Architectural designs are usually drawn mainly from the landscape. According to certain landscape conceptions, landscape design is conceived in the minds of the architect (Moore, 98). By conception in the minds, it becomes an art thus architecture has a direct connection to art. From a closer point, art is influenced greatly by culture. Being part of culture, architecture can have a direct root in culture of the people around the architectural designs.
Looking at chapters 14 and 15 of the quoted book, architectural roots in culture are illuminated and several examples given in support of the points. In the arguments, the text clearly illustrates how culture influences architecture and design.
One of the main elements of culture explicitly exhibited by the topics covered is religion. In the architectural designs, certain designs are set apart only for use in construction of religious buildings (Moore, 78). These buildings usually have a common internal layout and its external layout may vary from one building to another. As an example, in chapter 14, the cathedral church given depicts a great roman design that is still in use today in construction of Roman Catholic churches (Hudson, 376).
The other element of culture covered in the book is art. Generally, the content of the book deals mainly with the Italian history of art thus it explains how culture influenced art which in turn influenced architecture. In chapter 14, the extract disposes the middle age art concepts in Europe terming it as gothic. They preferred classical art which exhibited a great deal of humanitarianism.
Looking at the roman art history between 13th and 16th centuries, a lot of religion is depicted in the art and paintings. Sculptures were made of different types and outlooks all in support of the art. During the reign of Pisa as the king of Rome, most sculptures were curved and incorporated in buildings. In his palace, sculptures of loins and people were put. The loin sculptures were put at the base of the front pillars while the sculpture of the multitude was above the two pillars. This piece of art showed that people of had unity and passion in wildlife (Hudson, 377).
Other paintings in religion were the paintings of Jesus. These paintings were mostly found in religious places and in palaces since some of the leaders were popes. Being both spiritual and political leaders, their places of residence had the sculptures and paintings of Jesus and Virgin Mary (369).
The paintings and sculptures also expressed a lot about the clothing of the community or culture in which it originated. This was well illuminated in the paintings about Virgin Mary, Jesus and Saint Catherine. These paintings show that the people of Rome had distinct clothing for males and females though it looked as if they wore similar robes.
Looking at architecture closely, one can deduce the culture of the people Romans. The building designs had open floor layout. This is mainly depicted by the palace outlook which appears to be fully supported by the pillars. The pillars also incorporate certain sculptures. The sculptures show that the Romans had tried to merge art and architecture or apply artistic ideas in architectural designs.
The building designs also incorporated the pieces of art themselves. A good example is in Paso’s reign where the church sculpture depicts no motion and little on emotion. As time went by, the son of the king changed the perspective of architecture and made sculptures which had more dynamicity and emotion than his father’s work. This shows that art ideas flowed and the people of Rome took it as a means of expressing what they felt or thought of.
The renaissance of art and culture took place throughout Europe from the 14th century to 16th century. This led to revolution of art and culture but religion continued to play an important role in culture and artworks produced. The paintings continued to be mainly based on the religion of the people (Hudson, 378).
The renaissance in Italy resulted in humanism. The idea of humanism was more focused on the civic rights and general code of conduct of the people. Though, it did not completely shun the idea of religion in art. In the process of merging the two, the renaissance era resulted in art depicting the life of saints not mainly focusing on the spiritual bit of life alone (Hudson, 364).
The revolution was pioneered by a painter by the name Giotto who had special touch in painting. He helped resurface the naturalistic approach to painting and use of observation in coming up with paintings.
In the same era, architecture appeared to be more of a science. This was mainly due to use of different painting methods to come up with the products. The buildings also depicted a great deal of science consideration in terms of balance and arching.
The arts produced in this era have a great influence in the contemporary society. A lot of current buildings have sculptures incorporated in their designs making them appear more attractive (Gemayel, 73). The contemporary religion is also heavily influenced the renaissance in culture and art. This has led to use of certain painting methods in church paintings.
In conclusion, the 13th to 16th century renaissance in art and culture showed led to great revolution in art and architecture. It led to incorporation of sculpture and paintings in building designs that has finally resulted in production of more attractive buildings due to the paintings made on the walls (Tavard, 69). The building designs also changed to incorporate open floor plan which has resulted in much stronger buildings and more flexible wall outlines.
Works cited.
Hudson, S. Noonan, N. 2001. The Art of Writing Art. Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Press.
Moore, Charles H. Character of Renaissance Architecture. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1905. Print.
Gemayel, Boutros, and Georges Y. El-Khalli. The Virgin Mary in the Maronite Church. Zionsville, IN: E.T. Nedder, 2008. Print.
Tavard, George H. The Thousand Faces of the Virgin Mary. Collegeville, Minn: Liturgical Press, 1996. Print.
