Proportion and Building Material, or Theory versus Practice in the Determination of the Module

Architectural theorists have advocated the use of a module in the design process since the time of Vitruvius, but the responsibility for the creation of the module has remained largely unclear. The module has always been described as related or equal to the column shaft diameter. Since antiquity columns, for example, were mostly delivered in standard measures; the architect in charge was very limited in his selection of a module. In the 15th and 16th centuries, only gradually did theoreticians understand that here theory and practice were not in line. Things began to change with Vignola, who described a method for how to calculate the proper module for each individual design and building project.