Italian Renaissance.

The Italian Renaissance began in Florence, Italy in the year 1400. This Period lasted around 200 years, ending around 1600. The local quarries of the area offered an endless supply of marble for the structures, while the interiors were furnished in Gothic and Romanesque design. Everyone-rich or poor- of the time were interested in the arts, which cause a large interest in the interior design of buildings. Comfort, convenience, and beauty became the main focus, while safety, strength, and protection went to the back burner.

Palazzo:

The Renaissance Palazzo design focused on repetition, alternation, and progression, with three level divisions, compound windows, and a heavy project cornice. Like the Roman Domus, these Palazzo's had central courtyards with living spaces on the second and third floors (similar to the Roman "insula"). The ground floor had a vestibule, as well as kitchens, bathrooms, and storage.

Palazzo Davanzati: located in Florence and is a transition from Gothic to Early Renaissance. The interior design of this consisted of frescos, tapestries, and fireplaces.



Palazzo Farnese: originally built for Cardinal Farnese and was completed by Michelangelo. The courtyard consisted of arches, columns, pilasters, and corbels.



Palazzo Medici: located in Florence, Italy and was the Medici family home. The main focus of the Medici home was on symmetry with an identical array of rooms on either side of the central entrance.



Modern Day Italian Renaissance Design: