Firmness, commodity, and delight
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Firmness, commodity, and delight (Latin: firmitas, utilitas, et venustas) are the three aspects of good architecture declared by the Roman architect Vitruvius in his book "De architectura" ("On architecture"). The literal meaning of the Latin phrase is closer to "durability, convenience, and beauty", but the more familiar version is derived from Henry Wotton's liberal translation of Vitruvius, "The Elements of Architecture" (1624):[1] "Well Building hath three Conditions: Commodity, Firmness, and Delight".[2] The theory of architecture was always concerned with this interrelated triad of structural integrity, proper use of space, and attractiveness. However, the relative importance of each component varied in time, and new elements had been introduced into the mix (cf. John Ruskin's "The Seven Lamps of Architecture" that include "sacrifice" and "obedience").[3]
References
- ^ Gelernter 1995, p. 63.
- ^ Black 1853, p. 490, Note 1.
- ^ Roger Scruton, Peter Collins, “Commodity, firmness, and delight”: the ultimate synthesis at the Encyclopædia Britannica
Sources
- Roger Scruton, Peter Collins, “Commodity, firmness, and delight”: the ultimate synthesis at the Encyclopædia Britannica
- Gelernter, Mark (1995). Sources of Architectural Form: A Critical History of Western Design Theory. Manchester University Press. ISBN 978-0-7190-4129-7. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Or Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and General Literature: Ana - Ast. Black. 1853. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
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