3.3 Brunelleschi and the birth of Renaissance architecture

Brunelleschi revolutionized architecture in Renaissance Italy. He pioneered new techniques, like the Florence Cathedral dome, and revived classical elements. His focus on proportion, symmetry, and geometry set the standard for Renaissance design.

Brunelleschi's key buildings, like the Ospedale degli Innocenti and Pazzi Chapel, showcase his innovative style. These structures, with their harmonious compositions and classical influences, marked a significant shift from Gothic architecture to the Renaissance aesthetic.

Brunelleschi's Architectural Innovations

Pioneering Renaissance Architecture

Top images from around the web for Pioneering Renaissance Architecture

• 

  Filippo Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cupola del Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Filippo Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Filippo Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cupola del Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Pioneering Renaissance Architecture

• 

  Filippo Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cupola del Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Filippo Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Filippo Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cupola del Brunelleschi - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446) was a Florentine architect, engineer, and sculptor who pioneered the Renaissance style of architecture
• Brunelleschi's innovative architectural designs marked a significant departure from the prevailing Gothic style and laid the foundation for the Renaissance architectural movement
• His use of classical elements, such as columns, arches, and domes, combined with a focus on proportion, symmetry, and geometry, revolutionized architectural design

Florence Cathedral Dome

• Brunelleschi's most famous architectural achievement was the design and construction of the dome of the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)
• The dome, completed in 1436, was a groundbreaking engineering feat due to its immense size (45 meters in diameter and 91 meters high) and the fact that it was built without the use of traditional wooden centering
• Brunelleschi developed a novel construction technique using a double-shell design, with an inner and outer dome, and a system of horizontal stone and iron chains to distribute the weight and prevent the dome from collapsing

Classical Inspiration and Modular Design

• Brunelleschi's architectural style was heavily influenced by ancient Roman architecture, which he studied during his travels to Rome
• He incorporated classical elements such as columns, pilasters, and pediments into his designs, often using the Corinthian order (characterized by ornate, leafy capitals)
• Brunelleschi popularized the use of modular design, where the proportions of a building's elements are based on a common unit of measurement, creating a harmonious and cohesive overall structure

Emphasis on Proportion and Symmetry

• Brunelleschi's designs emphasized proportion and symmetry, with a focus on creating balanced and visually pleasing compositions
• He often employed mathematical ratios, such as the golden ratio (approximately 1:1.618), to determine the dimensions of architectural elements
• Brunelleschi's use of linear perspective in his architectural drawings allowed for a more accurate representation of depth and space, further enhancing the sense of proportion and harmony in his designs

Key Brunelleschi Buildings

Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents)

• The Ospedale degli Innocenti (1419-1427) in Florence was one of Brunelleschi's earliest architectural commissions and is considered the first building of the Italian Renaissance
• The hospital's façade features a loggia (a covered exterior gallery) with a series of round arches supported by slender Corinthian columns, showcasing Brunelleschi's use of classical elements and proportional design
• The building's harmonious composition and use of modular design set a new standard for Renaissance architecture

San Lorenzo and Santo Spirito

• Brunelleschi designed the basilicas of San Lorenzo (1419-1480s) and Santo Spirito (1428-1487) in Florence, both of which showcase his mastery of proportion, symmetry, and classical elements
• Both churches feature a Latin cross plan with a central nave flanked by side aisles, as well as a system of arches and columns that create a sense of rhythm and harmony
• The interiors of these churches are characterized by their spaciousness, light, and clarity, reflecting Brunelleschi's emphasis on simplicity and geometric purity

Pazzi Chapel

• The Pazzi Chapel (1429-1461), located in the complex of the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, is a masterpiece of Brunelleschi's later career
• The chapel's interior features a square plan with a central dome, supported by pendentives (triangular sections of vaulting that allow a circular dome to rest on a square base)
• The exterior of the chapel is adorned with a portico featuring a series of arches and Corinthian columns, demonstrating Brunelleschi's continued use of classical elements and proportional design