On Architecture
Quick Summary
On Architecture (De architectura) is a treatise by the Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius, written around 27 BCE. It is considered a foundational text for architects, drawing heavily on Greek architectural theory and experience.1
The treatise covers a wide range of architectural topics, including city planning, building materials, temple design, public and private buildings, hydraulics, and engineering. Vitruvius aimed to preserve classical traditions in architecture, though Roman architecture soon evolved to meet the demands of a growing empire.1
Vitruvius's work emphasizes three key principles: commodity (utilitas), firmness (firmitas), and delight (venustas). These principles, concerning functionality, structural stability, and aesthetic appeal, have influenced architectural theory for centuries. The treatise was highly influential during the Renaissance and continues to be studied today.213
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Western theatreThe Renaissance stageā¦the discovery in 1414 of De architectura (On Architecture), written by the 1st-century Roman architect Vitruvius. This 10-volume treatise contained valuable information on the scenery used for Classical tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays (farces), along with detailed descriptions of the Roman theatre, with its auditorium,
Read Moreā¦the discovery in 1414 of De architectura (On Architecture), written by the 1st-century Roman architect Vitruvius. This 10-volume treatise contained valuable information on the scenery used for Classical tragedy, comedy, and satyr plays (farces), along with detailed descriptions of the Roman theatre, with its auditorium,
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theatre designThe house and front of houseIn book five of Vitruviusās De architectura (c. 15 bce)āthe oldest treatise on theatre architecture in the Westāarchitects are admonished to take great care to select a site that will be conducive to good acoustics and will be healthy for the audience. Some cultures have required that theatres be builtā¦
Read MoreIn book five of Vitruviusās De architectura (c. 15 bce)āthe oldest treatise on theatre architecture in the Westāarchitects are admonished to take great care to select a site that will be conducive to good acoustics and will be healthy for the audience. Some cultures have required that theatres be builtā¦
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theatreVisual and spatial aspectsā¦Greece can be found in De architectura libri decem, by the 1st-century-bce Roman writer Vitruvius, and in the Onomasticon, of the 2nd century ce, by the Greek scholar Julius Pollux. As these treatises appeared several hundred years after classical theatre, however, the accuracy of their descriptions is questionable.
Read Moreā¦Greece can be found in De architectura libri decem, by the 1st-century-bce Roman writer Vitruvius, and in the Onomasticon, of the 2nd century ce, by the Greek scholar Julius Pollux. As these treatises appeared several hundred years after classical theatre, however, the accuracy of their descriptions is questionable.
Read More- theatreVitruviusā treatise on architecture
De architectura libri decem (āTen Books on Architectureā), by the Roman architect Vitruvius (1st century bce), devotes three books to Greek and Roman theatre design and construction. The author gives general rules for siting an open-air theatre and for designing the stage, orchestra, and auditorium.ā¦
Read MoreDe architectura libri decem (āTen Books on Architectureā), by the Roman architect Vitruvius (1st century bce), devotes three books to Greek and Roman theatre design and construction. The author gives general rules for siting an open-air theatre and for designing the stage, orchestra, and auditorium.ā¦
Read More