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The Vitruvian Triad – How It Established The Foundations Of Good Architecture

October 15, 2022 /

‘Beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole, and by the dimensions of all the parts being duly proportioned to each other’

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
Photo: Ketterer Kunst, Art auctions, Book auctions Munich, Hamburg & Berlin

‘De Architectura,’ deemed as the only treatise on architecture to have completely survived the holocaust of antiquity date to around 27 BCE. By Roman architect Vitruvius, this multi-volume work is regarded as “the first book on architectural theory” (iDesginWiki, 2019), whose popular regard is substantiated with the content itself: a myriad of subjects on architecture from aesthetics to materials to building adequates. Through his work, Vitruvius identified three principles of architecture known as the Vitruvian Triad: firmitas – firmness, utilitas – utility and venustas – beauty. These three underlying bases “remain the essential components of all successful structural designs” (lib.uchicago, 2011), shaping the foundations of good architecture today.

Firstly it is without doubt that firmness and structural integrity should stand to be put forth in all forms of building and construction. From moats around a castle to barbed wire surrounding a prison, architecture has always played a huge role in safety and security. A building well-designed to please the eye can be ill-fated and unreliable without an architect’s research skills needed to promote durability. The concept is crucial as a basis in structural design, so to make sure that buildings are strong enough to withstand harsh conditions, therefore able to provide safety for those it serves.

Secondly, attentiveness to utility is fundamental for a building to provide “an efficient arrangement of spaces and systems to meet needs of its occupants” (lib.uchicago, 2011). One can see how Norman Foster’s work on the Willis Building excels at serving its inhabitants. By incorporating escalators into a three-story building, creating a roof-top garden, and constructing solar-adjusting floor-to-ceiling windows, Foster encourages a greater sense of community while underlining the 

power of democracy in a workspace. The building also ensures exceptional thermal performance thanks to his deep plan and insulating grass roof. In essence, Foster’s way of maximising all parts of a building thrives as an example of how architectural success depends heavily on functionality and utility. 

Lastly, considerations for a structure’s beauty is what ultimately decides the architectural quality. This is evident in ​​The Broad – a LA museum whose characteristics sheds a spotlight upon itself, avoiding it getting caught up in the mass of other structures of the artistic city. Designed by DS+R, “the 50,000-square-foot building acts as a seamless buffer between the inside and outside world” (Nick Mafi, AD, 2019). Its exterior honeycomb-like design, established using a semi-porous system, fosters a more urban interface and enhances artworks housed within the building. Furthermore, its porosity suggests two-way vision, tempting passerbys through its lifted corners, making the striking exterior multifunctional in its aesthetics. In the end, DS + R’s knowingly arresting design provides proof of how attention towards a structure’s beauty is able to help architectures flourish in their environments. 

Throughout history, architects have based their practice on many standards, yet Vitruvius’ three principles for architectural success have stood best against the test of time: firmness, utility and beauty. Where a building aims to delight people with its design, its durability and utility are just as crucial to ensure safety and an efficient usage of spaces. Likewise, with a focus solely to create security for its occupants, the design itself might not set the appropriate mood to foster spirit and empathy within its community. These three foundations of good architecture have guided architects for centuries and continue to do so today. 

Bibliography

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