Writing near the end of the first century B.C.E., Roman architect Vitruvius Pollio identified three elements necessary for a well-designed building: firmitas, utilitas, and venustas. Firmness or physical strength secured the building's structural integrity.
What did Vitruvius mean by delight?
commodity + firmness + delight = good building. Actually, Vitruvius' own words in De Architectura libri decem2 (Ten Books on Architecture) were: firmitas (solid), utilitas (useful), and venustas (beautiful).15 Aug 2015
What is firmness in architecture?
Firmness, of course, refers to the ability to stand up and resist the forces of man and nature, whether they be the heavy stone of the buildings of Vitruvius's time, wind, rain, snow, furnishings, or people.3 Aug 2012
How do you improve thermal comfort in a building?
Thick or well-insulated walls, proper openings, screening systems, and outdoor spaces (e.g. courtyards) offering shade and natural ventilation are some of the possible solutions to increase thermal comfort and at the same time to save energy.7 May 2021