The thickness of the walls should be sufficient for two armed men to pass each other with ease.

I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible.

The winter oak... is very useful in buildings but when in a moist place it takes in water to its centre... and so it rots. The Turkey oak and the beech both... take in moisture to their centre and soon decay. White and black poplar, as well as willow, linden, and the agnus castus... are of great service from their stiffness... they are a convenient material to use in carving.

If our designs for private houses are to be correct, we must at the outset take note of the countries and climates in which they are built.

There will be no propriety in the spectacle of an elegant interior approached by a low mean entrance.

The [engineer] should be equipped with knowledge of many branches of study and varied kinds of learning, for it is by his judgement that all work done by the other arts is put to test. This knowledge is the child of practice and theory.

The design of a temple depends on symmetry, the principles of which must be most carefully observed by the architect.