Democratic Architecture: Practical Solutions to Today's Housing Crisis Book

Vitruvius
The Ten Books of Architecture by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio ( 80–15 BC) is the first complete treatise that we have on architecture. Reading it is an unmitigated source of joy for someone who has an amateur's interest in architecture or Roman history. People who have simply visited sites Roman buildings (Timgad, Rome, Nimes, or Pompeii) will also take a great pleasure in Vitruvius work as it explains so what of what one has seen at these places.
Little is known about Vitruvius life except that he served in a number of Caesar's campaign and had the reputation of being an outstanding builder of siege engines. In his Ten Books of Architecture, Vitruvius gives a stunning overview of the state of Roman's building technology, aesthetic values and scientific knowledge. He discusses Pythagorean geometry and aesthetic conventions relating to proportions. He carefully explains musical intervals and how their qualities determine how a theatre should be constructed to ensure maximum carrying distance and clarity of sound. He explains how to build walls, forts and breakwaters. He describes how bricks should be made and dried. He explains how to mix stucco and what time of year trees should be cut. He explains how to make a sundial. He makes a elaborate descriptions of how to build hoisting machinery and military catapults. By the time, one has finished the book, one has learned a great deal about how the Romans created their cities, buildings, roads and bridges.
Above all Vitruvius is adamant first priority of the architect should be people's health. He stresses that all times the architect or city planner must design so as to take advantage of sun and wind exposures for the purposes of heating, cooling and ventilation. Cities must be built in dry areas or marshes must be drained to minimize the incidence of diseases. When the architect designs in accordance with the natural environment buildings will last longer and be more comfortable to live in. Ignoring the natural environment means that stucco will crack, foundations will shift, books will become mildewed and the health of the occupants will suffer.
The Ten Books of Architecture is a book with too many charms to be listed. For anyone somewhat familiar with the history of architecture, this book will be an utter delight.