Ornament and Construction: Renaissance Architectural Principles

This lecture discusses the relationship between ornament and construction in Renaissance architecture, focusing on the works of notable architects such as Filippo Brunelleschi, Leon Battista Alberti, Francesco Di Giorgio, and Michelangelo. The instructor examines the structural and ornamental aspects of significant buildings, including the Amiens Cathedral and the Ospedale degli Innocenti. Key concepts such as the role of the architect as an author and the importance of architectural orders are explored. The lecture also highlights the evolution of architectural principles through historical texts, particularly Vitruvius's 'De Architectura' and Alberti's 'De re Aedificatoria'. The discussion includes the significance of columns and their dual role as structural elements and decorative features. The instructor presents various architectural projects, including the façades of Santa Maria Novella and Palazzo Rucellai, illustrating how ornamentation was integrated into the design process. The lecture concludes with an analysis of Renaissance Brutalism and its impact on architectural aesthetics, emphasizing the enduring legacy of these principles in contemporary architecture.