Floor Plan |
Basilica di San Lorenzo (Basilica of St. Lawrence) is
located in Florence Italy. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelangelo in
the Renaissance style of architecture. Construction was completed in 1470 it is
one of the finest examples of the new style.
Renaissance Architecture began in Italy in the 14th
century and lasted through the 17th century. Based on a revival of
ancient thought and culture. The style emphasizes symmetry, proportions, and
geometry. Common elements visible in
renaissance architecture are the arrangement of columns and pilasters, the use
of semicircles, domes and niches.
The basilica di San Lorenzo was commissioned by the Medici
family, an affluent family of bankers and tastemakers during the renaissance. The
family gained power from the textile guilds of the time. The family had
produced three popes, two regent queens of France. They had become powerful
politicians during their reign.
Interior |
Like many basilica’s, San Lorenzo follows the same basic
design. It is cruciform in plan, with a central nave and side aisle. Unlike
early roman basilicas, the side aisles at San Lorenzo have been built out to accommodate
chapels. The main axis follows a strict “A” “B” “A” pattern. The transept is
somewhat peculiar, breaking from the typical basilica. Chapels have been
constructed around the transept, breaking the typical form. Furthermore, the
chapels around the transept are not connected. The basilica also has a larger
chapel on the south-west corner, further breaking the typical form. Despite the
oddities, the basilica is still based off the principals of the period. San
Lorenzo still follows a strict, yet simple geometric guide and proportions. [1]
The exterior of the basilica is somewhat plain. The façade
is made up of brick and stone. The main level along the aisle have blind
windows while the clerestory has small, arched windows. The front façade is
plain brick and stone construction containing three wooden doors entering into
the nave and side aisle. There is also a blind window, however this may have
been closed over time. There is also a central tower over the transept like in
standard basilicas, although there is a bell tower on the north side. The
façade also shows the same strict dedication to form and order. Following the
same dedications to the new stile. [2]
[1] Roth Leland M. and Amanda C. Roth Clark, Understanding
Architecutre Its Elements, History, and Meaning, Third Edition Westview
Press 2014. P.365
[2] http://www.aviewoncities.com/florence/basilicadisanlorenzo.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment