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Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, commonly referred to as Vitruvius, was a Roman architect, engineer, and author who lived during the 1st century BCE, most likely under the rule of Emperor Augustus. Little is known about his life beyond what he reveals in his own writings. His enduring legacy stems from his ten-volume treatise De Architectura (On Architecture), the only surviving major text on architectural theory from classical antiquity. The work is both a practical manual and a theoretical reflection on architecture, engineering, and aesthetics, integrating Roman, Greek, and Etruscan knowledge.

In De Architectura, Vitruvius outlines a comprehensive understanding of architecture that blends technical precision with philosophical inquiry. Central to his thought are three fundamental criteria that any well-designed building must satisfy: Firmitas (strength), Utilitas (functionality), and Venustas (beauty). These principles form the foundation of classical architectural theory and continue to influence architecture and design to this day.

• Firmitas (Durability): A building must be structurally sound and stable. Vitruvius emphasizes that construction should be grounded in the principles of engineering and material science to ensure longevity and resistance to natural and human-induced stresses. Firmitas reflects the technical dimension of architecture, requiring precision in construction methods and an understanding of forces and materials.
• Utilitas (Utility or Function): Architecture must serve its intended purpose effectively. A building should meet the needs of its users, supporting the functions it is designed to accommodate. This principle underlines the importance of planning, circulation, ergonomics, and adaptability. Vitruvius insists that practical considerations must be integrated into the design from the outset, not added afterward.
• Venustas (Beauty or Delight): A structure must also be aesthetically pleasing. Vitruvius connects beauty to proportion, harmony, and order — ideas deeply rooted in classical philosophy and mathematics, particularly the notion that beauty arises from a correct relationship between parts and the whole. Venustas, however, is not purely decorative; it enhances human experience and dignifies the built environment.

These three principles are interdependent. According to Vitruvius, a building lacking one of them is inherently flawed — it might be beautiful but unstable, functional but unpleasant, or strong but impractical. The Vitruvian triad offers a holistic view of design that bridges engineering, function, and art, and it laid the groundwork for architectural theory from the Renaissance through to modernist and contemporary debates.