RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE

Renaissance Architecture first started in Italy in the early period of 15th century and
later on spread over the countries of W.Europe. The countries which came under its
influence were France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain and England.
.
There was a revival of religious as well as
domestic architecture yet, Renaissance
churches were built on a larger scale.
Religious activities were largely affected
by the invention of printing.
The Intellectual Movement started in
literature & architecture which created a
break in the continuous evolution of
European Architecture upto Gothic Style.
Trade between East & West blocked due
to the sieze of Constantinople, Egypt and
Fragments of Roman past in art and
Syria by Turks. New trade route opened
literature had been there which people
up with the discovery of Cape of India
had never forgotten.
(1497) which helped them to find new
The revival impressed the artists so
colonies. Trade and commerce brought
much, that the entire period was
wealth to Europe from abroad, thus,
called the period of rebirth or
leading to development in architecture.
Renaissance.

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic
features
Renaissance Style:

of

Revival of classic Greek & Roman

architecture improved by eminent
architects like Brunelleschi Alberti,
Michelangelo, Palladio, Inigo Jones
and Christopher Wren.
Massive
rustic
masonry
walls
accurately laid in horizontal courses.
Large sized stone blocks used to
dignify construction.
Pointed arches of gothic style now
replaced by round or semi-circular
arches.
Richly moulded openings placed with
due regard to symmetry.
Doorways not proportional to human
scale. Windows were small and
divided by vertical mullions and
horizontal transoms.

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic features of Renaissance
Style:
Buildings arranged with special regard to
symmetry. The church interiors were
planned on square bays covered with
barrel and cross-vaulting without ribs over
a central large dome.
Naves divided into few bays thus providing
roominess. Towers were rarely used.
Timber roofs covered with plaster in the
form of stucco.

5 orders- Doric, Ionic, Corinthian,

Composite and Tuscan were
standardised
and
used
both
constructively and decoratively.

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic features of Renaissance Style:
Design of domes improved: domes placed on a square or polygonal plan and also
raised on a cylindrical drum to make the dome appear as a grand dominating
feature. It was painted with coloured frescos.
Mouldings were Roman in character. Projecting horizontal cornices, casting deep
shadows together with balconies exhibited horizontally. Baluster became chief
element for decoration.

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
Characteristic features of Renaissance Style:
Ornamentation based on classical mythology.
Cornices, capitals, friezes, shafts, pediments enriched with delicate carvings.
Statues were neither proportional to human scale nor an integral part of the
buildings.
Fresco paintings in place of stained glass were used for coloured mural decoration.

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE
Classic Orders of Renaissance Style: