modulus appears several times in Vitruvius' De architectura libri decem (3.1.1, 3.3.7, 3.5.8-9, 4.3.3f, 5.9.3). As he (1.2.4) explains, the dimensions of the individual structural elements in a building should be coordinated with one another and with the overall structure, for which a module can serve. This is therefore an aid to design. Vitruvius gives embates or embater ( ἐμβάτης ) as a corresponding Greek term .

In his description of a temple design of the Doric order , Vitruvius defines half of the lower column diameter as a module:

ex his pars una erit modulus, qui graece ἐμβατης dicitur, cuius moduli constitutione ratiocinationibus efficiuntur omnis operis distributiones. Crassitudo columnarum erit duorum modulorum, altitudo cum capitulo XIIII. ... (Vitruvius 4.3.3f)
“Such a part is called a module, in Greek ἐμβατης. With this fixed basic dimension, the structure of the entire building is carried out by calculation. The thickness of the columns will be 2 basic dimensions, the column height including the capitals 14. ... "

In contrast to this, he uses the entire lower column diameter as the basic unit for the ionic order (3.3.7 and 5.9.4). Vitruvius also gives instructions in other places that are based on a module without using the term, for example when planning the Corinthian capital (4.1.11-12)

In connection with the column orders , the term modulus is used for the lower diameter or for the ratio of the height to the lower diameter to indicate the slenderness of the columns.

See also

literature

  • Georg Germann: Introduction to the History of Architectural Theory. Scientific Book Society, Darmstadt 1980. p. 20