Introduction to Vitruvius and De Architectura

Overview

• Course on Western architectural theory and texts.
• Focus on Vitruvius' De Architectura (The Ten Books on Architecture).
• Composed end of 1st century BCE during Roman antiquity.
• Earliest work of architectural theory in the Western tradition.
• Written in Latin; using Maurice Hickey Morgan translation.
• Available online, on Kindle, and in paperback.
• Only surviving work of Greek or Roman architectural theory.
• Discovered in 1414 in Saint Gall Abbey, Switzerland.

Importance

• Provides insight into the intentions of ancient architects.
• Described as a manual on building design, climate effects, materials, plans, ornamentation, classical orders, and proportions.

About Vitruvius

• Full name: Marcus Vitruvius Pollio (80 BCE to 15 BCE).
• Military engineer involved in Caesar's Gallic War.
• Builder of government buildings; no surviving buildings attributed to him.
• Term