RR6: Castel del Monte - Reverberations in Fortifications

With the mobility of people and ideas, there are more variations to architectural forms found in the West during the 1200s. This exchange of ideas as people begin to expand their horizons brings about the fusion of various architectural forms previously defined as separate. The reverberations of these new ideas can be seen across many sites in the West, and the particular site at Castel del Monte is an excellent example of these converging ideas.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/398

 Built by Frederick II (r. 1212-50), ruler of both Germany and Sicily, as part of an extensive 200 building campaign, the Castel del Monte (seen above) is quite the exception to the expected at first glance.

http://www.andriaweb.com/casteldelmonte2.html

Built in rural Apulia, Italy, it is thought that the function for this building is for his hawk-hunting expeditions. It is noted for its severity and compactness and unique design unprecedented in Europe (see plan above). Some of its more interesting technical characteristics include:

- equilateral octagonal exterior containing an octagonal courtyard and eight octagonal towers
- mathematically a monohedron with eight symmetrical axes
- rooms surrounding the courtyard are trapezoidal, each with a ribbed groin vault
- three towers contain staircases, others lavatory facilities, while others have no discernible purpose

http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Sicily%20&%20S%20Italy/Puglia/Castel%20del%20Monte/Castel%20del%20Monte.htm

Castel del Monte (interior seen above) blends several cultural elements together found from northern Europe, classical antiquity and the Muslim world. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this building to me is the absence of features that are common to other military buildings of this period (moat, stables, kitchen, chapel, storeroom).


Still residing on the landscape today, albeit abandoned through the centuries, I think this building is particularly interesting in relation to the design world for several reasons. While it definitely combines multiple cultural influences successfully in its design, the single fact that it is located in a rural site and has been abandoned (and once used as a prison) means that there is something left to be desired in the design of this building. I think that the Castel del Monte speaks to the need to maintain both form and function in a design. While the form is interesting, the building itself lacks many of the standard cultural necessities it needs to be truly habitable and to function for humanity. To me, this building is a reminder that while it may look "pretty", if it doesn't have functional elements than no one will want to use it.