Architecture Poor in Wealth Rich in Knowledge
The premise to be examined is that historically the Architectural profession values knowledge as its main aim above that of financial stability.
The origin of the profession of western architecture comes from an unknown author, currently referred to as ‘Vitruvius’ or ‘Marcus Vitruvius Pollio’ and a set of books presented to his former Commander in Chief, Augustus, the then Imperator of the Roman Empire.
The books explain that Architecture is not one thing but several.
‘There are three departments of architecture: the art of building, the making of timepieces, and the construction of machinery. Building is, in its turn, divided into two parts, of which the first is the construction of fortified towns and of works for general use in public places, and the second is the putting up of structures for private individuals. There are three classes of public buildings: the first for defensive, the second for religious, and the third for utilitarian purposes. Under defence comes the planning of walls, towers, and gates, permanent devices for resistance against hostile attacks; under religion, the erection of fanes and temples to the immortal gods; under utility, the provision of meeting places for public use, such as harbours, markets, colonnades, baths, theatres, promenades, and all other similar arrangements in public places. All these must be built with due reference to durability, convenience, and beauty.’
‘De Architectura’. Book 1 Ch3 . The Ten Books on Architecture Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press,
London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Date and location Rome. approx. 27 BC.
It explains that Architects are not wealthy.
‘Owing to this favour I need have no fear of want to the end of my life…’
‘De Architectura’. Book 1. The Ten Books on Architecture Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press,
London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Date and location Rome. approx. 27 BC.
‘But for my part, Caesar, I have never been eager to make money by my art, but have gone on the principle that slender means and a good reputation are preferable to wealth and disrepute…’
‘De Architectura’. Book 6. The Ten Books on Architecture Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard Univ. Press,
London: Humphrey Milford, Oxford University Press 1914. Date and location. Rome. approx. 27 BC.
The earliest Architects worked for patrons and in turn were patrons to other construction trades. They were, as the original translation of the term ‘Architect’ suggests, ‘Chief Builders’.
The profession of Architecture then moved into a more literate society and condensed into a role based purely on the construction of buildings.
This caused it to become introverted and specialized.
This change was also reflected in the preoccupation with fee earning potential as consumerism established itself as the natural form of society.
Here is a timeline of fee methods for architects.
1872 to 1982 Fixed fee scales.
1978-1990 Mandatory fee scales, then recommended fee scales then indicative fee scales.
1980-1990 Fee bidding
1990-2003 Percentage fees 0% to 11% of construction cost.
2008 A report indicated a reduction in demand for architects services of 40%.
Source: ‘The future for Architects’. RIBA
2012 A survey suggested that the majority of fees paid to architects accounted for 4%
Source: Building Design survey Architects demand return of fee scales29 November 2012 By David Rogers
The conclusion of the fee earning debate was that the profession of architecture had to diversify, retrain, and adapt to establish new areas of employment.
There are other conclusions however from this timeline and the references in ‘De Architectura’
First that the profession has been always trying to reach economic stability.
Secondly that the profession has evolved in a retrogressive economic manner since its inception in the books of ‘De Architectura’ because it has split into separate military, marine, timepiece, construction and recently software disciplines. These have sub-divided into inception, project management, design, supervision, inspection and consultancy roles.
The profession therefore cannot obtain the work or claim the percentage of fees available to its founders by further diversification.
The last conclusion is that in terms of knowledge the profession is equalled only in its associated sciences. It has never stopped developing its knowledge of aesthetics, people, environment, materials, machinery, and above all possibility.
Therefore the premise that historically the Architectural profession values knowledge as its main aim above that of financial stability I would claim is proven up to our own time in 2013.
Ian K Whittaker
Email: iankwhittaker@gmail.com
29/06/2013
14/10/2020
759 words over 3 pages