Renaissance Architecture Notes

Introduction to Renaissance Architecture

• The Renaissance dramatically transformed architecture, impacting residential structures, churches, and palaces.

• It's a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles, emphasizing symmetry, harmony, proportion, and classical elements.

• Often described as “a marriage of the Gothic with the Greek”.

Romanesque Architecture

• Emerged around 1000 CE, related to ancient Roman work but with deviations.

• Shares commonalities with Gothic architecture.

• Features include isolated capitals, columns, and wooden beams.

Gothic Architecture

• Began in the mid-twelfth century, overlapping the Renaissance.

• Influenced Renaissance style with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and spires.

• Initially considered barbaric, examples include Milan Cathedral and Notre Dame.

• Evolved into the Renaissance style.

Distinctions Between Styles

• Clear distinctions are challenging due to gradual transitions and blended characteristics.

• Early Renaissance buildings mixed styles, especially in Florence, contributing to its unique character.

• These blurred lines question the distinctiveness of the Renaissance style.

Proportion in Architecture

• Marks a departure in design principles with a focus on symmetry, proportion, and classical inspiration.

• Proportions display wealth and power, seen in royal residences like the Louvre.

• Architects adapted proportions to perfect structures, distinguishing themselves through superior execution and knowledge.

• Renaissance architects integrated perspective, mathematics, and humanistic pursuits.

Filippo Brunelleschi and Perspective

• Brunelleschi, renowned for the Duomo dome, invented two-point perspective.

• Homogeneity of wall, space, light, and articulation is key.

• Perspective ratios became essential, distinguishing it from Gothic and Romanesque.

Classical Influences

• Uses classical influences from Greek and Roman architecture.

• Before the seventeenth century, architecture from late antiquity to the Renaissance was labeled ‘Gothic.’

• Renaissance architects adapted and innovated, not merely copying ancient forms.

• Renaissance character is defined by contemporary techniques rather than dependence on ancient Roman architecture.

Structural Innovation

• Renaissance architects innovated vault designs, first appearing in Alberti’s renovation of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
  -The use of barrel vaults differentiated Renaissance architecture from the Gothic, which utilized rib vaults.

Symmetry

• Prevalent in Renaissance arts and architecture, originating in the Italian Renaissance.

• Renaissance architects emphasized symmetry, setting it apart.

• Many considered symmetry the basis of a structure's beauty.

Symmetry and Beauty

• Vignola and Alberti believed beauty relies on symmetry; its absence is unpleasant.

• Symmetry combines classical inspiration and proportion.

• Renaissance architecture recedes inward from the main framework.

Impact of Symmetry

• Attention to symmetry and proportion allows structures to display harmony which can be described arithmetically and geometrically.

Influence on Later Styles

• Renaissance evolved into Baroque, characterized by vaults, domes, and symmetry.

• Renaissance influence is evident in Baroque's symmetry and vault/dome combinations, such as in Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Conclusion

• The Renaissance is a transformative style sharing elements with Gothic and Romanesque styles.

• Gradual transitions pose challenges in identifying distinct features.

• Distinctions require an understanding of complex intricacies.

• Gothic influence is apparent but diminishes as the Renaissance develops.

• Inspiration from classical antiquity takes different forms in Romanesque (imitation) and Renaissance (framework).

• Divergence from Gothic and Romanesque elements creates a clearer template for identifying the Renaissance style.

• Renaissance influence on subsequent styles like the Baroque further establishes it as distinctive.

• The legacy of Renaissance architecture extends past eras, showcasing architectural evolution.