Ospedale degli Innocenti - Essay Example

Ospedale degli Innocenti Ospedale degli Innocenti is one of the great architectural masterpieces by Filippo Brunelleschi. The building is located inFlorence, Italy. Its title is translated as a hospital of innocents and often referred as a foundling hospital in literature. Built during 1419–1451 to serve as an orphanage and hospital for children, the building represents clear influences of new architecture which came to replace dominant gothic motifs (Günther, 2010). The building was finished after the death of the architect.

Ospedale degli Innocenti was the first building which reflected Brunelleschi unique style; in this way, it is very important to analyze influences and inspirations he found in Roman architecture designing this building.There are many ways how Ospedale degli Innocenti reflects its connection to Roman architecture. It is absolutely symmetrical and orderly organized which is typical for ancient Roman buildings. Inner courtyard of Ospedale degli Innocenti reminds Roman forum plan. It has an open space surrounded by arcades which creates some private space in urban settings (Zarzycki, 1994).

Rectangular and square forms dominate the space. Columns are very important elements of traditional Roman architecture. In order to stress the symmetry of the building, all columns have equal distance between them. Corinthian capitals add ornamentation to the building. Moreover, Brunelleschi designs fluted pilasters which are aimed at decorating the building and keeping the same order of symmetry (LaChiusa, 2002). This arcade on the ground floor of the building becomes the distinguishing feature of the building and makes it easy to recognize.

Rounded arches which enclose the arcade create more space for decorum (LaChiusa, 2002). Overall, the exterior of the building shows that the architect was inspired by classical Roman architecture.ReferencesGünther, H. (2010). Italian hospitals of the early Renaissance. In Ottenheim, K. (2010). Public buildings in early modern Europe. Tumhaut.LaChiusa, C. (2002). Ospedale degli Innocenti (Foundling Hospital). Buffalo Architecture and History. Retrieved from http://www.buffaloah.com/a/virtual/italy/flor/osp/Zarzycki, A. (1994). Architecture and the city: a study of the interdependency of forms.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology.