Renaissance and Mannerism in Architecture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Renaissance and Mannerism in Architecture - Essay Example Renaissance was initiated by Brunelleschi a great Italian mind. The architect came up with the concept of linear perspective. This was made possible through the blending of architectural and optics designs (Kostof, Spiro). In the year 1425 Brunelleschi conducted experiments that were mathematically based aimed at discovering illusion in two dimensions. This solution involved placing three-dimensional surfaces on two dimension backgrounds so as to establish a vanishing point which was essentially the focal point of an architectural masterpiece. Through linear perspective, Brunelleschi was able to create a grid on which objects in any artwork were precisely placed such that one was able to calculate the ratios. Linear perspective is the main reason why an admirer of any piece of art is able to admire an architectural piece from a single viewpoint. This is exemplified by the Florencian cathedral that has a dome-shaped base that spans about 140 feet. The structure could not have used old styles during its constructions thus necessitating the rebirth of architectural ideas. Donato Bramante who in the year 1505 designed the new Saint Peters Cathedral in Rome made use of innovative central plan designs that were based on classical sources that drew inspiration from the Roman temples that were circular and the Tholoi. Amongst the works that Bramante is renowned for being the Tempietto San Pietro in Rome. Alberti who essentially was an architectural theorist also made major contributions in architectural renaissance by initiating the need for artistic value. He emphasized that every art type be it paintings should have both mathematical and optical accuracy. He insisted on the need to have harmony amongst all the elements to be used in architectural design. Ghiberti was another scientist in the renaissance period that further developed linear perspectives.