Vitruvio e noi, o come e perché leggere Vitruvio oggi

This consideration on the need to read again the De architectura underlines firstly how the definition of the treatise is closely linked to the one of the identification of the author in terms of cultural sociology. It is possible then to understand that the Vitruvian attempt consists in enhancing the treasure of knowledge acquired during a long career. Even if his desire for global codification is more favourable to conservation than to innovation, Vitruvius seems to be associated, in at least two cases, with the effort of elaborating new typologies. In this respect the text is not a simple handbook, but a kind of compendium of rules motivated by two requirements typical of his time and his professional position, that is to elevate the Italic architecture to the rational dignity of the Hellenistic one and to make architectural practice depend on strict ethical codes. [Publisher's text]