BRUNELLESCHI

01 FILIPPO BRUNELLESCHI

HUMANIST ORIGINS

SAN LORENZO SANTO SPIRITO FLORENCE, ITALY 1470 C.E. / 1487 C.E.

My analysis looks at the flowing versus static nature of San Lorenzo and Santo Spirito by focusing on the articulation of columns, and their implied axial conditions.

Whilst one might assume San Lorenzo to be static due its rectilinear outer walls, Santo Spirito conforms to an orthogonal grid. Columns are placed uncompromsingly, even at the centers - implying the human subject cannot occu-py that space. Disengaged columns (highlighted in red) create two spaces - an inner and outer layer that is defined by the nave and aisle. The resulting two axial conditions terminate where these layers intersect, further suggesting a primary space that is nested and enclosed.

On the other hand, San Lorenzo’s organization is based mostly on a tartan grid. This is most apparent in the nave, aisle and chapel spaces which weave in and out of one another. The transept breaks this organization strategy. Here, spaces are pushed and pulled, proportions squished, and the secondary axis of the transept left undefined. What remains is a single, dominating axis that is defined by two rows of disengaged columns in the nave. Unlike Santo Spirito, this axis cuts through and extends beyond the interior, creating a strong sense of continuity and linear progression.