Theater- und Festungsbau

Zur Architektonik des Wissens im Werk des Kriegs- und Zivilbaumeisters Joseph Furttenbach (1591-1667)

Abstract

This contribution analyses the medial, aesthetical, and epistemological function of the theatrum-metaphor in 17th century, exemplified by the architectonical writings of the Ulm city architect Joseph Furttenbach (1591-1667). Furttenbach’s writings originate in an age of reversed cultural rhythms: on the one hand this time is characterised by extensive festivities, on the other hand by a formerly unknown culture of war. Accordingly, theatres and fortifications belong naturally to Furttenbachs field of functions in Ulm. Furthermore, these architectural forms play a decisive role in ordering, presenting and producing knowledge in Furttenbach’s writings. Finally, Noah’s Ark – the ‚first architecture’ and a technical leitmotiv in 17th century architectonical writings – offers a synthesis of ‚theatre’ and ‚fortification’ in Furttenbach.