The Ten Books on Architecture, 6.6.6

Vitruvius  Parallel editions

‹‹‹ Vitr. 6.6.5 | Table of Contents | Vitr. 6.6.7 ›››

Gwilt translation

6Care should be taken that all buildings are well lighted: in those of the country this point is easily accomplished, because the wall of a neighbour is not likely to interfere with the light. But in the city the height of party walls, or the narrowness of the situation may obscure the light. In this case we should proceed as follows. In that direction from which the light is to be received, let a line be drawn from the top of the obstructing wall, to that part where the light is to be introduced, and if, looking upwards along that line, a large space of open sky be seen, the light may be obtained from that quarter without fear of obstruction thereof;

Morgan translation

6We must take care that all buildings are well lighted, but this is obviously an easier matter with those which are on country estates, because there can be no neighbour’s wall to interfere, whereas in town high party walls or limited space obstruct the light and make them dark. Hence we must apply the following test in this matter. On the side from which the light should be obtained let a line be stretched from the top of the wall that seems to obstruct the light to the point at which it ought to be introduced, and if a considerable space of open sky can be seen when one looks up above that line, there will be no obstruction to the light in that situation.