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Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“Oak... lasts for an unlimited period when buried in underground structures... when exposed to moisture... it cannot take in liquid on account of its compactness, but, withdrawing from the moisture, it resists it and warps, thus making cracks.”

Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

Author

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a renowned Roman architect, engineer, and writer, lived from 81 BC to 15 AD. He is considered one of the founders of Roman architecture and is best known for his work 'De Architectura', which has had a profound impact on the development of architecture throughout history. more

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“The winter oak... is very useful in buildings but when in a moist place it takes in water to its centre... and so it rots. The Turkey oak and the beech both... take in moisture to their centre and soon decay. White and black poplar, as well as willow, linden, and the agnus castus... are of great service from their stiffness... they are a convenient material to use in carving.”

Wells Use Black Water White Building Materials Winter Decay Centre Turkeys Convenient Oaks Carving Great Service Moisture Stiffness

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“The design of a temple depends on symmetry, the principles of which must be most carefully observed by the architect.”

Principles Design Depends Temples Architect Symmetry

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“Basilicas should be constructed on a site adjoining the forum and in the warmest possible quarter, so that in winter business men may gather in them without being troubled by the weather.”

Men Should May Winter Weather Quarters Site Forums Business Man

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“If our designs for private houses are to be correct, we must at the outset take note of the countries and climates in which they are built.”

Ifs Country House Design Built Notes Climate

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“The fact is that pictures which are unlike reality ought not be approved, and even if they are technically fine, this is no reason why they should offhand be judged to be correct, if their subject is lacking in the principles of reality carried out with no violations.”

Ifs Should Reason Facts Reality Principles Subjects Fine Ought Reason Why No Reason Judged Lacking Violation Approved

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“Noting all these things with the great delight which learning gives, we cannot but be stirred by these discoveries when we reflect upon the influence of them one by one.”

Giving Influence Discovery Delight

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“For not all things are practicable on identical principles”

Principles All Things Identical

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“There will be natural propriety in using an eastern light for bedrooms and libraries, a western light in winter for baths and winter apartments, and a northern light for picture galleries and other places in which a steady light is needed; for that quarter of the sky grows neither light nor dark with the course of the sun, but remains steady and unshifting all day long.”

Long Light Courses Grows Natural Dark Sun Sky Needed Remains Western Winter Library Quarters Steady Apartment Bedroom Eastern Baths Gallery Propriety Northern Lights

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“There are many names for winds derived from localities or from the squalls which sweep from rivers or down mountains.”

Names Wind Mountain Rivers Locality

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio

“Altars should face the east, and should always be placed on a lower level than are the statues in the temples, so that those who are praying and sacrificing may look upwards towards the divinity.”

Should Looks May Faces Levels Sacrifice Praying East Look Up Divinity Temples Statues Altars

Author:Marcus Vitruvius Pollio