Renaissance Architecture

After the age of Gothic Architecture, the time steps into late mid age of Europe, Renaissance began. This great revolution, led to unimaginable development of literature, science and human conscious. Architecture, which expresses the human mind and sense of art, constructed by advanced technology, stood at the center of renaissance stage, having a great development driven by renaissance.

The features of Renaissance buildings are quite different from Gothic Architecture. It focus on the plan(the square), round dome, semi circular arch, and opening windows, etc. To construct these elements are quite difficult at that time since the technology was not wide spread. But they did finish with a very grand way which still attract many visitors nowadays.

Among all the buildings in Florence, Florence Cathedral leaves me a very sharp impression. The powerful dome of Florence cathedral is seen as a technical masterpiece of its time. Its shape is extraordinary smooth compared to other buildings at that time. The extension of the cathedral choir which was built in the 13th century by Amolfo di Cambio was not completed until the addition of Brunelleschi’s dome. The octagonal tambour was vaulted with a double-shell. The inner, stronger shell supports the lighter outer shell. Both consist of a combination of rows of stone laid in herringbone pattern and open ribs. What was particulary new about this structure was the way in which a self-supporting structure was created which did not require centring.