Architect Quote by Isaac Newton
“The daily disappearance and the subsequent rise of the sun appeared to many of the ancients as a true resurrection; thus, while the east came to be regarded as the source of light and warmth, happiness and glory, the west was associated with darkness and chill, decay and death. This led to the custom of burying the dead so as to face the east when they rose again, and of building temples and shrines with an opening toward the east. To effect this, Vitruvius, two thousand years ago, gave precise rules, which are still followed by Christian architects.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: De architectura, Vitruvius, c. 30 BC (referenced by Newton)
Ancient cultures linked east with life and west with death, shaping burial and temple orientation practices that persist in Christian architecture.
In simple terms: East symbolized life, west death, influencing building direction.
Key Takeaway
Consider orientation in design for symbolic meaning.
Themes
symbolism
architecture
culture
death
life
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
cultural
architectural
When to use this quote
- burial customs
- temple construction
- church design
- urban planning
Key Concepts
orientation
ritual
ancient cosmology
architectural tradition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does building orientation affect occupants?
- Should symbolism guide contemporary architecture?
A Different Perspective
Modern secular designs may ignore symbolic orientation.
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