Humanist Moral Philosophy in Architecture
Combining the basic concepts inherent in the architecture of ancient Rome with a humanist moral philosophy, Andrea Palladio could be considered the most influential architect in the western world. His style of architecture became known as Palladianism and gained prominence towards the end of the Renaissance. His treatise on architecture, I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura, is described as a "manual of classicizing design" and would set the standard for many architects to follow for centuries (Sturgis, 118). Palladio's text revolutionized western architecture, founded several schools of study, and remains a major influence to all students of architecture (Sturgis, 118). One such architect, Thomas Jefferson, called his English translation of Palladio's text "the Bible" (Clark, 92). Taken in this context, the influence of Palladio on modern architecture can best be seen by comparing the similarities between Palladio's masterpiece, the Villa Rotunda, and Jefferson's own masterwork, Monticello.It is very easy to discern the similarities of both structures when viewing them together for the first time. Both structures rest on hilltops, have facades that use Greco-Roman facades, and have a centrally located dome. Each adopt
The influence of Villa Rotunda, and the overall work of Palladio, on Jefferson cannot be denied. Monticello is a direct result of Jefferson studying Palladio's Quattro libri dell'Architettura (Lautman, 9). The use of Greco-Roman influence and symmetrical designs are evident in both buildings. Both buildings reflect the different ideals of the people who designed them. Palladio was influenced by his humanist ideals and intended to make Villa Rotunda an extension of this (Wittkower, 53). On the other hand, Jefferson's Monticello was influenced by his desire for a home that would be distinctly his and his desire to restore the republican forms of architecture (Bear, 11). Regardless, both men found new ways to combine the oldest forms of architecture with modern techniques and ideals. Regardless, both buildings distill timeless ideas and principles and stand as classics in the world of architecture. It is the function of the two buildings that separates these two structures more than anything. This difference in function is illustrated in their interiors. With elements of the neo-classical, Monticello is a Georgian manor in the grand style. The arched doorways invite people to enter the individual rooms. The detail work is intricate and delicate. The ceilings are low, invoking intimacy. The overall feeling one gets when entering Monticello is that of comfort, of being home. This was precisely Jefferson's intent as Monticello radiates a genuine feel of well being (Bear, 45). In contrast, the interior of Villa Rotunda is enormous, almost overwhelming. It was designed to be a suburban mansion, reflecting the importance and prominence of whoever was to occupy it (Wittkower,140). Artwork stretches from the floor to the ceiling. Although the individual rooms are enormous, they have been described as confining due to the fact they have few windows (Clark, 93). The interior lines as well as the material used in the interior of Villa Rotunda could be considered cold and calc
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1334
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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