The Renaissance period lasted between the 14th century and 16th century, 1440-1525 being the most important time for Renaissance Architecture in Italy. Within the Renaissance Art period there are 3 subsections:
Early Renaissance, Italy (1400-1495)
High Renaissance, Italy (1495-1520)
Mannerism (1520-1600)
15th century Florence is thought to be the birthplace of the Renaissance (“rebirth”). The architects in Italy during this time gained inspiration from ancient Greco-Roman ruins and early structures, and the writings of Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. The architects created buildings that have a touch of the past, using elements of past structures.
Renaissance architecture was characterized by square, symmetrical building plans and focused on bringing light and air. This time period of architecture formed some of the world's greatest structures and influenced architects and artist for years to come.
Early Renaissance- Quattrocento
In this time period, new architectural concepts and foundational rules were created. The buildings designed during this time used geometry to utilize proportionality as a logical tool. The buildings had symmetrical facades and streamlined volumes which showed a change from the complex gothic proportions of the previous architecture time period.
Basilica of San Lorenzo and the adjoining old Sacristy made by Filippo Brunnelleschi, 15th century
High Renaissance
During this time frame of the Renaissance period, ideas were developed using classical antiquity and great expertise. One of the most famous architects from this time is Donato Bramante, due to his ideas of combining classical styles to contemporary buildings. A famous example of his architecture is the San Pietro in Montorio, a church in Rome, Italy.
Mannerism
In this time architects started to experiment with spatial and solid aspects of architectural forms. The buildings designed in this time became more free and imaginative. The buildings can be recognised from the use of pilasters that start from the bottom of the building all the way to the top of the facade. The usage of decorative and ornamental classical elements such as domes become more popular and widespread. The style of this architecture is also known as the ‘Giant Order’ and was made popular by Michealaneglo who is most known for the Mannerist style.
Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio
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