Why read The Seven Lamps of Architecture?

Book cover of The Seven Lamps of Architecture

Book description

"I believe architecture must be the beginning of arts, and that the others must follow her in their time and order; and I think the prosperity of our schools of painting and sculpture, in which no one will deny the life, though many the health, depends upon that of our…

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Architecture

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Design

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Seven Lamps of Architecture as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Shannon Taylor Scarlett

Author

Whenever I’m reading Ruskin, I feel like I’m overhearing a crusty old man’s rant. Some rants I love—when he talks about honesty in materials, or his in-depth thoughts on nature and light; some I question—demonizing cast iron facades; and others I disagree with—the necessity for obedience to God as an architect. And some of his ideas are so outdated, they’ve almost come back full circle. But the reason I included this older volume, is simply because Ruskin’s seven principles on architecture have withstood the test of time.

From Shannon's list on The best books on timeless architectural principles.