What is Renaissance architecture?

Renaissance architecture (from the French for “rebirth”) is the style that emerged in 15th-century Florence and looked back to the building of ancient Rome, with symmetry, fixed proportions and the classical orders as its basis. It followed Gothic architecture and then spread across Europe, taking on a distinct regional character in each country.

Phases

• Early Renaissance (c. 1400–1500): classical detail is taken up again.
• High Renaissance (c. 1500–1525): classical principles are applied with greater confidence.
• Mannerism (c. 1520–1600): freer play with classical forms.

A key work is the dome of Florence Cathedral, built between 1420 and 1436 to a design by Filippo Brunelleschi, in brickwork laid in a herringbone pattern. Other major figures include Leon Battista Alberti and Andrea Palladio.

Characteristics

• Symmetrical façades and a clear, geometric composition
• Classical orders and pilasters, horizontal string courses and cornices
• Semicircular arches and domes
• Pediments over doors and windows

Dutch Renaissance

In the Low Countries the style took on its own, far more richly decorated form, flourishing mainly in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Traditional elements such as brick and the stepped gable were combined with natural stone and ornaments such as strapwork, pilasters, obelisks and rustication. Well-known examples:

• Antwerp City Hall (1561–1565), designed by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt
• Vleeshal (Meat Hall) in Haarlem (1602–1603), designed by Lieven de Key, with an ornate stepped gable
• Zuiderkerk in Amsterdam (1603–1611), designed by Hendrick de Keyser

In practice

• Recognise the style by symmetry, classical orders and pilasters; in the Low Countries, often combined with brick, stone bands and decorated gables.
• Check the construction date. Many façades that look Renaissance are 19th-century Renaissance Revival.
• Working on a heritage building? Alterations to a listed building usually need consent from the local authority. Agree the approach in advance and use materials compatible with the original fabric, for example no hard cement mortar in historic lime-mortar masonry.

Related terms

• Renaissance Revival
• Gothic architecture
• Baroque
• Classicism
• Giant order
• Strapwork

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