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)
Let him be educated, skilful with the pencil, instructed in geometry, know much history, have followed the philosophers with attention, understand music, have some knowledge of medicine, know the opinions of the jurists, and be acquainted with astronomy and the theory of the heavens.
Philosophy makes the architect high-minded, so that he should not be arrogant but rather urbane, fair-minded, loyal, and without greed.
Music enables him to understand the canon and mathematical relations, and also to tune ballistae, catapults, and scorpiones to the proper key.
Medicine will enable him to understand the climates of different localities, which are healthy and which pestilential, and the use of different waters.
Knowledge of law enables him to draw up contracts for the execution of the works, so that there may be no legal disputes.
Astronomy teaches the theory of the heavens: the east, west, south, and north, as also the law of the heavenly bodies—the sun, moon, and stars.
The walls of a city should be planned so as to present many angles and recesses, so that the enemy may be exposed to cross-fire.
The strength of a wall is not to be estimated by its thickness, but by the method of its construction.
Water is the most necessary of all things; without it nothing can be kept alive.
In the case of springs which are on hills, the conduit should be carried on a low arcade; but if they are in valleys, subterranean channels should be constructed.
The choice of a site for a city should be made on a spot naturally strong and by the sea or on a navigable river, so that supplies may be brought in and merchandise taken away.
The streets of cities ought to be set out in line with the quarters of the heavens.
The forum should be placed in the centre of the city if the site allows.
Temples of the gods under whose particular protection the state is thought to rest should be on the highest eminence commanding the city.
The size of a forum should be proportionate to the number of inhabitants, so that it may not be too small for use nor look like a desert waste for lack of population.
The stone which we call 'marble' is not a product of nature in the sense of being born, but is made by the violence of fire.
Lime is made of stone which is white and brittle.
Sand is a necessary ingredient in mortar; but not all sand is suitable.
Pozzolana, when mixed with lime and rubble, not only furnishes strength to other buildings, but also, when piers are built in the sea, they set under water.
There are three kinds of stucco: the first for covering walls, the second for vaults, the third for pavements.