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 it is not by the use of the eye alone that a building is judged, but by the application of reason and calculation.
Nature has so planned the human body 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.
The column should be proportioned to the height of the building, and the intercolumniation to the diameter of the column.
The Doric order is the oldest and most robust, the Ionic more slender, and the Corinthian the most delicate.
The architect should know the properties of the various materials, and how to use them to best advantage.
The foundations of buildings should be dug down to solid ground, if it can be found; if not, then they should be laid on the firmest earth that can be reached.
The walls should be built of stone, brick, or concrete, according to the custom of the country and the availability of materials.
The roofs should be constructed so as to shed water effectively, and to protect the building from the elements.
The architect must be careful to ensure that the building is well-lit and well-ventilated.
The decoration of buildings should be appropriate to their purpose and their location.
The architect should be familiar with the principles of perspective, so that he can represent his designs accurately.
The architect should be able to draw plans, elevations, and sections, so that his designs can be understood by workmen.
The architect should be able to calculate the strength of materials, and the stresses and strains to which a building will be subjected.
The architect should be acquainted with the principles of acoustics, so that he can design buildings with good sound quality.
The architect should be familiar with the history of architecture, so that he can learn from the successes and failures of his predecessors.
The architect should be a man of integrity, and should always act in the best interests of his clients.
The architect should be modest and unassuming, and should not seek to glorify himself through his work.
The architect should be a good communicator, and should be able to explain his designs clearly to his clients and to workmen.
The architect should be a lifelong learner, and should always be seeking to improve his knowledge and skills.
The architect should be a public-spirited citizen, and should use his skills to benefit society.