Meaning: The quote by Marcus Pollio, also known as Vitruvius, raises the issue of the relationship between the practical and theoretical aspects of architecture. Vitruvius was a Roman architect and engineer who lived during the 1st century BC, and his work "De architectura" is one of the oldest and most influential texts on architecture. In this quote, he highlights the limitations of both the practical architect and the theoretical architect in explaining the reasons behind the forms they adopt in their designs.

The practical architect, according to Vitruvius, lacks the ability to provide sufficient reasons for the forms he adopts. This suggests that the practical architect may rely more on intuition, experience, and tradition rather than a deep understanding of the theoretical principles underlying their designs. While practical experience is undoubtedly valuable in architecture, Vitruvius seems to be cautioning against a purely pragmatic approach that lacks a solid theoretical foundation.

On the other hand, Vitruvius also criticizes the theoretical architect for failing to grasp the substance and instead, only focusing on the shadow. This implies that the theoretical architect may become too engrossed in abstract principles and ideals, losing touch with the practical realities of construction and design. Theoretical architects may be prone to getting caught up in intellectual exercises and theoretical debates without fully understanding the real-world implications of their ideas.

In essence, Vitruvius seems to be advocating for a balanced approach to architecture that integrates both practical experience and theoretical knowledge. He suggests that a successful architect should be able to justify their design choices with a deep understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of architecture.

Vitruvius's emphasis on the interplay between the practical and theoretical dimensions of architecture remains relevant today. In contemporary architectural practice, there is an ongoing dialogue between the practical considerations of building construction, materials, and functionality, and the theoretical exploration of architectural concepts, history, and cultural significance.

Architects today are tasked with addressing complex challenges related to sustainability, urbanization, and social equity, among others. This requires a deep understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of architecture. Practical architects need to draw on their knowledge of construction techniques, material properties, and building codes to create functional and durable structures. At the same time, theoretical architects must engage with critical discourse, research, and experimentation to push the boundaries of architectural thinking and innovation.

The quote by Vitruvius also resonates with the ongoing debate within the architectural profession about the role of theory in practice. Some practitioners argue that architecture should be primarily driven by practical concerns, focusing on functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Others advocate for a more theoretical approach, emphasizing the expressive, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of architecture.

However, the most successful architectural projects often emerge from a synthesis of practical and theoretical considerations. Architects who can effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice are better equipped to create spaces that are not only functional and sustainable but also rich in meaning and experience.

In conclusion, Vitruvius's quote serves as a reminder of the enduring tension between the practical and theoretical aspects of architecture. It encourages architects to strive for a balanced approach that integrates practical experience with theoretical understanding. By doing so, architects can create buildings and spaces that are not only structurally sound and functional but also intellectually stimulating and culturally resonant.