2.3 PRES Renaissance Europe
Renaissance Europe
Overview of Shifts in Design and Architecture
Transition from Medieval to Renaissance Architecture
Shift emerges from fortress-like castles to heavily decorated Gothic forms.
Art becomes prominent in city design and architecture.
Integration of art, science, math, and engineering.
Example: Renaissance-era Florence, Italy.
Michelangelo's Statue of David
Artistic Detail and Anatomy
High detail in anatomy (bone structure, veins, tissue).
Represents the blending of art and science, distinguishing the Renaissance from the Medieval period.
Key Ideas in Renaissance City Planning
Renaissance City Planning Elements
Integration of art and science in city planning.
Shift from organic, defense-driven medieval plans to systematic planning.
Key Features:
Water systems.
Adaptive reuse of existing structures.
Focus on cathedrals and palaces.
Emphasis on four points of Renaissance design.
Changes in City Walls Due to Gunpowder
Impact of Gunpowder on City Defense
Gunpowder introduced by trade from China altered warfare.
Traditional walls became vulnerable to cannon fire (e.g. flat surfaces crumbling under impact).
Renaissance walls adapted to have angled structures to deflect cannonballs.
Warfare Shift to Battlefields
Movement of warfare from cities to open battlefields.
Introduction of triangular towers providing a star-shaped appearance in city walls.
City Layouts: Within the Wall
Return to the Grid Plan
Renaissance planners returned to the grid format, but with artistic enhancements.
Radial Plan Introduction
Streets radiate from a central plaza, creating a hub and spoke layout.
Central hubs used for significant functions, reflecting urban planning ideas seen in Roman times.
Vistas and Visual Perspectives
Creating Visual Frames
Vistas used to direct attention toward focal points (e.g., statues, grand buildings).
Importance of aligning trees and structures to enhance aesthetics.
Detailed Principles of Renaissance Architecture
Four Points of Renaissance Architecture
High Style
Unique custom designs reflecting owner's tastes, using high-quality materials.
Classicism/Humanism
Integration of Greek and Roman architectural elements in design.
Use of classical columns, pediments, and colonnades.
Symmetry and the Golden Mean
Design balance using the Golden Ratio to achieve aesthetic harmony.
Recession Plane
Concept of visual dimensions; understanding how depth increases appreciation of structure.
Cathedrals in the Renaissance
Dramatic Shifts from Gothic to Renaissance Forms
Emergence of solid masonry walls replacing buttresses; emphasis on domes over spires.
Introduction of the ribbed dome system, which added structural support and aesthetic appeal.
Adaptive Reuse of Historical Structures
Revitalization through Adaptive Reuse
Process of modernizing old buildings for contemporary use.
Example: Pantheon’s transformation from a Roman temple to a Catholic church.
Impacts of Adaptive Reuse
Helped preserve significant historical architecture while meeting current needs of society.
Residences and Urban Housing in Renaissance
Shifts in Urban Housing
Upper classes began using brick and stone, incorporating decorative classical ornamentation.
Class distinctions visible in construction methods and architectural styles.
Water Systems of the Renaissance
Water Supply Challenges
Cities still utilized unfiltered water sources, leading to health issues.
Wealthy households had access to direct supplies while poorer residents relied on public fountains.
Waste Disposal Issues
Most cities relied on rudimentary waste management techniques, often with waste ending in cesspools.
Conclusion
The Renaissance as a Transition to Modern Era
Blending art, science, and engineering characterized Renaissance urban design.
Architectural styles influenced future American designs as cities progressed from colonial status to nationhood.