HISTORY IN ARCHITECTURE 2 MIDTERM REVIEWER

Renaissance Architecture

 Developed first in Florence, with Filippo Brunelleschi as one of its innovators.

 Renaissance style places emphasis on symmetry, proportion, geometry and the regularity of parts, as they
are demonstrated in the architecture of classical antiquity and in particular ancient Roman architecture, of
which many examples remained
 Orderly arrangements of columns, pilasters and lintels, as well as the use of semicircular arches,
hemispherical domes, niches and aedicula replaced the more complex proportional systems and irregular
profiles of medieval buildings.

Characteristic

Plan - The plans of Renaissance buildings have a square, symmetrical appearance in which proportions are
usually based on a module.
Facade - Facades are symmetrical around their vertical axis. Church facades are generally surmounted by a
pediment and organised by a system of pilasters, arches and entablatures.
Arches - Semi-circular or segmental.
Vaults – Vaults do not have ribs. They are semi-circular or segmental and on a square plan, unlike gothic vault which
is frequently rectangular.
Domes – The dome is used frequently, both as a very large structural feature that is visible from the exterior and also
as a means of roofing smaller spacer where they are inly visible internally.
Ceilings - Roofs are fitted with flat or coffered ceilings. Frequently painted or decorated.
Doors – Doors usually have square lintels. They may be set with in an arch or surmounted by a triangular or
segmental pediment.
- Openings that do not have doors are usually arched and frequently have a large or decorative keystone.
Windows – Windows may be paired and set within a semi-circular arch. They have square lintels and triangular or
segmental pediments.
Walls - External walls are generally constructed of brick, rendered, or faced with stone in highly finished ashlar
masonry. Internal walls are smoothly plastered and surfaced with the lime wash.
Details – Courses, mouldings and all decorative details are carved with great precision.

Segmental Arch Coffered Ceilings Arches and Lintel

Pediment Pilaster Entablature

Churches

Florence Cathedral San Lorenzo Church Basilica of the Holy Spirit

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi Basilica of Sant'Andrea Facade of Santa Maria Novella

The Church of the Certosa di Pavia Scuola Grande di San Marco, Venice The Palazzo Farnese, Rome

Palazzo Pandolfini, Florence Royal Summer Palace in Prague Frederiksborg Palace

Baroque Architecture

 Baroque architecture is a construction style that began in the 16th century during the Baroque era.
 Baroque architecture was used to signify the wealth and power of the Catholic Church.
 Is a highly decorative and theatrical style which appeared in Italy in the early 17th century and gradually
spread across Europe.

Characteristic

Broad Naves - In churches, It is characterized by broad naves (the central part of a church where services
are held) with oval forms.
Unfinished Elements – Deliberately unfinished architectural elements that help give the design a unique
feature.
Lighting – The use of either intense light as well as shaded lights to bring the contrast.
Ornate Finishes – The ceiling frescoes in this type are usually large scale.
–One feature that is common with Baroque architecture is the use of ornaments, plaster or
marble finishing that give it a decorative look.
Domes – Were a common feature. Their interiors were often painted with a sky filled with angels and
sculptured sunbeams, suggesting glory or a vision of heaven.
Quadratura – paintings in trompe-loeil of angels and saints in the dome and on the ceiling.
Grand Stairways - Often occuipied a central place were used for dramatic effect.
Cartouches – In elaborated forms and sculptured frames break up the surfaces and add three-dimensional effects to
the walls.
Mirros – To give impression of depth and greater space.
Chiaroscuro – Use of strong contrast of darkness and light for dramatic effect.
Twisting Colums – Give the illusion of motions
Elliptical or Oval Spaces – Elimintaing right angles.

Broad Naves Quadratura Cartouche

Chiaroscuro
Churches

Church of Saint Susanna The Dôme of Les Invalides Greenwich Hospital

Basilica of the Fourteen Church of Our Saviour St. Peter's Square

Holy Helpers

Santi Luca e Martina San Marcello al Corso Palazzo Carignano

The Luxembourg Palace St Paul's Cathedral

Rococo Architecture

 Rococo describes a type of art and architecture that began in France in the mid-1700s.
 It is characterized by delicate but substantial ornamentation. 
 Often classified simply as "Late Baroque," Rococo decorative arts flourished for a short period
before Neoclassicism swept the Western world.
 Rococo is a period rather than a specific style.
 A style of architecture and decoration, primarily French in origin, which represents the final
phase of the Baroque around the middle of the 18th cent.
 Characterized by profuse, often semiabstract ornamentation and lightness of color and weight.
—Dictionary of Architecture and Construction