Ratio Venvstatis: reasons for beauty in books I and III of Vitruvius Architectvra

Author(s)

Clovis Antonio Benedini Lima

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU/SBI)
• Defense date: 2015-05-12

Examining board members

Mario Henrique Simão D'Agostino; Leon Kossovitch; Júlio César Vitorino

• Advisor: Mario Henrique Simão D'Agostino

Abstract

According to Vitruvius, architecture must be oriented by the principles of firmitas, utilitas and uenustas. We tried to question how the ratio uenustatis is inserted in the De Architectura and its role. There are some terms which are gathered around the concept of uenustas - such as: species, aspectus, aspiciens, figura, uisus, oculus - concerning the visual matters directed to the building works, already indicated by the architecture\'s fundamental definitions - ordinatio, dispositio, eurythmia, symmetria, decor and distributio. As it is witten in Book III, the aspectus bestows aucthority (auctoritas) on the building and the eustylos pseudodipteros temple appears as a major exemplum in the set of preceptions. But before it is necessary to the authorized work to count upon the architect\'s authority, to that instructed in the litterae, among varied arts and eruditions, and apt at the same time to fabrica and ratiocinatio. The prominent authority (egregias auctoritates) promised to the majesty of the power lead by the Imperator in the first exordium, on the occasion of the efforts undertaken in the public building, are concerned with the opportuniies and advantages (opportunitas) issued from an adequate arrangement of the limited urban area (moenia) - from the selection of the site to the common use buildings settlement - showing themselves intrinsically connected with the heed of the ratio uenustatis that permeates the other fields of the ars aedificatoria. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/12007-0 - Ratio Venustatis: ratios and reasons of beauty in books I and III of Vitruvius' De Architectura.
• Grantee: Clovis Antonio Benedini Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master