The Revealed Structure. Drawing between Construction and Form

Stefano Chiarenza; Marta Salvatore

doi:10.26375/disegno.17.2025.2

Authors

Stefano Chiarenza Department for the Promotion of Human Sciences and Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University
Marta Salvatore Department of History, Representation and Restoration of Architecture, Sapienza Università di Roma

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26375/disegno.17.2025.2

Abstract

The coherence of built architecture often depends on a latent structural design whose essential role can govern architectural outcomes even when not overtly visible. Structural logic is either integrated into the building as a whole or concealed behind finished surfaces. However, this concealed structure often defines space and regulates formal relationships. Instead of viewing structure and form as opposites or as directly corresponding, it is more accurate to understand them as mutually influential, their relationship shaped by specific design choices. Every construction act creates an order, and every form manifests through its underlying structure, highlighting an ongoing interplay between these elements. [read more]

Author Biographies

Stefano Chiarenza, Department for the Promotion of Human Sciences and Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University

Full Professor, CEAR-10/A - Drawing.
Descriptive geometry, history of representation, drawing and knowledge, visual languages, cultural heritage.
Chiarenza, S. (2018). The Spread of Descriptive Geometry in Great Britain Between the XVIII and XIX Century. In diségno, n. 3, pp. 69-82.

Marta Salvatore, Department of History, Representation and Restoration of Architecture, Sapienza Università di Roma

Associate Professor, CEAR-10/A - Drawing.
Descriptive geometry, history of representation, architectural geometry, perspective, digital representation.
Salvatore, M. (2012). La "stereotomia scientifica" in Amédée François Frézier. Prodromi della geometria descrittiva nella scienza del taglio delle pietre. Firenze: Firenze University Press.

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