Nicholas Gilman
AIA Design Framework
Vitruvian Principles
Principles
AIA – “both beauty and function in
Balance”
Vitruvian - “contain elements of Utility
and Attractiveness”
Design for Integration - Both represent a balance of
Vitruvian principles
AIA – “Accessible, walkable”
Vitruvian – “Utility – faultless,
unimpeded use through the disposition
of the spaces”
Design for Equitable
Communities When assessing this AIA principle in
program, it falls within Vitruvian
principle of Utility or Commodity
AIA – “build Resilience…reduce
Maintenance”
Vitruvian – Soundness (Firmness)
Design for Ecosystems
Durable materials will minimize
structures fatigue and required
maintenance
AIA – “can water systems maintain
Function during emergencies”
Vitruvian – Commodity Principle
Design for Water Responsible function of water systems
and watershed will meet commodity
when design for this principle
AIA - “Provide abundance while living
within means”
Vitruvian – “Utility (Commodity) –
allocation of each type of space is
properly oriented, appropriate, and
Design for Economy comfortable”
When Vitruvian principle of commodity
is applied to this Framework Principle,
the space is designed appropriately to
provide abundance and balance living
within means
AIA – “Passive design strategies to
contribute to projects performance”
Design for Energy Vitruvian – Firmness – Choice of
building materials will affect heat
transfer coefficients for thermal
efficiency
Vernacular
(Izba)
AIA – “both beauty and function in
Balance”
- Structures design for their
Function but achieve an element
of Beauty through ornamental
carvings and millwork on front
façade of structure
AIA – “Design process promotes…social
equality”…”promote human
connection”
- Izba’s all roughly the same size
and place close to street to allow
communities to gather on
porches in the evening fostering a
sense of community
AIA – “design help users become aware
and connected with projects place and
ecosystem”
- Timber structure, locally sourced
as well as locally source timber
for wood fire stove for cooking
and heat – fosters connection to
regional ecosystem.
AIA – “Efficiency and Consumption”
“Handle Rainfall Responsibly”
- Izba were not equipped with
plumbing minimizing
consumption. Gabled roof
returned water earth, no
impermeable surface surrounding
structure
AIA – “Provide abundance while living
within means”
- Small structures were expertly
manipulated to maximize
function and utility within very
small footprint. Ex. Stove served
and building heat
source/cooking/bed/steam bath
AIA – “powered by Renewable Energy
Source”
- Only energy source is timber for
stove, meets renewable
requirement

AIA – “provide for greater occupant
comfort”
Design for Well-Being Vitruvian – “Utility (Commodity) –
“allocation of each space type of space
is…Comfortable”
AIA – “Informed Material Selection”
“how long will the project last”
Design for Resources Vitruvian – Soundness (Firmness) –
Materials…have been chosen with
care. Durability
AIA – “Passive survivability”
When Vitruvian principle of commodity
Design for Change is applied to this Framework Principle,
the space is designed to maintain
livable conditions on loss of utilities
AIA – “strategies promote a sense of
discovery and Delight”
Vitruvian – Meets principle of Delight
Design for Discovery
Nicholas Gilman
AIA – “considering Physical and Mental
Well-being”
Stove’s use as a steam bath was for
both physical and mental well-being
AIA – “project celebrate local
materials”
Izbas constructed from locally sourced
timber logs.
AIA – “Passive survivability”
Izba requires no utilities and just
require stocked wood for survivability
AIA – “previous projects…refine design
process”
The stove in the Izba is an example of
design improving on its previous
iterations, by continuing to add
function…ex. Addition of use as steam
bath.