Ten Books on Architecture

BOOK ONE

...similarity; if Ionic temples are constructed, consideration will be given to a middle ground, which will be tempered in its specific character between the severe style of the Doric The oldest and simplest of the three Greek architectural orders, characterized by heavy columns and a plain capital and the delicacy of the Corinthian The most ornate of the classical orders, known for its slender columns and capitals decorated with acanthus leaves. Propriety according to custom original: "consuetudinem", however, is expressed thus: when buildings with magnificent interiors also have vestibules that are made suitable and elegant. For if the interior parts are perfectly elegant, but the entrances are humble and unsightly, the building will lack propriety. Likewise, if dentils Small, rectangular blocks used as a repeating ornament in a cornice are carved into the Doric architraves original: "epistylijs," the main beam resting across the tops of columns, or if triglyphs Rectangular blocks with three vertical grooves, typical of Doric friezes are expressed on cushioned columns original: "puluinatis columnis," referring to the scroll-like Ionic capitals and Ionic architraves—transferring features from one logic of style to another kind of work—the appearance will be offended, as other customs of the order were previously established.

Natural propriety original: "Naturalis decor" will be achieved if, first of all, the most healthful regions and suitable springs of water are chosen for all temples in the places where sanctuaries are to be established; this is especially important for Aesculapius The god of medicine and healing, Salus The goddess of health and well-being, and those gods by whose medicines many the sick appear to be cured. For when sick bodies are moved from a pestilent location to a healthy one, and the use of water from healthy springs is provided, they will recover more quickly. Thus it will happen that, due to the nature of the place, the divinity will receive greater and increased respect with dignity.

Likewise, there will be natural propriety if bedrooms original: "cubiculis" and libraries original: "biblyothecis" receive light from the east; if baths and winter apartments receive light from the winter sunset the southwest; and if picture galleries original: "pinacothecys" and those parts which require a constant light receive it from the north, because that region of the sky is neither brightened nor darkened by the course of the sun, but remains certain and unchangeable throughout the whole day. Distribution original: "Distributio," often called 'Economy', however, is the convenient management of resources and the site...