Vitruvius, ten books on architecture – The Education of the architect

Book 1: Chapter 1

The principles of Architecture and its departments are discussed in the first chapter of the book comprises of the
aspects of an Architect. It also covered the idea of choosing the right site or location for structure. On the other
hand, the second chapter touches the origin of the very first dwelling, and the methods of building up a wall.
During the early times the substances and materials cast upon structures, which are still used nowadays.

The first sentence mentioned in the chapter is: ‘’The architect should be equipped with knowledge of many
branches of study and varied kinds of learning, for it is by his judgement that all work done by the other arts is put
to test’’. Everything involved with architecture will rely on the architect’s judgement, plan, and theories. Therefore,
it is necessary for him to be educated in many fields: drawing, geometry, music, history, etc.

Understanding and conceiving all the speculation and principles of these studies is hardly doable. The second
subchapter is ‘’The Fundamental Principles of Architecture’’. There are 6 principles, namely: Order, arrangement,
eurythmy, symmetry, propriety, and economy.

The third subchapter is about different departments of architecture; the art of building. It is divided in two when it
comes to the matter of building; construction of towns and public works for general use, and putting up structures
for private individuals. Therefore, there are three types of public buildings: defensive, religious, and for utilitarian
purposes.

The subchapter is according to the remarks on the winds about laying out the streets and alleys. To prevent air-
borne diseases the flow of the wind should be shut out from the dwellings. The last subchapter is ‘’The sites for
Public Buildings’’. First the location was decided with the city walls, laying out the streets and alleys, and the next
step was the public buildings. There was a different fundamental principle in the arrangement of these buildings.
First homes build out of mud and twigs. Brick is made out of white and chalky or red clay.

Four kinds of pit sand: black, grey, red and carbuncular. Next one is Lime, when combined with water and sand it
becomes a solid structure. Another is Pozzolana, kind of powder. When mixed with rubble and lime, strengthens
buildings of all kinds. More durable when set under water. Fifth material is stone. Two styles of walls; Opus
Reticulatum that is more decent, and Opus Incertum which is stronger.

Lucinda Ahrens
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