Point: Alternatives

In the Alternatives unit three dominant styles of architecture spearheaded the conversations held in class and in our readings.  These styles include Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque. Although each of these styles had there foundations in the classical world they embodied a spirit of innovation and a desire for change forever influencing the way Architects and designers think and create for years to come.

            The first style visited in this unit was Gothic architecture. Although most of the ideologies of these structures were carried out through the form of cathedrals, evidence of gothic architecture can be seen in residential spaces as well.  The gothic style embodied a religious experience through several design strategies.  None of which were as dramatic and impressive as the emphasis place on verticality.  Also repetition of identical forms such as ribbed vaults and pointed arches created a sense of rhythm and harmony. With these two design strategies combined gothic architecture induces a floating, trance like state emphasized by upward lifting sequences extended to infinity.

            Moving forward through the alternatives unit we reach the Renaissance. Not only was the Renaissance a style of architecture but a cultural revolution embodying almost every aspect of civic life.  Sparked in Florence by Artist and Architects such as Brunelleschi and Ghiberti the Renaissance was a rebirth of a classical language in architecture blended with a modern way of thought.  Throughout the renaissance architecture was regarded as a mathematical science of abstracted geometry applying heavily the Pythagorean concept that “all is number” (Roth 353) Unlike the gothic style that valued verticality and seemed to extend forever, Renaissance architects were very invested in idea of boundaries.  Through geometric patterns and forms lines were created that Cleary defined a space or a landscape.  We also see an emphasis on a single faced.  With repetition of like elements the faced is harmony, unity, and proportions embodied in a permanent structure. 

Following the Renaissance is the Baroque Period. In this period although a strong reverence for classic architecture can still been seen architects and designers push these concepts and bend the rules further than ever seen before.  In the baroque style unity is achieved through subordination of individual elements in order to invigorate the whole.  Theatricality and fluidity applied to a classical order embodies the baroque period. Lavish ornamentation and implication of curvilinear lines dramatize the structure and emphasized this notion of a theatrical“performance” and fluidity.    

  

      Bernini's david:

       The biblical figure David as interpreted by artist Bernini embodies the ideology of Baroque thought.  Breaking the mold of the typical contraposto pose seen in similar statues Bernini creates a dramatic, theatrical and fluid statue through Davids body position, facial expressions and implication of movement seen in his garments and sling.