Preface

1. Book I – VitruviusWritten in the 1st century BCPublished in English by the Harvard University Press in 1914

2. Preface What did Vitruvius say in regard to public buildings? • They were to be utilitarian • They should be paid for by the provinces • They should be distinguished • They should be paid for by the Imperator Caesar

3. The Education of an Architect • What does Vitruvius mean by stating that the knowledge of architect is the “child of practice and theory”? • What is Vitruvius’ distinction between “the thing signified” and “that which gives it significance”? How is this distinction realized in design? • To signify is to be a sign • Significance relates to the concept of meaning • Consider the conceptual relationship between “form and content”

4. The Education of the Architect • What knowledge and skills does Vitruvius expect an architect to possess? • Does Vitruvius expect perfection in each?

5. The Education of the Architect • Education – Treatises • Drawing – Readily make sketches • Geometry – Teaches the use of the rule and compasses • Optics – The light in buildings can be drawn and fixed to the quarters of the sky • Arithmetic – Calculations, measurements and symmetry • History – Underlying ideas that an architect should be able to explain • Philosophy – Honesty and careful knowledge • Music – Tuning as a form of dynamic measurement and acoustics • Medicine – The impacts of climate and site conditions on the human being The concept of a liberal education is founded on Vitruvius’ concept of the education of an architect.

6. The Fundamental Principles of Architecture Arrangement • Order – Compositional unity = “modules”= identity or a family of forms and “adjustments”= transitions • Invention – Interest = “the solving of intricate problems … by means of brilliancy and versatility” Eurythmy • “Corresponding symmetries” = proportion Symmetry • The relationship of the parts to the whole Propriety • Constructed of approved principles and from usage Economy • Proper management of materials and site as well as appropriate form

7. The Departments of Architecture Two Typologies • Works of general use in public places • Structures for private individuals The works of architecture are to be built with due reference to: • “Durability” - Firmness • “Convenience” - Commodity • “Beauty” - Delight

8. The Site of the City • “High”, and in a climate “neither hot nor cold , but temperate” • Oriented in relation to the solar exposure to address “variations in heat and the subsequent cooling off” • “Healthfulness” • “From food and water, then, we may learn whether sites are naturally unhealthy or healthy.” Insure on the principles of healthfulness. Select a site that can supply plenty of food stuffs to maintain the community. Provide good roads or convenient rivers or seaports for easy transport.

9. The Directions of the Streets; With Remarks on the Winds andThe Sites for Public Buildings • Streets and alleys should be arranged “with regard to climatic conditions.” • Temples, the forum, and all other public space should be arranged for convenience and utility. Temples for the gods should be at the very highest point commanding a view of the greater part of the city.