Renaissance Architecture: Origins and Key Characteristics

Renaissance Architecture Origins

Renaissance Architecture has its origins in Renaissance Florence, Italy. It first appeared in the mid-fifteenth century (Quattrocento), and from there spread throughout the rest of Europe. In the early sixteenth century, the artistic movement moved from Florence to Rome (Cinquecento).

The revival was not a mere copy but an interpretation of ancient models by Renaissance architects, who stamped them with their personal style. The two great architects of the fifteenth century, Brunelleschi and Alberti, traveled to Rome to study and contemplate the ruins of classical antiquity.

We must study the phases of this movement before concluding: those corresponding to the fifteenth century (Quattrocento) and the sixteenth century (Cinquecento).

General Features

Quattrocento Characteristics

• In the first Renaissance period, the weight of the Gothic tradition remained strong. Medieval building traditions persisted, and the new style was reflected primarily in the use of a new decorative language.
• In this new decoration, the Gothic pillar was replaced as a support element, and the attached pilaster became very common.
• The tradition of using ancient capitals continued, employing the classical orders, especially the Corinthian.
• The shafts of the columns were preferably smooth.
• Balusters and grotesques were common decorative features throughout the Renaissance.
• Barrel vaults and edge vaults were used, preferably with a semicircular arch, as were coffered wooden ceilings for the interior.
• A fundamental characteristic was the obsessive use of the dome, from Santa Maria in Fiore to St. Peter's in Rome.

Spatial Concepts

Renaissance architectural space is determined by clarity and harmony. Spaces are static and homogeneous, manifested through independent volumes. To achieve clarity and harmony, the centralized structure was adopted as the highest expression of geometric order.

The new Renaissance style was applied to churches and palaces. Opposite the Latin cross plan, the ideal plan became the centralized one. In short, the rebirth represents order, balance, and horizontality versus Gothic verticality and instability.

Distinguishing Periods

What mainly distinguishes the two periods is the richness of decoration; the Cinquecento was much more sparse. Other abundant decorative elements included medallions, garlands, and semicircular or triangular pediments.

Architects of the Italian Quattrocento

• Filippo Brunelleschi: Well versed in the tradition of the Byzantine dome. Notable works include the churches of San Lorenzo and Santa Espiritu.
• Leon Battista Alberti: Notable works include the Temple Malatesta of Rimini and San Andrés de Mantua.

Italian Cinquecento Architects

• Bramante: (San Pietro in Montorio).
• Michelangelo: A manifest figure remaining on site (Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome).
• Antonio Sangallo the Younger, Vignola, and Sansovino.