BOOK FIVE: PUBLIC PLACES

FORUM, BASILICA, THEATRES,

WALKS, PALAESTRA,
HARBOURS

CHAPTERS
I. The forum and basilica
II. The treasury, prison, and senate house
III. The theatre: its site, foundations, and acoustics
IV. Harmonics
V. Sounding vessels in the theatre
VI. Plan of the theatre
VII.Greek theatres
VIII.Acoustics of the site of a theatre
IX. Colonnades and walks
X. Baths
XI. The palaestra
XII.Harbours, breakwaters, and shipyards

THE FORUM AND THE

BASILICA

The Greeks built their forum square, with doubles

very large and double gates , decorated with
abundant columns with alquitrabes stone or
marble and placed on the upper floors a few rides .
The basilicas are near post, must be on the warm
side , so that in winter is possible to go into
business without the inconveniences of bad
weather.

THE TREASURY, PRISON, AND

SENATE HOUSE

The treasury , prison and the curia should be

adjacent to the forum, so that all its proportions
are in line with the same forum . The treasury
was a place where the public treasury of the city
is saved and the curia was a subdivision of the
town, more or less identified with a tribe.

THEATRE
For the construction of the theater must
choose the most healthy and favorable
location, where games are developed during
the days dedicated to the immortal gods.
It should also be noted that the place does
not drown the voice but let it spread very
clearly , which provide for an harmonious
environment to the different types of voice.
The size of the theater should be tailored
according to the size of the orchestra and
will be proportional to this . However, it is
not possible for all theaters adapt to these
proportions of symmetry of a totally, it is
appropriate
that
the
architect
was
concerned
to
observe
the
precise
proportions to form symmetry, adapt them
to their configuration and size of his work.

 Porches backstage and walks :Backstage must be

arranged portics for the public can be collected from
the theater, if for any occasion rain , the public had
shelter.
The provisions and parts of the bathrooms: For
bathrooms , you should choose a warm place opposite
the north wind . In room hot tubs light must enter
through the west side ; if the nature or location of the
site does not permit, in which case it will noonday , as
the time set in the bathrooms, running from noon to
sunset.
Palestra: In the palestra it must formed a square or
elongated; walk the perimeter of the two-stage
bypasses measured in Greek diaulon ; three portals are
simple and fourth gate will double , which will be
oriented to the south so that when arrecien storms with
wind, water can not penetrate inside.
Harbours: If the ports are favorably naturally positioned
, they have to have a acroteria or protruding
promontories , which will be formed following the
nature of the place , drawing a bow or breasts, as such
structure appears to offer great results .

BOOK SIX: PRIVATE HOUSES

FORUM, BASILICA, THEATRES,
WALKS, PALAESTRA,
HARBOURS

CHAPTERS

I. On climate as determining the style of the house

II. Symmetry, and modifications in it to suit the site
III. Proportions of the principal rooms
IV. The proper exposures of the different rooms
V. How the rooms should be suited to the station of the
VI. Owner
VII.The farmhouse
VIII.The Greek house
IX. On foundations and substructures

ON CLIMATE AS DETERMINING THE STYLE OF THE

HOUSE

Private buildings will be located correctly , considering the

latitude and the orientation at which to raise . Is very different
climatic conditions in Egypt , Rome, etc. , the latitude is
different. To build buildings we put up our environment ,
because we are not masters of nature , and it acts
unpredictably.

SYMMETRY, AND MODIFICATIONS IN IT TO SUIT THE SITE

The biggest concern that an

architect should have, is that
buildings possess a point ratio in its
various parts and in all their set . Set
the measure of its symmetry and
perfectly calculated ratios that
measure is then target their cunning
choose the nature of the site in
relation to the use and beauty of the
building , thereby adjusting the
measures of the building, adding
and removing you need to preserve
symmetry, so it appears that

Proportions of the principal rooms

THEY MUST BE DISTINGUISHED :
TOSCANO
CORINTHIAN
TETRASTYLE
DISPLUVIADO
DOMED

HOW THE ROOMS SHOULD BE SUITED TO THE STATION OF THE OWNER

In private rooms , only allowed entry to guests, as are the bedrooms,

couches , the bathrooms and other rooms that have a similar purpose.
Public bodies to which everyone has access in their own right , such as
hallways, courtyards , colonnades and other rooms whose use and purpose
are similar name .

THE FARMHOUSE

The garden should be in

relation to the context ,
they
are
detached
houses with a large area
of free areas.

The Greek house

Greek dont use courts, they do not build ,

instead of this , the first thing we found in the
house is a hallway , not very wide , next are
the stables and across the rooms for
goalkeepers , and immediately the doors
interiors. Then comes the peristyle.
To the right and left of the prose are the
bedrooms , one is called the thalamus and
other amphithalamus . Surrounded by porches,
are a more common couches , bedrooms and
suites slaves. All this part of the house is called
gyneconitis , it is the area reserved for women.
There were several rooms dedicated to
different functions, but the basics of it all, the
proportion and symmetry to design, besides
the critical thinking to correctly orient the
elements in relation to the sun and wind.

ON FUNDATION AND SUBSTRUCTURES

Houses which
are set level
with the
ground will no
doubt last to a
great age, if
their
foundations
are laid in the
manner.