Six Renaissance Architects

The Italian Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries marks the beginning of modern architecture. Architects of that era, inspired by new movements in art, science, philosophy, and mathematics, sought to break with the medieval past. They borrowed freely from the elements of classical architecture to combine them in novel ways. Their ideas of structure and ornament are still relevant today. This course studies the works of six prominent architects of that time: Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante, Michelangelo, Sansovino, Palladio. From columned porticos to “Palladian” windows, their signature forms are all around us.

No purchases required. Readings will be provided on the course website.

David Spurr, emeritus professor at the University of Geneva, has published numerous works on the relations between architecture and literature. He has taught architectural history at Geneva, at the University of Innsbruck and at the University of Iceland, Reykjavik.