Modelle und Architektur Les Maquettes d ... - Aktuell - TUM

Zusammenfassungen - Résumés - Abstracts
Architectural models of the Italian Renaissance: Their development
and charisma
The speech is aiming at a definition and differentiation of architectural models´ typologies
in the Italian Renaissance. These encompass drafting models, being employed
in the design process, representation models, which target at convincing clients and
institutions of projects and large-scale detail models, which served craftsmen on the
building site as master piece in order to deduct and revise measurements and proportions.
The tradition prospered due to the mediaeval tradition and excellent knowledge
on the artificial wood crafting by numerous master builders during the 15 th and 16 th
centuries. A number of representation models have been preserved and especially the
gigantic model of Saint Peter (1539) by Antonio da Sagallo to scale approximately 1:20
simulates spatiality and volumes authentically and visualises the function of
architectural models exemplarily. Both the other typologies are represented by scarce
credentials only, but their distinctions emerge from documents and letters explicitly.
Consulting neighbouring artificial fields proves essential to the understanding of
architectural models. Representation models often are represented on paintings, either
offered by saints or being presented to a proud principal. Some important drafting
models are documented by drawings or engrawings, such as the wooden made model
of Chambord Castle or San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, a project by Michelangelo. As well,
tabernacles in sacrament chapels have acquired serious relevance in this context since
the early 16 th century, as there have been experiments on centralised edifices amongst
them in particular.
Regarding architectural models from Renaissance to the 17 th century discloses which
developments have been carried out concerning the planning of buildings and organisation
of building sites. Doubtless, increasing exactitude of graphic representations
with advanced techniques of perspective and axonometry diminished their popularity.
Models remain unchallenged in their representative form and suggestive testimony
and as such, they acquired political account at times. Similarly to the typologies and
forms, the Italian design methods, and models assumed an important function in them,
radiate into other European countries, and unite with local institutions and peculiarities,
such as the tradition of gothic stonemasons´ lodges, to new syntheses.
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Modelle und Architektur - Les maquettes et l´architecture - Models and Architecture