Vignola's Five Orders of Architecture

Full, translated book by Branko Mitrovic available for free

Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola’s Canon of the Five Orders of Architecture, translated by Branko Mitrovic, brings a pivotal Renaissance architectural treatise into modern accessibility. Vignola’s precise guidelines on the five classical orders—Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite—made his work a timeless reference for architects. Mitrovic’s translation ensures clarity for contemporary readers, making it an indispensable resource for students and professionals aiming to understand the foundations of Western architectural traditions.

Branko Mitrovic, an architectural historian and philosopher, is known for his work on architectural theory and history. His translation of Vignola fits into his broader scholarly focus on the relationship between architecture, philosophy, and historical interpretation. Mitrovic’s expertise ensures that this edition maintains the original text’s accuracy while enhancing its relevance for modern architectural education and practice. This makes the book not only a historical artifact but also a practical guide for those studying architectural design principles today.

Download the full PDF here, or see Branko Mitrovic talk “Architectural Principles in the Age of Fraud” from the 2024 conference.