It is of very great import foir the youth of today to be familiar with the classical history of the Orders - as found in the great treatises of Vitruvius, Alberti, Serlio and Vignola.
There is a lot to be said for the preference for symmetrical forms (even in terms of the organization of the optic nerves). Symmetry, harmony, ornament, execution, mass, and beauty all count for so much in ecclesial architecture.
According to Vitruvius, a structure must exhibit the three qualities of firmitas, utilitas, venustas – that is, it must be solid, useful, beautiful. These are the Vitruvian virtues or the Vitruvian Triad. If it is not beautiful, it is not Vitruvius!
The spaceship departs for Mars in about half hour. Adeste Fideles!
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