Commoditie, Firmness, Delight

     "In architecture as in all other operative arts, the end must 
     direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well-building 
     hath three conditions:

          Commoditie, Firmness, and Delight"

               -Sir Henry Wotten, The Elements of Architecture, 1624 

http://www.ec-lapierre-evry.ac-versailles.fr/IMG/jpg/India_-_Taj_Mahal_sunrise_Hz_5x8-2.jpg

In exploring the text of Roth's understanding architecture, the building that first came to mind during his chapters on [Commoditie, Firmness, and Delight] was the Taj Mahal. The Taj (meaning "crown of buildings") touches on all three subjects Roth discussed.

[Delight]

The Taj is among some of the most precious buildings on earth. When viewing the Taj from the south (above image), it shows planning and design excellence. The pool gives an inviting effect leading your eye all the way up to the Iwan of the main structure. Once focused on the main building, you begin to explore the symmetry and geometry of this magnificent structure. The geometry of the Taj seems to be perfectly proportioned which is pleasing to the eye; a sense of delightment. Delight doesn't stop at viewing from afar with the Taj...

Walking through and exploring the details of the entire complex, it is found that beauty (or delight) is never left out, either from viewing the building a thousand feet away or inches from a small detail.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal_Mosque_Interior_Hall.jpg

[Firmness]

When viewing the Taj again from the south, beauty is not the only thing present. It shows a massive, solid structure. The center of the taj (the central dome) being the main focal point, has smaller domes on either side, a huge mass beneath, and finally the four towers surrounding the main building (perhaps protecting the center piece, or watching over the building) gives the entire building firmness. As you approach the Taj, the solid form of white marble gives you sense of kingdom, something so big it couldn't fail. 


[Commoditie]
The Taj scores low in commodity. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for one his wives Mumtaz Mahal. It seems the size of the Taj is just a bit unnecessary for a burial site. However, it has become one of India's finest attributes.