Palladio's Four Books of Architecture

Palladio's *Four Books of Architecture*, published in the 16th century, is a foundational guide on classical architecture. Palladio combined ancient Roman principles with Renaissance ideas, emphasizing harmony, proportion, and symmetry. The book covers design principles, building types, and construction techniques, providing detailed illustrations and instructions. It greatly influenced Western architecture, inspiring neoclassical and modern designs through its clear articulation of balance and order. Overall, it serves as both a manual and a source of aesthetic philosophy for creating elegant, functional, and enduring structures.