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
Renovating Union Chain Bridge.
AI tools for planning, design, construction and management
A long, continually expanding list, any more to add?
Robots in the construction industry
From cultural characterisations to construction sites.
Empowering construction with AI integration
New horizons with a human touch.
A Better Hiring Toolkit for construction
Tooling up to hire under best practice standards in the sector.
Recharging Electrical Skills in Wales
Step by step collaborative solutions.
Ireland budget announcement 2025
CIOB responds with positivity, criticism and clarity.
The continued ISG fall out, where to go?
Support for ISG contractors, companies and employees.
New HES national centre for traditional building retrofit
Announced as HES publishes survey results which reveal strong support for retrofit.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Expected to become one of the largest activities in the global construction industry.
Scope determination appeals and the Building Safety Act
Process explained following release of appeals guidance.
The ECA industry focus video channel
Keeping update with the industry session by session.
Over 25 recorded informations sessions freely available.
AT Awards 2024 ceremony East London October 25th.
Revisiting the AT community at the 2023 awards evening.
The Community Housing Fund and built affordable homes
CLTN reviews the impact of the Fund and calls for extension.
The grading system of the Regulator for Social Housing
A background, an explanation and ten recent enforcements.
Construction, repair and maintenance. Book review.
Putting new life into a city with a 1900 year history.
BSRIA Briefing 2024: Sustainable Futures speakers
Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living 22 Nov.