Villa Analysis

Before designing our own villa and garden grounds, each student began the semester by analyzing an existing Roman villa complex. I chose Villa Albani because it is within the city limits of Rome, and thus more appropriate for comparison to the villa I would be designing. All of analysis was presented in a single watercolored analytique. Villa Albani has strong French influences, as can be seen in the 8 alley form of the bosco and raised terraces on 3 sides of the parterres to provide viewing platforms. The original entrance to the grounds was through the bosco. The main cultivated gardens are in the shape of a hippodrome. The main hinge points for the axes are marked by circular elements. The buildings are often long and thin, creating a barrier between the gardens and the outside world. Other notable elements include the vegetable/herb garden and a vineyard.