Vitruvius
Author of De Architectura, foundation of Western architecture
Most quoted
"Therefore, since this art is such a one, and so rich in the number of its studies, I think that men have no right to profess themselves architects unless they have climbed with the greatest diligence from boyhood up the steps of all these studies, and, having been nourished by the knowledge of many arts and sciences, have reached the highest temple of architecture."
— from De Architectura, Book I, Chapter 1, Section 12
"The architect should be a man of good education, a skilful draughtsman, versed in geometry and optics, expert at figures, acquainted with history, informed on the principles of natural and moral philosophy, able to play and understand music, having some knowledge of medicine, knowing the opinions of the jurists, and of astronomy and the rules of the heavens."
— from De Architectura, Book I, Chapter I, Section 3
"The architect must be a man of letters, a skillful draughtsman, versed in geometry and optics, expert at figures, acquainted with history, and diligent in the study of philosophy; he must understand music, have some knowledge of medicine, know the opinions of lawyers, and be acquainted with astronomy and the theory of the heavens."
— from De Architectura, Book I, Chapter 1
All quotes by Vitruvius (367)
The architect should be a master of his craft, and should take pride in his work.
The architect should be an artist as well as a scientist, and should strive to create buildings that are both functional and beautiful.
The architect should be a visionary, and should be able to imagine new and innovative ways of building.
The architect should be a leader, and should be able to inspire and motivate others to achieve great things.
The architect should be a problem-solver, and should be able to overcome challenges and obstacles.
The architect should be a team player, and should be able to collaborate effectively with others.
The architect should be a good manager, and should be able to organize and oversee complex projects.
The architect should be a good negotiator, and should be able to resolve disputes and conflicts.
The architect should be a good listener, and should be able to understand the needs and desires of his clients.
The architect should be a good teacher, and should be able to pass on his knowledge and skills to others.
The architect should be a good student, and should always be willing to learn from others.
The architect should be a good citizen, and should always act in the best interests of his community.
The architect should be a good person, and should always treat others with respect and kindness.
The architect should be a good role model, and should inspire others to pursue excellence.
The architect should be a good friend, and should always be there to support and encourage others.
The architect should be a good family member, and should always put his family first.
For without symmetry and proportion no temple can have a regular plan; that is, it must have an exact proportion worked out after the fashion of the members of a finely formed human body.
These are the three requirements for a well-built structure: firmness, commodity, and delight.
The architect must be a man of letters, a skillful draughtsman, a mathematician, acquainted with historical studies, a diligent student of philosophy, acquainted with music; not ignorant of medicine, learned in the opinions of lawyers, and master of astronomy and the theory of the heavens.
For in all things, but especially in architecture, there are these two points: the thing signified, and that which gives it significance.