1.
Describe key players and building of Italian Renaissance
and why they are representative of Renaissance design.
Francesco Petrarch, who is sometimes called the
father of Humanism, created the conceptual framework that set the Renaissance
into motion. His Humanist theory stated that God has given man "intellect
and creative potential to be used to the fullest". This form of thinking
inspired a whole philosophy which many artists, philosophers, politicians,
architects and other thinkers of the time embraced. These Humanists were highly
motivated and inspired to design a completely new way in which their
imaginations could be accessed and expressed without hindrance from tradition
and formalism. Thus, Petrarch is equally considered the father of the
Renaissance as well.
One of the major players of the Renaissance as it
relates to design is Filipo Brunelleschi. Aside from his great works of art, he
introduced innovative concepts such as graphical perspective. This idea
influenced artists, mathematicians and architects to design and paint works
that allow a viewer to feel like they are seeing different points of view rather
than their actual point of view. As an inventor and mathematician he was able
to build large structures by inventing new devices for masonry.
Another key player in building the Renaissance was
Leon Barrista Alberti. Alberti wrote De Re Aedificatoria in 1485, which was a
highly influential work in architectural design circles concerning a
theoretical approach. This work helped move the Renaissance along in to the the
next phase that focused on classical systems and aesthetics in architecture.
Alberti paved the way for Donato Bramante, who developed Renaissance design
even further.
Michelangelo Bunornarroti introduced more personal
expressions in his art and design. This style was known as Mannerism. By using
Mannerism, Michelangelo was able to create some of the world's most well-known
works of art including the painting in the Sistine Chapel and the sculpture of
David. It was his emotive form of expression that allowed and still allows
people to perceive his attempts at displaying energy in his art and design.
Michelangelo perpetuated the progression of design during the Renaissance by
promoting Mannerism.
Another person that played a very important role
during the Renaissance was Leornardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci, like Michelangelo, was
the epitome of the Renaissance Humanist thinker. He created progressive
artworks such as The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. His contributions to design
mostly stem from engineering and mathematical concepts. He furthered the Age of
Enlightenment by expanded on many concepts that were introduced before he began
to play a role.
2.
Describe the architectural style
of a non-western culture through also identifying several features and whether
they have affected western design.
There are various architecture
styles used within the architectural design of Eastern culture (China) such as imperial
architecture, religious architecture, garden architecture and general
architecture. The different styles use different structural materials which
include brick work, timber construction and bamboo construction.
There were architectural
features that reserves solely for imperial architecture. . One example is the
use of yellow roof tiles; yellow having been the
Imperial color, yellow roof tiles still adorn most of the buildings within the
Forbidden City. While the Temple of Heaven uses blue roof tiles to symbolize
the sky. The roofs are generally always supported by brackets, a feature common
only with the largest of religious buildings. The wooden columns of the buildings, along with the surface of the walls, are usually
red. Black is also a famous color often used in pagodas; because they believed
the gods are inspired by the black color to descend on to the earth. The
Chinese dragon, a symbol reserved for Imperial architecture and are places on roofs, on beams, pillars, and doors. Also included in the Imperial
style would be the religious architectural buildings. This meant they shared
the same main features like the yellow tile roofs and bracket supports.
Another style of Chinese architecture
would be the Garden architecture. Garden architecture started with the practice
of developing forests and woods of hunting. The construction of man-made woods
then evolved into what would include man-made hills, pools and fountains; which
turned into something beautiful. The man-made beauty was eventually able to
successfully blend in well with the beauty of the natural environment as
the landscapers became more skilled. Soon after gardens became more formal for activities
such as holding court, banquets, producing theatrical activities, and to
provide a place of worship.
The last style of architecture is
Traditional architecture, which is more about residential homes. The most noteworthy feature is the use of timber
framework. Wooden posts, beams, lintels and joists typically make up the
framework of a house. Without bearing the weight of the whole house walls, assisted
only as a separation of rooms. Like most architecture paintings and carvings added
to the architectural work made it more stunning and eye-catching.
