Ambichronous historiography: Colin Rowe and the teaching of architectural history

Abstract

Ianus Architectus is the Latin combination of the Architect with the ancient Roman god of beginnings and ends, pasts and futures, Janus. It represents the dual act of both seeing past-and-future (Janus’ two faces), and producing (architecture), simultaneously. Twentieth century American schools of architecture received an influx of European art historians who transformed the way students viewed buildings of the past and their own design work. Trained in architectural design and art history, Colin Rowe was the most active participant in the interface between histories and practices of architecture. Rowe’s practice was ambichronous, as he attempted to engage with history while liberating innovation in design.

Keywords

• architecture
• history
• Colin Rowe
• teaching
• Janus
• ambichronous