Approved Quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio
“Bricks will be most serviceable if made two years before using; for they cannot dry thoroughly in less time. When fresh undried bricks are used in a wall, the stucco covering stiffens and hardens into a permanent mass, but the bricks settle and the motion caused by their shrinking prevents them from adhering to it, and they are separated from their union with it. At Utica in constructing walls they use brick only if it is dry and made five years previously, and approved as such by the authority of a magistrate.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Architectura, Book III, 1st century BC
Dry, aged bricks ensure structural integrity; using fresh bricks leads to shrinkage, poor adhesion, and weakened walls.
In simple terms: Old bricks are stronger than fresh ones for building.
Key Takeaway
Use properly seasoned bricks for durable construction.
Themes
architecture
construction
materials
durability
quality
Mood
practical
analytical
Type
technical
instructional
When to use this quote
- construction projects
- historical restoration
- DIY building
- urban planning
Key Concepts
engineering
material science
building practices
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the risks of using new materials?
- How can we test brick readiness?
A Different Perspective
Modern materials can substitute but may lack traditional longevity.
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