The document discusses good architecture according to principles outlined by the Roman architect Vitruvius. It states that good architecture should have three properties: durability (firmantis), be useful (utilitas), and delight people (venustatis). It argues that these principles of good physical architecture also apply to system and clinical architecture. Specifically, that architecture needs to not only be functional and durable, but also beautiful to be considered good overall.

1. GOOD AND BAD
ARCHITECTURE
The difference between Good and Bad Architecture is the time
you spend on it – DAVID CHIPPERFIELD

2. Good & bad
Architecture
 Does good and bad architecture exist
 Is there universally accepted good architecture

3. Examples

4. Examples

5. GOOD ARCHITECTURE
 The Roman architect Vitruvius in his treatise on architecture, De
Architectura, asserted that there were three principles of good
architecture:
 Firmatis (Durability) - It should stand up robustly and remain in
good condition.
 Utilitas (Utility) - It should be useful and function well for the
people using it.
 Venustatis (Beauty) - It should delight people and raise their
spirits.

The question on the table is: do these principles, meant to apply
to physical architecture, apply to system architecture and more
specifically clinical architecture? I believe that they do.

6. Any technologist "worth their salt" can easily see
the value of the first two principles when it
comes to architecture. Firmatis and Utilitas: It
will last and it will do the job. Some, however,
might scoff at the third principle of beauty.

7.  Before you riddle me with derisive laughter, consider that
architecture in the brick and mortar sense does not stop at the
foundation or the framing.
 Architecture is about the whole composition. You don't look at an
ugly building with great framing and good plumbing and admire
the architecture.
 By the same token, a beautiful building that caves in after a short
while due to bad internal architecture is not admired either, at
least not for very long.
Most technologists can easily believe that the first two principles
are our responsibility and the third is optional. I would argue that
the third principle, venustatis, is at as important as the first two.