Claude Perrault

The beauty of architecture does not consist in the richness of the materials, but in the justness of the proportions and the elegance of the forms.

There are two sorts of beauty in architecture: the positive and the arbitrary. The positive is that which is founded on reason and experience, the arbitrary that which depends on custom and fashion.

The positive beauty is that which, by its nature, pleases all men, and at all times; the arbitrary beauty is that which pleases only some men, and at some times.

The rules of architecture are not immutable laws, but rather observations drawn from the practice of the ancients, which serve as guides to good taste.

It is not enough for a building to be solid and convenient; it must also be beautiful, and its beauty must be of a noble and majestic character.

The architect must be a man of universal knowledge, capable of understanding all the arts and sciences that contribute to the perfection of his work.

Proportion is the soul of architecture, and without it, the most magnificent structures are but shapeless masses.

The true architect is not he who blindly follows rules, but he who knows how to apply them with judgment and discretion.

The orders of architecture are like the different voices in music; they must be combined with harmony and variety to produce a pleasing effect.

Simplicity is a great beauty in architecture, provided it is accompanied by grandeur and nobility.

The architect must always have in view the purpose of the building, and adapt his design to its use and destination.

The most perfect works of architecture are those in which utility and beauty are so intimately united that they seem to be inseparable.

The study of ancient monuments is indispensable for the architect who wishes to acquire a pure and correct taste.

Innovation in architecture should be guided by reason and good taste, not by a desire for novelty for its own sake.

The architect should be a master of drawing, for it is by this means that he expresses his ideas and communicates them to others.

The beauty of a building depends not only on its exterior, but also on the arrangement and decoration of its interior.

The architect must have a thorough knowledge of materials, and know how to choose those that are most suitable for each part of the building.

The art of architecture consists in combining solidity, utility, and beauty in such a way that they form a perfect whole.

The architect should be a man of integrity and honor, who places the public good above his own private interest.

The greatest works of architecture are those that inspire admiration and respect, and that stand as monuments to the genius of their creators.