Italian Renaissance

This was the time of the Rebirth, which began in Italy, specifically in Florence, Venice, and Rome. This time is different that what we have studied in the past. The reason for this is because it is a time where Religious emphasis was fading away and it began to put emphasis on the human man/women. With the rapid growth of the Catholic church comes obvious issues and conflicts, which is where this needed for change came about. A lot of corruption and religious reform was occurring.

We began to see an strong focus on the Interior Architecture during this time. Rather than just the building façade itself or the furniture, the Interior spaces began to show a lot of importance. These interiors showed:

• Decorative Moldings
• Doors and Frames
• Elaborate Ceilings- coffered
• Painted wall and Ceiling Décor
• Elaborate Fireplace Mantels
• Pilasters
• Floors of Brick, Terra-Cotta, or Marble in a geometric pattern.

Palazzo

A generic design term referring to the general shape and characteristic of a building, the characteristics have symmetry, compound repeated windows and cornice detail.

Has a central courtyard like Roman Domus with no hallways, people living on 2nd and 3rd floor, walls contain niches, and the living spaces were over a store. The main ground floor had businesses and shops, a repair shop, Grand staircase to the main living area on the next floor, as well as summer apartments.

Palazzo Davanzati - Florence, Italy

Palazzo Farnese - Rome, Italy

Palazzo Medici- Riccardi - Florence Italy

Palazzo Ducale - Gubbio, Italy

Villa Rotonda

This is the most influential architect in all of the renaissance. He wrote The Four Books on Architecture, and designed Villa Rotondo which is said to be "Perfect."

Modern Application

Click here to watch video on the Secretes of the Last Supper by Da Vinci