What Makes a Building Good?

A Timeless Test of a Good Building: Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas

What makes a building good?
Is it how it looks? How it functions? How long it stands?

More than 2,000 years ago, the Roman architect Vitruvius postulated an answer to this question —one that still resonates deeply today. In his treatise De Architectura, he laid out the classical definition of good architecture: Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas.

These three Latin words—translated as Durability, Utility, and Beauty—form the foundation of architectural excellence. A modern translation of these principals might look like: Sustainability, Function, and Aesthetics. And in a world racing toward innovation, these timeless principles still hold the blueprint for meaningful, lasting design.

Firmitas: Strength, Stability, and Sustainability

A building must stand the test of time and be an efficient use of resources.
Firmitas speaks to the integrity of structure—the ability of a building to endure, resist the elements, remain safe for generations, all the while being frugal with resources. It’s the unseen strength behind every column, beam, and foundation.

Today, Firmitas also includes sustainability—materials and systems that not only endure but minimize environmental impact. A good building is one you can count on, long after the ribbon-cutting.

Utilitas: Function and Purpose

Design is only successful when it serves the needs of those who use it.
Utilitas ensures that form follows function. It’s about flow, efficiency, accessibility, and comfort. Architecture is a cultural tool, and architects solve problems. Whether it’s a workplace that fosters collaboration or a home that offers sanctuary, utility makes architecture relevant through service.

In modern practice, this principle evolves through the use of technology, flexible spaces, and user-centered design. A good building works—intuitively, effectively, and with purpose.

Venustas: Beauty and Delight

Architecture isn’t just functional—it should inspire and tell our common story.
Venustas is what elevates a building from a structure to a statement. It’s proportion, materiality, light, detail, and the emotional response the combination of these elements evoke. Beauty is not superficial—it’s central to human experience and central to every building in existence; from the tool shed to the cathedral.

A beautiful building engages the senses and the soul. It becomes a place people are drawn to, remember, and care for.

Why It Still Matters

In an age of digital modeling, smart materials, and AI-assisted design, Vitruvius’s triad might seem ancient—but it’s never been more relevant.

At our firm, we believe the best buildings strike this balance: Strong. Functional. Beautiful. They stand, they serve, they inspire.

Because good design isn't just about meeting today's needs—it's about creating spaces that endure, perform, and uplift for generations to come.

If you wish to improve your building, ask yourself how you can enhance the building’s Strength, Function, and Beauty.