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 man of vision, for he must see beyond the present.
For a building to be truly great, it must inspire awe.
The architect should be a man of integrity, for his reputation depends on it.
For it is not enough to be learned, but one must also be able to teach.
The architect should be a man of discipline, for his work requires precision.
For a building to be harmonious, all its parts must be in agreement.
The architect should be a man of common sense, for common sense is often the best guide.
For it is not enough to build, but one must also build for posterity.
The architect should be a man of observation, for observation leads to understanding.
For a building to be truly useful, it must serve its purpose well.
The architect should be a man of dedication, for his work is his passion.
For it is not enough to be skilled, but one must also be artistic.
The architect should be a man of principle, for principles guide his actions.
For a building to be complete, it must have all its necessary parts.
The architect should be a man of discernment, for he must distinguish between good and bad.
For it is not enough to be strong, but one must also be graceful.
The architect should be a man of integrity, for his word is his bond.
For a building to be truly beautiful, it must be a joy to behold.
The architect should be a man of wisdom, for wisdom is the foundation of all good work.
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 a well-formed human body.