Foundling Hospital

The Renaissance was a cultural revival from the classical greek and roman period, that took place between the 1300-1600’s.  it took place in europe primarly in italy. in terms of art artists, started to perceive the world more realistically, using depth and perspective. There was a strong emphasis on education, arts and humanism, which involved expanding beyond religion.

  

  Though it seems as if the world was changing for the better and society was becoming more conscious of things outside of religion, the social and economical problems of the renaissance were still present. While humanism and the renaissance were rising, poverty and desperation increased in the lower classes. Plagues and poor living conditions complicated one’s living condition and reduced the chances of survival for children, and in the 1400’s, from twenty-five to a huge ninety percent of babies died before the age of one. Infanticide was very common, and until  the creation of this hospital, abandoned babies were left in a public place with the hope a stranger would notice them and pick them up.

    

The process of foundling would start when parent brought them to the Foundling hospital, and placed them into a basin located on the far right of the porch. Inside, a nurse on a 24-hour watch, would be alerted by the child’s cry and bring the baby in. The more discreet method using the “ruota,”or wheel, was used later;  protecting the identity of the person leaving the child

The architect for this Renaissance building, Fillipo Brunelleschi  was born in 1377 in Florence Italy. He was 

one of the first architectural engineer's, and spent a short time studying motion science.  He worked under his father as a goldsmith and sculptor. and in 1398, he passed his examination and became a guild master goldsmith. Brunelleschi later discovered a passion in for math and architecture, and became friends with donatello.  He continued his studies in rome in architecture. Later on in life he turned to architecture after losing commission to a rival. he was influenced by his father, Sir Brunelleschi di lippo, and also by greeks and romans. One his many architectural achievements include the dome of Santa Maria de Fiore.

Construction for Brunelleschi's Foundling Hospital and orphanage started in 1419, and was  commissioned by the arte della santissima. In this design the materials used were masonry and stone. He also used impost blocks, arches, columns, pilasters to carry out his design. The noms for the Foundling hospital were laid symmetrically to create balance and harmony. This simple and rational design was revolutionary at the time. 

The design for the Foundling Hospital held true to his style: a building that delivered that was both beautiful  and functional. The clear and pure lines of the inner courtyard  were created to give off a sense of calmness, and order that would make one feel welcome . At the time this was something which was very different due to the to the traditional theme of a cloistered, church-like structures.  He also created a covered porch, that could accommodate the necessary comings and goings connecting the outside world with the internal workings of the Foundling. 

Sources: -

-"Ospedale Degli Innocenti." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

-Ospedale Degli Innocenti. Place of Publication Not Identified: Betascript, 2011. Print.

-Building History | Jumieges, Abbey Church of Notre-Dame | Briefing | Professor Lynn Courtenay | Medieval Architecture." Building History | Jumieges, Abbey Church of Notre-Dame | Briefing | Professor Lynn Courtenay | Medieval Architecture. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2016.