Renaissance architecture

Renaissance architecture:

begun in the early 15th Century
ended in the early 17th century
represented a revival of elements of Classical Greek and Roman thought
emphasised symmetry, proportion, geometry and regularity
was developed first in Florence
Brunelleschi, Raphael, Bramante, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti were all proponents of the Renaissance style
spread from Florence to the rest of Italy and the remainder of Europe after that.
made extensive use of columns, pilasters and lintels, arches, domes and niches which was consistent with the large number of examples which existed from Classical Roman times in Italy

The Renaissance is usually divided into

Renaissance (ca. 1400-1500); also known as the Quattrocento. and sometimes Early Renaissance
High Renaissance (ca.1500-1525)
Mannerism (ca. 1520-1600)

Characteristics of Renaissance architecture

Renaissance buildings:

are most obviously rooted in Classical Roman architecture
adapted Classical Roman architecture to the new use of buildings and cities. Now there was a call for conscrated churches but not for sporting fixtures or public baths

The plans:

are square and symmetrical
proportions are usually based on a module - an aisle usually constitutes a module in a church
integrate the façade
culminated by Palladio

Façades are:

symmetrical around the vertical axis
surmounted by a pediment and feature pilasters arches and entablatures, in the case of Churches
surmounted by a cornice with regular repetitive openings on each floor and a centrally placed door marked by a balcony or surround, in the case of domestic buildings