Lecture 3- high renaissance

The High Renaissance

Tempietto (Little Temple)
- Location: San Pietro in Montorio, Rome, Italy
- Begun: Circa 1502
- Design: Recognized as a masterpiece of High Renaissance architecture, this small circular temple epitomizes the principles of harmony and proportion that characterize Bramante's work. It was commissioned to mark the traditional site of St. Peter's martyrdom. The structure features classical elements such as columns and a domed roof.
New St. Peter’s Basilica
- Location: Vatican City
- Commencement by Bramante: 1506
- Client: Pope Julius II
- This monumental structure underwent numerous modifications after Bramante's initial designs, with significant contributions from other architects, including:
  - Antonio da Sangallo the Younger (1539-1546): Further developed the architectural plans, stressing the need for a grand, monumental façade.
  - Michelangelo Buonarroti (1546-1564): Modified the design to emphasize the dome, which has become a symbol of the Vatican. His work on defining the dome's structure was critical to the basilica’s final appearance, leading to the iconic silhouette familiar today.
  - Carlo Maderno (1608-1615): Extended the basilica and added the grand façade, which shaped the entry experience and underscored the papal authority.

Laurentian Library
- Location: Church of San Lorenzo, Florence, Italy
- Begun: 1523
- Significance: This library is an exemplar of Mannerist architecture and showcases innovative solutions in classical design.
- Features: The reading room, known as "Ricetto," features a staircase that challenges traditional designs with its bold curves and dramatic form. The library's layout integrates multiple sections, exhibiting Michelangelo’s creative and complex approach to space.

Villa Rotonda (Villa Almerico-Capra)
- Location: Outside Vicenza, Italy
- Constructed: 1566-1570
- Notation: This villa is celebrated for its perfect proportions and fusion of classical architectural elements. It reflects Palladio's commitment to harmonizing structures with their landscape.
- Design Overview: The villa is characterized by a central salon topped with a dome, and porticos that echo classical temples. Each façade is symmetrically arranged, facilitating seamless transitions into the surrounding rural environment.

Bramante's Projects: The detailed plans for the Tempietto and St. Peter’s showcase a progression in Renaissance architectural design. Examination of notable sections and elevations reveals how Bramante's visionary ideas were adapted by later architects.
Comparative Studies: Architectural drawings and models by Bramante, Michelangelo, and Sangallo illustrate the evolutionary nature of Renaissance architecture, particularly in the resolution of critical structural elements such as domes and spatial organization.

Old and New St. Peter’s: The evolution of St. Peter’s Basilica encapsulates architectural innovation and historical significance, noting older foundations that date back to approximately 320 A.D., which demonstrates the long-standing religious and cultural importance of the site.

Key characteristics of the Laurentian Library include innovative stair designs, intricate spatial layouts, and a seamless integration of functional and aesthetic elements. These features have been studied and compared with Palladio's functionalism from the same period, highlighting the advancements in design norms during the Renaissance.

The design by Andrea Palladio in Villa Rotonda is pivotal in understanding the principles of classical architecture during the Renaissance. The villa's focus on symmetry, proportion, and the integration of classical elements serves as a reference point for architectural education even to this day. The central salon and its dome serve as a focal point, merging tradition with innovative Renaissance ideals, thus influencing various architectural projects in subsequent centuries.