Architecture, Engineering and Building Science: The Contemporary Relevance of Vitruvius’s De Architectura

Abstract

Conferences worldwide focus on a range of disciplines relating to the construction of the built environment. They tend to emphasize either the art or the science of building, the former focusing on architectural theory and design while the latter targets a range of topics from civil and/or building engineering to building physics. Vitruvius’s De Architectura Libri Decem is a seminal treatise more than two millennia old which addresses these themes in a holistic manner. This text remains valid today for students and professionals engaged in architecture and building engineering. Translated as Ten Books on Architecture, it not only presents an overall view of the disciplines of town planning, architecture and civil engineering, along with the qualifications required to practice them, but also addresses building materials, civil-engineering structures and the science influencing buildings. Although grounded in the practice and technology of Ancient Rome, the principles put forward in this treatise are still valid nowadays for effective, sustainable architectural-engineering design based on rigorous education and good knowledge of building materials and construction. Vitruvius’s definition of architecture—the one still customarily used—is an inclusive philosophical statement on the essence of building for humanity to house humanity. It recalls the symbiotic relation between architecture and building engineering that is often forgotten in the contemporary emphasis on specialization.

Developing Structural and Civil Engineering (SCE) Curriculum in sub-Sahara African Nations on the Foundation of the Developed Nations, in Training, Practices and Technology – Nigeria as Case Study

“…In this case, improvement from the learning schemes founded on ancient Rome SCE principles and practices cannot even be considered as an outsider to the African nations. As noted by Bianco (2023), Roman architecture and the building science of the time are an integral part of today's heritage; and belong to all. Structural engineering practices in sub-Saharan African nations should connect to and maintain a firm grip on this foundation.…”

“…The present stage of human civilisation seemed to be firmly established on the taught-forms and thoughprecepts that were either Latin or Greek or both combined together. While the classical Greek language is today's language of universal learning and education; Latin, the language of the Romans is the medium of Caesar's imperial law (constitution), and still the basis of several national legislations (Bianco, 2023). Nigeria basic education also recognizes the importance of Languages by including a minimum of 3 (three) languages, namely English language, French language, and one Nigerian; as well as Arabic language which is optional.…”

“…He called for civil engineers to lay good foundation for a wide and deep "wholistic" education so as to be able to address the well-being of all in their work. He intended that civil engineering issues be comprehended through interdisciplinary but integrated education, beginning from tender years so as to recognize interconnectivity between all studies and thus able to comprehend how and when to apply them (Bianco, 2023).…”

“…In an attempt to resolve this, it is thus necessary to look beyond the surface and try to find out if Nigeria SCE engineering industries are operating from the same foundation as those of the developed nations, especially the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). It is an open fact, and it is well documented that SCE training and practice in the USA, UK, and European countries are founded on principles and practices that dated into the ancient Rome, especially the Caesar's era (Bianco, 2023). These nations, as former colonies of the Roman Empire, inherited massive SCE works and other structures that are still standing and functioning.…”