Andrea Palladio's Four Books of Architecture

Andrea Palladio’s "Four Books of Architecture," published in the 16th century, is a comprehensive guide to classical architecture principles. It details how to design buildings inspired by ancient Roman and Greek styles, emphasizing harmony, proportion, and symmetry. Palladio’s work illustrates building types like villas, temples, and palaces, providing detailed drawings, plans, and instructions. His ideas influenced Western architecture for centuries, advocating that good design is based on clear rules derived from classical ideals. Overall, it’s a fundamental text that blends practical guidance with aesthetic principles, shaping the way architects approach building design to create elegant and balanced structures.