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)
For an architect ought to be an educated man so as to leave a more lasting remembrance in his treatises.
All machinery is generated by nature, and the revolution of the universe guides and controls.
The design of a temple depends on symmetry, the principles of which must be most carefully observed by the architect.
Symmetry is a proper agreement between the members of the work itself, and relation between the different parts and the whole general scheme, in accordance with a certain part selected as standard.
Proportion consists in taking a fixed nodule, in each case, both for the parts of a building and for the whole.
The planning of temples depends upon symmetry: and the method of this architects must diligently apprehend.
Without symmetry and proportion there can be no principles in the design of any temple; that is, if there is no precise relation between its members, as in the case of those of a well shaped man.
For the human body is so designed by nature that the face, from the chin to the top of the forehead and the lowest roots of the hair, is a tenth part of the whole height.
Nature has so planned the human body that the face from the chin to the top of the forehead is a tenth part...
The capital of the Doric order should have a height equal to one half the thickness of the column at the bottom.
The different species of columns are modelled upon the proportions of man, woman, and maiden.
The Doric column was modelled upon the proportion, strength, and beauty of the male body.
The Ionic volute was arranged to resemble the curls of a woman's hair.
The Corinthian column is an imitation of the slenderness of a maiden.
Architecture consists of Order, which in Greek is called taxis, and of Arrangement, which the Greeks name diathesis, and of Proportion and Symmetry and Decor and Distribution which in Greek is called oeconomia.
Order gives due measure to the members of a work considered separately, and symmetrical agreement to the proportions of the whole.
Arrangement includes the putting of things in their proper places and the elegance of effect which is due to adjustments appropriate to the character of the work.
Decor demands the faultless ensemble of a work composed, in accordance with precedent, of approved details.
Distribution is the suitable disposal of supplies and the site, and the thrifty and wise control of expense in the works.
The architect should not be greedy or grasp at money, but should be upright and of good repute.