We’ve come through the dark ages and we’ve relearned a great deal by the start of the 15th century’s rebirth – now known as the renaissance. Born from Italy and the ideals of antiquity, we have new ideas on spirituality bursting from the population, as well as a new respect for individual creativity. The power of reason is at the forefront of contemporary thinking, and we see a push away from dependence on the supernatural for explaining the world around us.

All things cultural are at a premium – painting and drawing, sculpting, writing, and especially Architecture.

We see the rise of Mannerism, and this changes visual arts after 1520. It’s based in the classic forms, though it takes many liberties with what was originally considered harmonious. Complicated styles, complex composition, lots of ambiguous space and sculpture with very capricious poses are typical of this movement.

Unlike the periods before the Renaissance, virtuosity in design becomes a highly prized commodity. During previous periods we may know the designer, but they design in a certain style, following a certain formula. During the Renaissance though, we don’t see a single strategy – we see designs in the style of different architects’ individual works.

Artist Architects such as Sangallo, Alberti, Barozzi, Sanmicheli, Brunelleschi, Peruzzi, Bramante, or the more well known Michaelangelo, Raphael and Palladino (who’s particular style will spark Palladian movements over the centuries to come.)

Though France was the seat of culture for the Medieval period, Italy is the seat of culture for the Renaissance – based largely on the fact that many of the artists are focusing on the ancient architecture. Italianate features spread quickly throughout Europe, just in time for a new stylistic era.

The Baroque

The key to Baroque architecture is to remember that it is busy, busy, busy!

At the beginning of the 17th century, the Western world is in a state of upheaval. Politically, socially, and culturally people are clashing all over the place. The Protestant Reformation is bringing change and confrontation across Europe. And, with it, comes the Baroque.

This style is not just born in Italy like the High Renaissance style. It focuses on great physical splendor – not just in ornamentation, but also in structure. Buildings are built in gigantic proportions, utilizing an eclectic mixture of different styles. This style is the height of decoration. In many buildings, and on many facades from this period, there is barely a place where the eye can just sit and rest – almost every inch is covered.

It is also during this period that we see the rise of city planning – we see thought behind where buildings are placed and how streets are laid-out, not just buildings to cover a need as quickly as possible.

Near the end of the Baroque period we see the rise of classicism and the Rococo style. Basically, these styles are a return to the traditional ideas of beauty in architecture and a severe turn away from the highly decorative, ostentatious, almost obnoxious eclecticism of the Baroque.

Buildings go back to being unembellished, powerful structures with plentiful columns and an emphasis on the vertical plane. We still have the massive proportions, and a great deal of sculpture, but the buildings are lighter and more open; the eye finds plenty of places to rest.

As we move from the Baroque into more modern architecture, the center of culture in Europe moves as well – from Italy back to Paris.