Comparison Of Classical Architecture

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The reason for this piece is to attempt a comparison between two architectural examples that employ classical design from different stylistic eras of architectural history. The two styles I've chosen to discuss are the Renaissance and Baroque periods. An understanding of classical architecture needs to be made, as it is the fundamental style of any period that developed architecturally “Classical” is not necessarily a style of Architecture; however modern dialect people often believe it to be. Classical is rather a way of designing that would reflect balance, harmony and symmetry. Scale, mass and proportion are also key elements of classical design. If a building is not scaled or proportioned properly, it will not look or feel right. The aim of classical design has always been, according to Vitruvius’ De Architectura libri decem (De Architectura) known today as The Ten Books on Architecture, to proportion a harmonic structure. According to Marcus Vitruvius Pollio the theory of proportion is particularly important when it comes to designing a building, a passage in which his study relates human and architectural proportions he states: “It is possible to fit the human figure into a perfect square ... therefore if Nature designed the human body so that its members are proportioned to the figure as a whole, the ancients had a good reason to lay down the rule that in perfect buildings the different parts must bear an exact symmetrical relation to the whole...” 1 This idea of the primary importance of the human form as a measure of all proportions is basic to the Renaissance. Much of these classical features remained popular in the period to follow, the Baroque period; however, the difference between the two periods has a lot to do... ... middle of paper ... ...oday. The Basilica is used to hold... and Santa Maira is... They both posses classical strength, however where as the Basilica is very strict on its symmetry and proportions as being the main concern, Santa Marias aim is to express movement while being symmetrical as well. “Renaissance movement had no redeeming features that its greatest achievements are as nothing compared with the infantile stages of earlier days.” Uniformly pleasing, the basilica is strongly focused on definition and structure. The dome of the basilica is considered the masterpiece of design. A lot of effort was put into the design of the dome; it is a key element of the basilica. Even though St. Peters is classified as a Renaissance building, it also holds a considerable amount of Baroque features. The exterior was not lavishly decorated but the interior is filled with sculptures and mosaics.

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