Renaissance Architecture Versus Gothic Architecture - Essay Example

Renaissance architecture vs. Gothic architecture Architecture is one of the oldest professions and it is the art of applying scientific knowledge to come up with effective infrastructure designs. However, the art is dynamic as architects tend to come up with more advanced designs as time advances. Italy is one of the countries where architecture is a respected if not worshipped profession. Italian architecture has been advancing from Gothic to Renaissance among others. Gothic architecture was one of the ancient architecture but as time advanced, a few architectures colluded with Italian writers among other professionals to come up with Renaissance architecture. This discourse tends to explain why the Italian Renaissance architecture is considered better than the Gothic architecture. Renaissance architecture existed between 15th and 17th century in various parts of Europe (Hale 2007). Renaissance architecture was invented by Filippo Brunelleschi among other architects. It was rapidly adopted in various parts of Europe including France, Italy and Russia among other regions. Renaissance architecture is based on symmetry, shapes, proportion and geometry among other basics. The architecture is keen on well arrangements of columns, lintels as well as pilasters. Gothic architecture on the other hand was practiced before Renaissance architecture. Gothic architecture, which is part of Gothic art, was formed by some ancient architects who had travelled in major parts of Europe, hence they gathered enough information to design the ancient Italian structures, more so the ancient worship and tourism centers. However, Renaissance architectures thought Gothic architecture was outdated and there was need to come up with more advanced architecture. Renaissance architecture was invented to solve various limitations in the Gothic architecture architecture. For instance, there was need to solve the problems of holding heavy or bulky masonry roofs as demonstrated in the Gothic architecture (Rudolf 2011). The heavy ceiling exerted more downward and sideway pressure to other structures and this meant that the structures’ stability was compromised. Furthermore, such extreme forces meant that the structures could not be extended further, as the weight of the upper structures would exceed the opposite offices exerted by the pillars and the structure could collapse. Renaissance architecture hence ensured heavy usage of building materials to make vertical walls and this was never welcome by other architects. The initial Renaissance designs involved some ribbed vaults made to intersect with stone ribs meant to support the thin ceilings. Structurally, the weight of the ceiling was reduced and the thickness of the wall reduced. This was more attractive than the Gothic designs. Further more the Renaissance designs ensured the ceiling was supported at appropriate points, which were basically the ribs (Arnaldo 2007). Renaissance designs also enabled wider window openings to allow entry of natural light. The Gothic architecture had three phases, the early, high and late Gothic architecture. The three phases were great confusion and complications to the contractors as they never understood the difference, and when renaissance architecture came, they embraced it as the rules were basic and the outcome was great. Renaissance architecture had several advantages over the gothic architecture. First, Renaissance architecture used stones as the main building materials unlike the Gothic architecture where bricks were the main construction materials. Stones were durable, easy to shape and the exterior walls could be sculptured as decorations. Renaissance architecture put more emphasis on the ‘key stone’ which was basically a stone placed on every arch. And it was bigger than the rest of the stones. Arches were then made to resume circular shapes at the top. This was not only attractive but also enhanced stability of the structures. Renaissance architecture put more emphasis on stability unlike the Gothic architecture where beauty or aesthetics were the main thing. Renaissance used three styles of columns, namely: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian all adopted from the Greeks (Jurgen 2008). The column was made thick enough to support the heavy ceiling. The columns were then smoothened using advanced cutting or shaping tools then polished. The symmetrical alignment of the columns was believed to distribute the heavy weight of the columns evenly and this was considered better than the asymmetrical alignment of the Gothic designs. Renaissance architecture was appreciated because of its traditional values to the Italians. The sculpture in both the interior and exterior walls symbolized some important values to the Italians, more so in the worship places. Gothic architecture on the other hand was associated with Roman architecture, and the Italians thought it was time they had their own designs. As a matter of fact, it was believed that the Gothic architecture represented foreign values other than Italian values. However the images and shapes incorporated in Renaissance architecture symbolized some important facts and events in Italy. Various architectures colluded with the Italian writers and philosophers to convince the traditional Italian authorities embrace the more advanced Renaissance architecture. Some paintings and sculptures from the ancient structures had to be replaced since Renaissance architects and artists wanted all important images and sculptures to pass certain Italian information. Renaissance architecture was also used to appreciate the ancient professionals like writers and artists whose works could not be appreciated because the ancient Italians gave preference to foreigners rather than their own (Giovanni 2009). Several stories were written on both the Gothic and Renaissance literature; however, the youths grew knowing the modern architectural designs, Renaissance architecture as modern schools among other learning institutions embraced it well. The interior walls of Renaissance architecture were made from skillfully and traditionally selected different types of rocks or stones in terms of color and texture and this brought the element of nature and uniqueness. The floor, walls and even the roof had uniform materials and color and this was attractive and created harmony (Wilfred 2008). However, this was completely different with the Gothic architectures where marbles were the main interior material and bricks used to make the exterior walls. At first, Italians accepted such designs but they later realized they were missing the serene and natural environment in structures, hence Renaissance architecture was invented. However, there is a group of people who opposed the well praised Renaissance architecture. From cultural and social perspective, Gothic literature had much favor than its successor due to the social and ethical erosion associated with the modern generation. Increased criminal activities in Italy and major parts of Europe is believed to be an influenced from regions which experienced civilization and modernization in early ages (Mickelson 2012). It reached appoint where when all straight minded individual wish the traditional ways of lives were brought back and the modern life eradicated. From that perspective, some respected individuals, more so the religious leaders required that worship places be constructed from the ancient Gothic architecture (Andrew 2004). Although the Modern Renaissance literature is more attractive, Gothic architecture still had much favor and respect due to the sanity exhibited during its era. Renaissance architects employed their basic knowledge and experiences to design the structures. They insisted on natural stones as the main building materials since they were aware of the geographical and geological characteristics in major parts of Italy. Structures made from Renaissance architecture were uniform, meaning both interior and exterior surfaces had similarities. Uniformity is a very important element of structures as a single alteration could see the structure collapse (Ruth 2000). For instance the columns supporting the heavy ceiling had to have similar characteristics otherwise any alteration would see excessive force exerted in such areas and hence the areas of faults, and this would compromise the strength and durability of the structures. However, this is unlike the Gothic architects who tried untested or unproven building techniques. Poor mixture of building materials have seen various Gothic structures collapse more so in areas prone to natural disasters like tremors, thunder and lightening among others that could weaken structures. For instance, some Structures made from Gothic architecture tend to develop cracks where marbles meet concrete. The Gothic architects used their vague knowledge to come up with structures after their long travel in various parts of the world. It was unfortunate that some of their principles were untested and this could pose danger to humans. Gothic structures are prone of poorly selected materials but colorful finishes to attract the ancient generation, who never questioned anything due to poor knowledge or lack of adequate education. However, this could not work with the Italian modern generation, as they were educated and could afford the modern expensive designs for their comfort and class. Furthermore, they embraced Renaissance architecture due its durability. Renaissance architects ensured both the walls, pillars and even the roof were made of pure natural stones. Renaissance images were also favored as they had some important cultural values to the Italians. For instance, Cloisters based in Monastery of St. Ambrogio was a church made from symmetrical plan and its drawing attracted various Italians, both the ancient and the modern generation. The drawings had something to do with the famous Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings with symmetrical views. St. Pietro in Montorio is thought to be the best monument of all times (Janson 2006). Majority appreciates the monument as it works well with both Christians and pagans and this is appreciated in this generation when everyone has the freedom of religious believes. Tempietto is a sculpture portraying St. Peter’s cruxification but it has the design of Roman temple. The structure is small but its proportionality is what makes people travel from all regions of Europe to go enjoy the view. Just like the Renaissance architectures, its paintings and other forms of images had some important traditional information with them (Marion 2000). The sculptures were used to remind the Italians of their origins and believe among others. The sculptures and paintings had some ethical values in them, for instance, human feelings were considered before any one came up with such images. However, this is different from the Gothic art which were copied from various Roman societies and were unethical. Some sculptures portray some private parts of women and this violation to women (Trewin 2005). It took the real modern artists to convince the traditional (Gothic) artists that although art is a way of expressing someone’s thoughts and feelings, it is important to ensure originality and ensure the audience have a sense of belonging or feel being appreciated by the art. A true art should create harmony between the artists and the audiences and not the opposite. Renaissance art majorly captured the worship houses, governmental structures unlike the Gothic art which capture elements that are not even in Europe. In short, Renaissance art were based on actual facts, or rather things that can actually be seen unlike Gothic art that were based on fictions. Renaissance art or images were greatly used when there was need to reunite the Italians after the elements of foreigners or immigrants divide Europeans. Gothic art gave foreigners more preference as you can spot a roman painting in strategic point of Italy with just a few Italian paintings along small and rarely used feeder roads to the city (Ludwig 2000). Majority of Italians were fed up with foreign art and there was need for new art, to appreciate Italians, hence Renaissance art. The modern media proudly captures renaissance images which basically remind Italians of their traditional peaceful life. The images represented all races, religions and tribes among other elements of human lives. Gothic images on the other hand were declared irrelevant by both modern and traditional professionals like writers and philosophers as they represented foreigners rather than the Italians. To conclude, Italian architecture has been evolving as time advances. Gothic architecture was the first then followed by Renaissance architecture. Gothic architecture was in three phases namely, the early, high and late Gothic architecture. Some ancient architectures colluded with some Italian writers to convince the rest of Italians to adopt the architectural advances or changes that had started sweeping across the entire Europe, with France as the pioneer. This created a huge tussle with the Italian traditional conservatives who preferred to maintain their traditional architecture. However, the influence of writers and philosophers made majority opt for the new or modern Renaissance architecture. The later was associated with the modern generation who valued durability and sense of class (Arnold 2008). Gothic architectures were not keen on building materials’ selection and this saw several structures made of Gothic architecture crack and even collapse. It is due to this that majority opted for the renaissance architecture which was considered durable and to hold the Italian traditions. The same applied to renaissance images as they were thought to be ethical and communicate important human values, unlike Gothic art which communicated immoral and corrupt human activities. Bibliography Andrew, Martindale. 2004. Man and the Renaissance. Paul Hamlyn. Arnaldo, Bruschi. 2007. Bramante, London: Thames and Hudson.  Arnold Hauser, Mannerism: The Crisis of the Renaissance and the Origins of Modern Art, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2008. Giovanni Fanelli. 2009. Brunelleschi. Becocci editore Firenze. Helen, Gardner. 2009. Art through the Ages, 5th edition, Harcourt, Brace and World, inc. Janson, H.  2006. History of Art, 2006, New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Jurgen Sorges. 2010. Rome and the Vatican City, Konemann. J.R.Hale. 2007. Renaissance Europe, 1480–1520. Fontana. Ludwig, Goldscheider. 2000. Michelangelo. Phaidon. Marion, Kaminski. 2000. Art and Architecture of Venice. Konemann, Mickelson, David (2012). Glacial Processes: Past and Present. Boulder, CO: Geological Society of America Rudolf, Wittkower. 2011. Architectural Principles in the Age of Humanism. London. Ruth, Strasser. 2000. Art and Architecture of Tuscany. Trewin, Cropplestone. 2005. World Architecture. Hamlyn. Wilfred, Koch. 2008. Style of architecture, Warsaw. Read More