Diversecitysm: Matching Vitruvius’s De Architectura and the Jonasian Ecological Imperative

Abstract

Vitruvius’s De Architectura heritage is an appropriate conceptual foundation for future urbanistic and architectonic scenarios in which the most varied human relationships will take place. Here his triad keywords are re-interpreted: FIRMITAS – NATURE (matter): we must use regenerable and recyclable biomaterials (of plant origin to store CO2) whose production and entire lifecycle management don’t create environmental or social imbalances. UTILITAS – ECONOMY (form - function): when building ex novo (“form follows function”) or reusing buildings or neighborhoods, (functions fit forms), we must avoid waste of energy and materials but also of existing volumes and unbuilt surfaces, which are valuable for the WEF Nexus. VENUSTAS – SOCIETY (project = idea + value): we must understand, interpret, lead and communicate the quality of human relationships and their respectful, supportive and sustainable correlation with the Earth. Similarly, Vitruvius’s Venustas (relative of Ciceronian Dignitas) is the harmony both among the individual parts and between themselves and their context, using the Vitruvian man inscribed in a circle and a square as the minimum measurement unit in the balance between the (global) divine dimension and the (local) earthly dimension. Nowadays [following H. Jonas] this harmony is characterized as between freedom and responsibility of individual actions (aesthetic signified) and “the consequences on the permanence of authentic human life on earth” (ethical signifier). Venustas cannot be measured in terms of flat standardization, subjective style or sterile design as an end in itself, but rather on the basis of the satisfaction of working, political, relational needs and their respect for the environment where they develop themselves, leaving no one behind, causing zero waste and pollution and at least doing no significant harm to the Earth and its inhabitants, particularly future ones. Nowadays Venustas adheres to the principles of ethics, equity, ecology and democratic social distribution of benefits and burdens, represented by the 17 SDGs of the UN Agenda 2030.