Concept chosen: Classicism

Classicism, sometimes called historicism, is described as modelling architecture on the classics

and returning to more Asian cultures for inspiration. In Renaissance architecture, the dome,
Roman arch, and many other structural elements were revived to rediscover beauty and
aesthetics. The Roman arch was a symbol of elegance and order which was the reason why it
was used in many Renaissance architectures. For example, in Filippo Brunelleschi’s Foundling
Hospital in Florence, the first arched loggia was created since the fall of the Roman empire. This
structure wrapped the building on three sides and the repetitive arches provided a beautiful
rhythm to the façade. In addition, the Roman composite order was restored, including the egg
and dart motif in the capitals. Architects during Renaissance never wanted to copy the exact
structure or follow old masters, but instead wanted to use the proportions and balance of
arches to create beauty and elegance. Another example that used Roman orders was Leon
Battista Alberti’s Palazzo Rucellai in Florence. It was the first architecture in Renaissance that
used the correct superposition of the Roman orders, doric on the first floor, ionic on the second,
and Corinthian on the third. This building also modelled on the façade of Roman theatres.

While early renaissance architecture focused on reviving Roman style architecture, high
renaissance was when they mastered their techniques. This was because architects like Leon
Battista Alberti codified the rules of classical architecture and was the first to show how Roman
orders and triumphal arches could be adapted to modern requirements. He was a universal man
who believed that there is no absolute rule of beauty, architect putting different parts together
will create harmony. Therefore, architects like him who understood how to apply the forms was
able to use the techniques and geometric forms to achieve perfection. For example,
Michelangelo’s Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica has a semi-circle and square composition under the
dome that created rationality. It is a microcosm of the perfect design by god that is recreated by
human beings on earth, thereby glorifying god’s ability to create beauty.

During late renaissance, the problem of mannerism arose that violated some of the previous
ideals on classicism. Because of the increasing tension and anxiety after 1520s, architects
wanted an original and individualist approach. They attempted to deviate and break the rigidity
of the classical rules and language and decided to interpret it with a more creative and playful
attitude. New relationships were created between different parts of the building and forms
were even invented. In Giulio Romano’s Palazzo del Te, he introduced something playful to the
Palladian motif. The falling triglyphs symbolized an unstable structure and a large rough
keystone in the center of the arch was odd and incongruent. These were created to show that
everything can be turned upside down, including our understanding and language of the
classics. While the in-congruence reinforced the idea of instability, these new forms were also
creating something original from the classical language.