6 Principles of Vitruvius and Alberti, Article Critique Example

Both Vitruvius and Alberti sought to reconstruct the magnificence of ancient times by way of architecture. With that said, they both agree that architecture depends on the following: propriety symmetry, order, arrangement, eurythmy, and economy.

Vitruvious and Alberti both according their principles believe that order should contribute due measure to the followers of a work considered individually, and symmetrical agreement to the parts of the entirety (Alberti). Both their principle of arrangement contains the putting of things in their correct places and the classiness of effect which is due to alterations suitable to the nature of the work. Vitruvius principal is the eurythmy which he believes to be the attractiveness and fitness in the fine-tuning of the members.

Alberti also agrees that this is originated when those that are working together are of a stature appropriate to their width, which means that basically all are working on one accord or everyone is on the same page basically. Symmetry is the other principle that both agree on which there is  suitable understanding among the members who are working together, but in the case of architecture or temples symmetry to them may be calculated from the thickness of a column.

Both believe that propriety plays a role in architecture because this ascends from custom when structures having superb interiors are arranged with stylish entrance-courts to match. They believe that propriety is that style that has been perfected and that which comes together when a work is firmly built on accepted principles. The last principle is what would be called the economy and they both believed this represents the correct organization of resources and of site, and not to mention the economical balancing cost and good judgment in the construction of works. For example, Vitruvius stated in chapter  two of Book I, “It is not all over that there is a lot  of, debris, fir, fir that is clear, and marble, since they are created in diverse locations and to accumulate everything is problematic and expensive” (Vitruvius).

Works Cited

Alberti, Leon Battista. On the Art of Building in Ten Books. Cambridge: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002.

Vitruvious. Vitruvious Book I. Agathon Associates, 27 B.C.