Adama Science and Technology university,

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,

Department of Architecture, and Urban Planning and Design

Assignment II
History and Theory of Urban Planning & Design
(UPD 6201)

7, Environmental issues and environmental planning

BY KASSAHUNTERECHA
PGR/28100/15
14/01/2023

Submitted to:
1|Page Ir. Mengistu Mekonen
1. The Renaissance and Baroque antecedents of urban planning

1.1 Introduction
The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth that began in Italy in
the 14th century and spread throughout Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. During this
time, many cities underwent a process of renewal and expansion, and the principles of urban
planning began to be developed. One of the key figures in the development of urban planning
during this period was Leon Battista Alberti, an Italian Renaissance architect who wrote a
treatise on the subject called "De re aedificatoria" (On the Art of Building). This work laid
out a series of principles for the design of cities, including the importance of symmetry, the
use of axial alignment, and the creation of a hierarchy of spaces.

In the Baroque period, which followed the Renaissance, urban planning continued to evolve.
The Baroque style, which was characterized by elaborate ornamentation and a focus on
grandeur, was applied to the design of cities and public spaces. One of the most famous
examples of Baroque urban planning is the city of Versailles, which was designed by the
architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. Le Nôtre's design for Versailles included a
series of grand boulevards and formal gardens, which were intended to reflect the power and
majesty of the French monarchy.

1.2 Urban planning styles and theories during Renaissance and

Baroque
During the Renaissance, the principles of urban planning were focused on creating
symmetrical and harmonious cities that were aesthetically pleasing and functional. One key
idea was the concept of the "ideal city," which was based on the idea that a city should be
designed according to a rational and logical plan, with clearly defined areas for different
functions such as residential, commercial, and industrial. Another important concept was the
"picturesque city," which emphasized the creation of a city that was visually appealing and
that incorporated natural elements such as parks and gardens.

In the Baroque period, the focus of urban planning shifted to the creation of grand and
impressive public spaces that reflected the power and majesty of the ruling monarch or
government. The Baroque style was characterized by the use of elaborate ornamentation and
a focus on grandeur, and this was reflected in the design of cities and public spaces. One
famous example of Baroque urban planning is the city of Versailles, which was designed by
the architect André Le Nôtre in the 17th century. Le Nôtre's design for Versailles included a
series of grand boulevards and formal gardens, which were intended to reflect the power and
majesty of the French monarchy.

2|Page
In both the Renaissance and the Baroque periods, urban planning was heavily influenced by
the architectural styles of the time. However, as the field of urban planning developed, it
began to incorporate a wider range of considerations, including issues related to public
health, transportation, and social equity.

2. History of Renaissance urban planning and design

The Renaissance was a period of great cultural and intellectual growth that took place in
Europe from the 14th to the 17th century. During this time, there was a renewed interest in
the classical learning of ancient Greece and Rome, and this was reflected in the arts,
literature, and science of the period. In the field of urban planning and design, the
Renaissance saw the development of a number of new ideas and approaches that have had a
lasting impact on the way cities are planned and built.

One of the key figures in the history of Renaissance urban planning was Leon Battista
Alberti, an Italian Renaissance humanist, architect, and writer. Alberti is best known for his
treatise "De Re Aedificatoria," which was published in 1485 and is considered one of the first
works on the subject of modern architectural theory. In this treatise, Alberti outlined a
number of principles for the design of cities and buildings, including the importance of
symmetry, proportion, and the use of classical motifs.

Another important figure in the history of Renaissance urban planning was Andrea Palladio,
an Italian architect who is widely considered one of the most influential figures in the history
of Western architecture. Palladio's work was characterized by a focus on classical motifs and
the use of proportion and symmetry in the design of buildings. He is best known for his villas
and palaces in the Veneto region of Italy, many of which are considered masterpieces of
Renaissance architecture.

In addition to these individual figures, the Renaissance also saw the development of a number
of new urban planning concepts and approaches. For example, the idea of the "ideal city"
3|Page
emerged during this period, with many Renaissance thinkers and architects proposing designs
for utopian cities that would be perfect in terms of layout, function, and aesthetics. In
addition, the Renaissance saw the development of new ideas about the role of public spaces
and the importance of designing cities for the benefit of their inhabitants. These ideas have
had a lasting impact on the way cities are planned and designed to this day.

2.1 Characteristics of renaissance urban planning and design

1. Geometric Design: Renaissance planners and architects used geometric design

elements such as squares, circles, rectangles, and symmetrical forms in both the
public and private spheres.
2. Public Gardens: Large public gardens were designed to provide aesthetically
pleasing views and to create a relaxed atmosphere in high-density urban
environments.
3. Open Spaces: In their designs, Renaissance architects incorporated open spaces to
improve air circulation and reduce overcrowding.
4. Street Networks: Street networks were designed with a grid-like pattern of straight
streets that allowed for greater efficiency in navigation and transportation.
5. Bridges: Renaissance architects often designed bridges to connect cities and towns,
allowing for increased transportation and communication.
6. Protective Systems: The use of protective systems such as dikes, dams, and canals
were common in Renaissance towns, providing important safety and defense
measures.
7. Facade Design: The facades of buildings were designed with beauty and function in
mind, usually incorporating classical elements into the structure.
8. Monumental Architecture: Monumental architecture such as churches and
government buildings were used to show power and authority.
9. Intricate Craftsmanship: The level of craftsmanship was central to Renaissance
urban planning and design, from stone carving to woodworking.

2.2 Components of urban design in the Renaissance period

1. High-Rise Buildings: The Renaissance period saw a newfound appreciation for grand,
tall structures such as cathedrals, pagodas, and more. As cities grew and populations died,
high-rise buildings began to occupy the landscape in order to accommodate the growing
populations.
2. Public Squares: Public squares were a major component of urban design in the
Renaissance, both for the sake of beauty and civic pride. They often served as the city
center and congregating places for the general public, as well as places for concerts,
festivals and other social gatherings.
3. Streets: Streets were laid out to provide a more efficient flow of traffic between various
areas of the city, as well as to create a sense of order and organization. Roads and paths

4|Page
 would often lead to important public buildings, such as town halls, churches, and
basilicas.
4. Water Supply Systems: During the Renaissance, many cities designed efficient water
supply systems to provide clean and fresh water to their citizens. Aqueducts, springs, and
canals were used to transport the water and were typically located in the city center.
5. Bridges: Bridges were commonly used to connect parts of the city separated by bodies of
water. Bridges were designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and sturdy, in order to
withstand the wear and tear of people and commerce.
6. Civic Buildings: Civic Buildings such as government and religious buildings were often
some of the most impressive structures in the city. In the Renaissance period, the design
of these buildings began to exude grandeur and magnificence, becoming statements of
power and importance.

2.3 Ideal cities of the Renaissance

1. Florence, Italy: Florence was one of the most influential cities during the Renaissance,
famously home to the Florence Cathedral, the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery,
and shaping the minds of figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

2. Rome, Italy: Rome’s decadent ruins and influence on literature, art, and philosophy were
also key influences during the Renaissance, with the works of Raphael, Michelangelo and
Donato Bramante representing some of the most important creative movements of the
period.

3. Venice, Italy: Venice was a major cultural, political, and commercial hub during the
Renaissance period, home to the likes of the painter Titian, the glassmaker Angelo
Barovier, and the inventor Marco Polo, who all made their mark in the city.

4. Paris, France: Paris became an architectural and artistic epicenter during the
Renaissance, with the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Pierre Lescot
influencing the development of the city’s arts and culture.

5. London, England: London was one of the earliest cities of the Renaissance, home to
playwrights and writers such as William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben
Jonson, while Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I enacted important political and cultural
reforms in the city.

2.4 Italian Renaissance

- Fortification systems
- Regeneration of parts of cities by the creation of new public spaces and related streets
areas of urban design in the renaissance period.

5|Page
 - Restructuring of existing cities by the construction of new main streets which
extended to the city’s limits and continued as regional routes; these new streets
frequently generated further growth.
- Addition of extensive new districts, usually for residential purposes in some cases,
completely new towns were designed.
- The grid-iron district (history’s oldest urban form regulator)
- The straight main street
- Enclosed space (squares)

Vitruvius Lorini
Cataneo Scamozzi
6|Page
 The City of Palmanova

Florence

7|Page
2.5 French Renaissance
In the 16th century Paris is the capital of an effectively united nation and the location of its
splendid royal court

- Place d’Auphine and Pont Neuf (1578)

- Place Royale (1605) Place Royale (1605)
- Palais de Tuileries (1563)
-
Paris in the 16th century:
- prototype of a residential square
- bringing the aristocracy under the control of the
king
- the construction of the Palais de Tuileries
(1563) and its Italian Renaissance Garden by
Catharina de Medici (arch. Philippe Delorme)
set the course for a westward development

2.5.1 New Renaissance towns in France

- Neuf-Brisach
- Nancy – medieval nucleus and Ville-Neuve

Neuf-Brisach Nancy

8|Page
3. History of Baroque urban planning and design

Baroque urban planning and design refer to the architectural and planning style that emerged
in Europe during the Baroque period, which lasted from the late 16th to the mid-18th century.
The Baroque style was characterized by grandeur, opulence, and drama, and it was often used
in the design of public buildings, squares, and other urban spaces.

One of the most notable examples of Baroque urban planning is the redesign of the city of
Rome in the 17th century by Pope Sixtus V. The Pope commissioned the architect Domenico
Fontana to oversee the project, which included the construction of several new roads, bridges,
and public squares, as well as the rebuilding of the Pantheon and the construction of the
obelisk in the center of the Piazza Navona.

Another important example of Baroque urban planning is the redesign of the city of Paris by
Louis XIV's chief architect, Francois Mansart. This project included the construction of the
Place des Vosges, the first planned square in Paris, as well as the expansion of the Louvre
Museum and the construction of the Place Vendome.

The Baroque style was also influential in the planning and design of other cities in Europe,
such as Vienna, Prague, and Madrid.

3.1 Counter Reformation

The art-historical movement (1550-1780) dominating during the political periods of the
Counter Reformation and the Absolutism, characterized by hierarchy of ideological meanings
and representative patterns.

- The reaction of the Catholic Church on the Reformation initiated by Martin Luther in the
beginning of the 16th century (Protestantism)
- It is in general a reaction on the humanistic ideas of the Renaissance
- The Catholic Church dominates life
- The ideological attempts of the Counter Reformation are realized with the means of the
representative urban patterns
- Goal: the urban design is defined by the central role of the church

9|Page
3.2 Historical background of redesign of the city of Rome in
17th century
In the 17th century, Rome was a city in the midst of a cultural and artistic revival known as
the "Roman Baroque." This period saw the construction of many ornate and elaborate
buildings, squares, and fountains in the city, which were designed to showcase the wealth and
power of the papacy.

One of the most significant projects of the Roman Baroque period was the redesign of the
city's central square, the Piazza Navona. The square was redesigned by the architect
Francesco Borromini, who transformed it into an oval-shaped space surrounded by grand
buildings, including the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone and the Palazzo Pamphili.

Other notable projects from this period include the construction of the Trevi Fountain and the
completion of the Sant'Andrea al Quirinale church, both of which were designed by the
architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Overall, the 17th century was a time of great artistic and architectural achievement in Rome,
and the city's Baroque redesign played a major role in shaping its modern appearance.

3.3 Characteristics of Baroque urban planning and design

1. Axial Symmetry: Axial symmetry and balance was a key characteristic of baroque urban
planning and design, often with a prominent central feature such as a plaza or public
square. This central focus was often the location of the city’s most important church or
public building.

2. Geometric Forms: Geometric forms, such as circles and ellipses, were popular in
planning and designing layouts for cities and buildings. These shapes often featured
curved streets and alleys that were designed to draw attention to important public spaces.

3. Grand Views: Grand views were important features of baroque urban planning and
design. This often included looking at long perspectives from high points in the urban
environment.

4. Ornate Details: Ornate details were also seen in baroque urban planning and design. This
often-included elaborate structures like arcades, galleries and fountains, as well as
sculptured facades, ornate stonework, and other decorative features.

5. Pathways and Accessibility: Pathways and accessibility were important in baroque

urban planning. The central plaza was not just a gathering point but could help direct
traffic to other areas, often laid out as a network of pedestrian avenues, so citizens could
easily access different parts of the city.

10 | P a g e
3.4 Components of urban design in the Baroque and Rococo
period

1. Mannerist Architecture: Mannerist architecture is a style characterized by exaggerated

architecture, often built with mathematical precision. Its influences include flamboyant
decorations, Gothic structures and elements, and the incorporation of a variety of elements
inspired by other cultures. Common features of Baroque architecture include ornate facades,
curved domes, lavish interior spaces, and grand staircases.

2. Colorful Festive Streetscapes: Another common element of urban design during the Baroque
period was the use of bright and vibrant colors to create colorful and festive streetscapes. Colors
used in urban design during this period included bold reds, blues, and greens, often used to
contrast against the sandstone buildings and monuments of the time.

3. Grand Plazas and Fountains: Grand plazas and fountains were frequently incorporated into
Baroque urban design. These spaces were often filled with cafes, shops, and other public
buildings, giving them a lively feeling and making them popular places to gather and relax for
citizens.

4. Monumental Statues and Defining Entrances: Monumental statues and defining entrances were
used to create a grand and grandiose feeling of space. These designs were often extravagant in
nature, featuring sculptures, reliefs, and columns. These elements were used to define space and
add to the magnificence of the cities they were part of.

5. Symmetry and Geometric Shapes: Symmetry and geometric shapes were also used as part of
Baroque urban design. This allowed architects to create impressive structures and create a sense
of grandeur in their buildings and plazas, while still being functional and easy to maneuver
around.

4. Renaissance versus Baroque

The principals of Renaissance urban planning, architectural design and aesthetic theory are
directed by identical ideas:

- discipline and order, in contrast to the relative irregularity of medieval space

- compositional balance
- emphasis was placed on the horizontal instead of the vertical
- permanence
- Baroque urban design is the result of the centralized church and autocratic power
- hierarchy of meanings
- definite sense of spatial direction

11 | P a g e
 Renaissance Baroque

4.1 Development tendencies from the Renaissance to the

Baroque
- the bourgeois culture of the Renaissance creates a geometric urban shape and
expresses the idea of a unified urban form
- the elements of the urban shape are equal parts of one wholeness (primus inter pares)
- the autonomy of the Renaissance City declines in the period of the Counter
Reformation due to the power of the Church
- in the Baroque period the upper classes create urban ensembles to demonstrate their
high-ranking social status and stress their uniqueness
- the Baroque urban design ideas are enforced by the restriction of the individual
artistic freedom
- Baroque urbanism is an expression of spectacle and ceremony (the city as a synthesis
of the arts)

4.2 Baroque in Rome

Piazza del Popolo (1589)

Scala di Spagna/Piazza di Spagna
(1721-1725), Sixtus V, Fontana
The Capitol Piazza, Michelangelo
(1537)
Piazza Navonna
Piazza del Popolo
Giuseppe Valadier, around 1800

12 | P a g e
Piazza San Pietro

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 1667

Capitolio
Michelangelo, 16th century

13 | P a g e
5. Reference

14 | P a g e