Submitted By: Adraino, Jusel R.

History of Architecture 2
Student No: 16-00565

Thought Paper: 2 Prominent Features of Renaissance Architecture

Palazzo Farnese
Architectural features of the main façade include the alternating triangular and segmental
pediments that cap the windows of the piano nobile, the central rusticated portal and
Michelangelo's projecting cornice which throws a deep shadow on the top of the facade. Michelangelo
revised the central window in 1541, adding an architrave to give a central focus to the facade, above
which is the largest papal stemma, or coat-of-arms with papal tiara, Rome had ever seen.

This are the features that resembles Renaissance Architecture giving a symmetry output. The
triangular, segmental pediments, rusticated portal and cornice are the characteristics that defines
Renaissance architecture.

Basilica of San Lorenzo

In San Lorenzo Brunelleschi created a Latin cross plan, with the cross very small and that, despite being
spatially longitudinal, produces a visual effect of centralization in the area of the transept to penetrate
the area in light of the lantern dome. It has several chapels attached to the sides and there are three
longitudinal naves. Above the cross there is a pendentive dome. This is very representative of the
classical period. On the cover of the aisles are parachute vaults, separated each one after the other,
with a roof. In the corridors there are pointed arches on Corinthian columns, as a return to the support
of classical Roman tradition. There are Corinthian pilasters with entablature on the side walls, with
architrave, frieze and cornise. At greater height, a wall pierced by large spans and slender half-points
allows natural light inside the temple. The roof is flat and the interior decorated with painted gold
rosettes.

The structures of vertical and horizontal support columns, pilasters, arches and color differ materially
from those additional structures, walls and windows. The legibility of architectural space, centered on
the gray-white dicromía, the proportion of mathematics and geometry between the different parts of
the building, along with the light dimmed to create shadow areas, give the architectural space of San
Lorenzo an exceptionally beautiful harmony.

Synthesis:

Renaissance Architecture for me is an Architecture that live forever. Coming from its own word
means “Rebirth” This type off architecture will be appreciated by its features, the function of every least
detail to a normal users/common users. Renaissance is one of the foundation of what Architecture
means today the characteristics of its part that tells a story of what architecture is. Because of its style
the architecture continued to evolve to serve the people or users.

Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palazzo_Farnese
https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/basilica-of-san-lorenzo/