_Of the Form and Situation of the Building._
[Sidenote: _Lib. 1. Chap. 6._]
After having chosen a wholsome place, the Streets must be laid out
according to the most Advantageous Aspect of the Heavens, and the best
way will be to lay the Streets out so, that the Wind may not come
directly into them, especially where the Winds are great and cold.
The Prospect of Private Mens Houses is made more or less Commodious, by
the Openings which are differently made, to receive the Air and the
Light according to the Quality of the Parts that are in the Fabrick.
[Sidenote: _Lib. 6. Chap. 9._]
For the Cellars, Granaries, and generally all places that we wou'd Lock
up, or keep any thing in, should be exposed to the North, and receive
very few Rays of the Sun.
[Sidenote: _Lib. 6. Chap. 7._]
The different Use of the Parts which Compose the Buildings, do likewise
require different Situations; for the Dining-Rooms in Winter, and the
Baths among the Ancients, were always turned to the West, for that
Situation made them warmer, because the Sun then shone upon them, about
the time they were wont to make use of those Apartments.
The Libraries ought to be turned to the rising Sun, because they are
generally made use of in the Morning; besides, the Books are not so
much damnified in Libraries so situated, as in those which are turned to
the South and West, which are subject to Worms and a certain Humidity
which engenders Moldiness, and consequently destroys the Books.
The Dining-Rooms for the Spring and Autumn, should be turned towards the
East, to the end, that being covered from the great force the Sun hath
when it is near Setting, they may be cooler about the time they are to
be made use of.
The Summer Apartments must be turned to the North, that they may be
fresher and cooler.
This Situation is likewise very proper for Closets, which are adorn'd
with Pictures for the Light which is always equal, represents the
Colours always alike.
There must likewise great respect be had to the difference of Climates,
for the Excess of Heat and Cold, require different Situations and
Structures; for the Houses in the Northern parts of the World, ought to
be Vaulted, and have few Openings, and turn'd to the South; On the
contrary in Hot Countries there must be great Openings and turn to the
North; to the End that Art and Industry may remedy the Defects of the
place.