history of architecture9

The idea, “No element on architecture is created

without a purpose" was losing it's substance.“

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE

ec

na

ssi

an

eR

diagn

osis

history of architecture diagnosis 64

Renaissance in simple words means rebirth. Along with culture architecture of this period too experienced rebirth. The city of Florence in Italy was the birth place. It was the revival of Roman architecture with structures featuring circular arches, corinthian orders. Yet the advanced technology of that time was wisely harnessed. The true reason for a change in architectural style was the monotony created by ornamentations designs. Buildings were becoming drag due to the excess focus on structure and scale and neglect over details. History had to repeat itself. The Renaissance Architecture shared the same location and geography as the Romans. What changed was the time, the material. That was available to the Renaissance Architects was similar to that available for the Romans. However, as time had passed technology advanced. The same materials were used, but in a different way.

clockwise: illustration of St. Peter’s Basilicathe dome

the interior

ec

na

ssi

an

eR

diagn

osis

history of architecture diagnosis 65

The Architectural Character

Since Renaissance was not an outcome of any structural method followed, and largely a decorative system derived from an ancient source (Roman), it was open to personal interpretation. When set by the masters, the interpretations could be taken up by the pupils.

The classic Roman orders were introduced-Tuscan, done, ionic, corinthian (this was largely employed due to the decorative appeal it had), composite As a result of the nature of the origin of this architectural style, its evolution did not follow any specific pattern.

Thus Renaissance during its evolution was bisected into different styles:

1}Baroque- It was derived from the Portuguese barocco or the Spanish barueco to indicate an irregularly shaped pearl. This style focused on heavy decorations with baroque buildings having undulating walls and decorative surface elements, which implied motion.

2)Rococo- The term comes from the French rocaille, "rock-work," and hallmarks of the full-fledged style are architectural" decoration based on arabesques, shells, elaborate curves, and asymmetry, iridescent pastel colors.

Structurally, the buildings of the renaissance followed trends similar to their predecessors. However, newer additions were made. Domes were ribbed to allow windows in them for a more dramatic form of natural lighting. In religious buildings, scale plays a major role in maintaining or destroying the heavenly atmosphere. A single foot added can do wonders. The drum was provided over the pendentive for exactly this purpose. It also served as a lighting aid with the circular windows that it bore. There generally was a false dome below the main one. This helped in balancing the inner and outer scale and also as an insulating feature. The walls were rusticated, may be to add a solid look to the building. The Renaissance architecture earlier was just an attempt to revive the classical Roman character. Ornamentation was accordingly considered. However in the later Renaissance period Mannerism was highly favored. Orders were added for a purpose no other than decoration. The idea, "No element on architecture is created without a purpose" was losing it's substance.

St. Peters, Rome: Front facade(Colonnades are clearly visible)

ec

na

ssi

an

eR

specim

en

history of architecture specimen 66

St. Peter’s Basilica

The main reason for the creation of this basilica was the intention of pope Julius ll to erect a tomb for himself. The basic planning of the basilica had taken a course of 119 yrs (1536-1655). It was a combined work of several architects from Bramante to Giocondo to Raphael to Michael Angelo through the hands of many others until finallyijn the hands of Bernini who erected it. During this course, the plan of the basilica switched forms from Latin to Greek cross over and over again. The final outcome was the Greek cross.The building itself is truly impressive. The largest church in the world, it has a 218 meter long nave. The basilica's dome, designed by Michel Angelo is the largest dome in the world measuring 42m in diameter and reaching 138 meter high (more than 450ft). The interior, which includes 45 altars, is decorated by many famous artists.

For any religious building the exterior is just as important an affair as the interior. A grand Piazza enclosed by the circular colonnades (the arms of Jesus) welcomes the spectators. It bears a central Obelisk and two fountains. Just like the optical correction applied in Greek buildings, the colonnades were accordingly designed so that when viewed from the focus all columns appear in a straight line. The entrance to the basilica is characterized by a pedestal (sort of a hierarchy from earth to heaven).The colonades were accordingly designed so that when viewed from the focus all columns appear in a straight line The entrance to the bastffca is characterized by a pedestal (sort of a hierarchy from earth to heaven).

clockwise: plan ofperistyle

domebasilica

ec

na

ssi

an

eR

specim

en

history of architecture specimen 67

The Renaissance architecture earlier was just an attempt to revive Ihe classical Roman character. Ornamentation was accordingly considered However, in the later Renaissance period Mannerism was highly favored. Orders were added for a purpose no other than decoration. The idea, "No element on architecture is created without a purpose" was losing it's substance.

right: St. Peter’s thumbbelow Michelangelo creations

ec

na

ssi

an

eR