The Foundations of Architecture: Principles, Departments, and Materials

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The content of the first chapter of the book discusses the fundamental aspects of an Architect, the principles of Architecture, its departments, and even the importance of choosing the right site for a structure. In contrast, the second chapter delves into the origins of the first dwelling, methods of wall construction, and the substances and materials used in early times that are still relevant today. The chapter begins with a statement emphasizing the importance of an architect's diverse knowledge and expertise in evaluating the work of other arts.

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This section, titled "The Education of the Architect," focuses on the importance of a architect's knowledge and skills in their field.

The architect should have a broad knowledge base encompassing geometry, history, optics, drawing, arithmetic, philosophy, music, theatre, medicine, and more. This diverse education is crucial because everything within architecture depends on the architect's judgment, plans, and theories. It is not necessary for the architect to excel in all of these fields or be ignorant of them completely.

No individual can master every subject, as it is unrealistic to expect one person to grasp all the theories and principles within these disciplines. The second subchapter discusses "The Fundamental Principles of Architecture," which consist of 6 principles: Order, Arrangement, Eurythmy, Symmetry, Propriety, and Economy.

In architecture, the first aspect to consider is Order, which involves adjusting substances based on quantity. Arrangement is the second key element, focusing on putting things in a suitable sequence. Eurythmy, the third aspect, involves adjusting members symmetrically. Symmetry refers to the relationship of different parts within the work.

Propriety is the perfection of style achieved through authoritative construction. Lastly, economy involves arranging components and materials based on cost and other factors. The second section discusses various departments of architecture including building, time-pieces, and machinery. Building is further divided into construction for towns and public works, as well as structures for private individuals. Public buildings can be defensive, religious, or for utilitarian purposes.

Examples of structures for defense include walls, gates, and towers. Temples and churches serve religious purposes, while baths, markets, and theaters are built for public use. These structures must meet three aspects: durability, convenience, and beauty. "The Site of a City" discusses choosing the proper location for towns and habitations based on climate. Ideal sites are healthy, temperate, and far from marshes. Climate affects resources like animals and food sources, essential for inhabitants. "The City Walls" focuses on protecting the city from attackers with thick walls and polygonal towers.

The following subchapter discusses the layout of streets and alleys based on wind directions, aiming to block the wind flow from residences to prevent airborne illnesses and promote a healthy town environment. The final subchapter, "The Sites for Public Buildings," involves selecting locations, fortifying city walls, and organizing streets and alleys before determining spots for public buildings such as churches, temples, harbours, and utilitarian structures. The selection process should consider various fundamental principles for arranging these buildings. The origins of shelters date back to the Stone Age when people lived like wild animals in forests and groves until the discovery of fire brought them together to build shelters.

They initially built homes using mud and twigs, eventually progressing to constructing improved huts with various materials found in the environment. One such material is brick, which is made from white or red clay and gravel-like clay. There are three types of bricks, including the commonly used Greek Lydian. Sand is another commonly used substance in construction, often mixed into mortar for masonry walls.

There are four types of pit sand: black, grey, red, and carbuncular. Lime creates a solid structure when mixed with water and sand. Pozzolana, a powder found near Mt. Vesuvius, strengthens buildings when combined with rubble and lime, especially underwater in piers. Stone, found in quarries, varies in quality with harder ones typically from lava quarries. Two wall building styles exist: Opus Reticulatum is more aesthetically pleasing but less stable, while Opus Incertum is less attractive but stronger.