For fear whereby I will never harbor the knowledge of what is architecture, I began to read about these matters by Vitruvius, people entitle him the first architect. I hope by observing them I could teach myself how to evaluate works already bought into being and those yet to be. He laid out every set of principles for the discipline. Of the education, he said an architect’s expertise is enhanced by many disciplines and various sorts of specialized knowledge, all works executed using these skills are evaluated by a seasoned judgment. This expertise is born both of practice and of reasoning. Practice is the constant, repeated exercise of the hands by which a work is completed in whatever medium. Reasoning is what can demonstrate and explain the works skillfully and systematically. I don’t lack the education, but have to strive to obtain practical manual skills. To place my trust entirely in theories and writings seemed to be chasing after shadow, not something real. An architect must possess a native talent and be amenable to learning the disciplines. To be educated, he must be an experienced draftsman, well-versed in geometry, familiar with history, a diligent student of philosophy, know music, have some acquaintance with medicine, understand the rulings of legal experts, and have clear grasp of astronomy and the ways of heaven.

Here are his reasons why this should be so.

1. Letters.
So that he may strengthen his own memory by reading what has been written in the field. A certain fluency in literature to express his ideas.
2. Draftsmanship.
So that he can more easily use illustrated examples at will to represent the appearance of the work he proposes.
3. Geometry.
This offers many aids, hands down to the technique of compass and rule, enables on-site lay-out of plan , as well as placement of set-squares, levels, and lines. The difficult issues of symmetry are resolved by geometric principles and methods.
4. Arithmetic.
The expenses of building is totaled up, the principles of measurements are developed.
5. History.
A great deal of it. Architects often include ornaments in their work, he ought to be able to supply an explanation why certain motives were introduced.
6. Philosophy.
Completes the architect’s character. Instills the loftiness of spirit, so that he will not be arrogant, but rather tolerant, fair, trustworthy, and more important of all, free from greed. There is really no work that can truly be done without honesty and disinterestedness. Let him be not grasping, no fixing his minds on receiving rewards, but pay attention to protect and maintain his dignity. This discipline is a particular favourite, refers to the foundation and approach too.
7. Physiology.
It is necessary to know this subject thoroughly, for it has many and varied natural applications. It is like the matter of aqueducts. For natural water pressures differ, depending on whether one is dealing with swift downhill run, curvatures, or ascents up onto a gradual slope. No one can compensate for the impact of these pressures except someone who knows the basic facts of nature. Or of materials and their materiality.
8. Music.
To know mathematical principles of pitches, how space and elements affect sound to travel and reach ears clearer or more pleasant. In point of fact, it has nothing to do with knowing how to sing. =’(
9. Science of medicine.
Or climate, and the inclinations of it. And to know about airs, places which are healthful and disease ridden. For example the different applications of water.
10. Law.
This includes party walls, boundaries, courses of gutters and drainage, lighting, water supply. Indeed, architects must exercise a legislator’s care in their dealings both with contractors and with clients.
11. Astronomy.
East, west, north, and south. To understand the principle of sundial. The study of light and shadow is always enjoyable. =)

This just appears too incredible. >.<

posted by Graciana@Home at 3:45 pm