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)
Some architects, when they have built a magnificent work, think that they have done enough, even if it is not useful.
For a building to be beautiful, it must be well proportioned.
The architect should be careful not to make mistakes, for they are costly.
For it is not by chance that buildings are beautiful, but by art and design.
The architect should be a good judge of materials, for bad materials will ruin a good design.
For a building to be durable, it must be built with strong materials.
The architect should be a man of good taste, for his work will be seen by many.
For it is not enough to build, but one must also build well.
The architect should be a man of experience, for experience teaches wisdom.
For a building to be comfortable, it must be well ventilated.
The architect should be a man of foresight, for he must plan for the future.
For it is not enough to design, but one must also supervise the construction.
The architect should be a man of resource, for he must overcome difficulties.
For a building to be healthy, it must be built in a healthy location.
The architect should be a man of patience, for great works take time.
For it is not enough to know, but one must also be able to apply that knowledge.
The architect should be a man of courage, for he must stand by his convictions.
For a building to be safe, it must be built according to sound principles.
The architect should be a man of humility, for he is always learning.
For it is not enough to be clever, but one must also be wise.