Palladian architecture
Palladian architecture was inspired by the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio and his 1570 book, I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura (Four Books of Architecture).
The architect Inigo Jones introduced the style to England after a trip he made to Italy in 1613-14, where he had been inspired by the Renaissance architecture flourishing there, in particular the works of Palladio.
Among the finest examples of Jones’ work are the Queen’s Chapel at St. James Palace (1623), Banqueting House at Whitehall (1619-22) (see top and bottom images), and the Queen’s House at Greenwich (1635).
Following the English Civil War (1642-51), the country endured a prolonged period of austerity, during which Palladianism went into decline.
During the mid-17th and early-18th centuries it resurged in popularity, not only in England but also in countries such as America and Prussia. It was around this time that Palladio’s book was translated by Giacomo Leoni, at the same time as a series of books reproducing the designs of Inigo Jones.
Palladian architecture continued to be popular throughout the 19th and early-20th centuries, although it was immersed within the ascendant movement of Neoclassical architecture. In contrast with Palladianism, which followed Palladio’s Renaissance-era interpretations of classical forms and details, Neoclassicism attempted to interpret them directly from antiquity.
Palladian designs were based on the symmetry and perspective of classical architecture, particularly the temples of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It was characterised by proportions based on mathematics rather than ornament and its classical facades.
Some of the defining features of Palladianism include:
- Corinthian columns.
- Decorative motifs such as masked faces and scallop shells.
- Pediments used over doors and windows, both external and internal.
- Terms – free-standing stones representing the head and upper torso of the Roman god Terminus, on top of a pillar.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- 25 best buildings in London.
- Antiquities.
- Architectural styles.
- Baroque architecture.
- Beaux Arts style.
- Egyptian hall.
- Elements of classical columns.
- English architectural stylistic periods.
- Entasis.
- Georgian.
- Jacobean architecture.
- Neoclassical architecture.
- Pediment.
- Regency style.
- Rococo.
- Stuart architecture.
- The White House.
Featured articles and news
Awe-inspiring medieval great barns.
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.