St Peters Basilica
The Renaissance style of St Peter's Basilica dominated Rome's skyline during Christendom containing the worlds tallest dome. It was built prior to the demolition in 1505 of the old monument surrounding St Peter's tomb ordered by Pope Julius II. The new structural requirements stated it must have 'confidence, grandeur and authority', (N.Parkyn, 2002). After appointing Donato Bramante work began rapidly, requiring a large workforce of craftsmen. The original design specified the dome was to be supported by 4 piers and was envisaged to be the climax of the building. Work came to a stop after the death of Bramante.
Due to funding issues and the sack of Rome and the rise of Protestantism, construction didn't continue until 1546 which was then managed by Michelangelo. He continued with Bramante's work making adjustments to the thickness of the piers and walls in order to support the loads from the dome.
After the death of Michelangelo the Basilica had risen to the top of the drum. The remaining structure was completed by Giacoma Della Porta who constructed the dome consisting of a double shell; the outer being more pointed. Dynamic lines of ribs where then used to divide the dome into segments (a concept that became popular for other domes). Della Porta employed a team of specialists to complete this wonder of the world, sourcing the stone locally. Porta used a similar method to Michelangelo; using donkeys to transport the stone to the higher levels of the structure via ramps.
The facade design is disproportionately wide and the nave is of a considerable length, hiding the masterpiece of the dome from one direction. The original design of towers used to flank the central bays had to be rejected for structural reasons resulting in this misfortune.
The last architect to contribute to this magnificent structure was Bernini, master of the Barque. He completed the finishes to the interior or exterior with lavish decor.
The structure was finally finished, one side showing the hierarchy of forms imagined by Michelangelo and the other displaying a grand nave. The structure symbolises 'two centuries of nations creative genuineness' N.Parkyn (2012) and is a design that has greatly influenced church architecture in Western Christendom.
Due to funding issues and the sack of Rome and the rise of Protestantism, construction didn't continue until 1546 which was then managed by Michelangelo. He continued with Bramante's work making adjustments to the thickness of the piers and walls in order to support the loads from the dome.
After the death of Michelangelo the Basilica had risen to the top of the drum. The remaining structure was completed by Giacoma Della Porta who constructed the dome consisting of a double shell; the outer being more pointed. Dynamic lines of ribs where then used to divide the dome into segments (a concept that became popular for other domes). Della Porta employed a team of specialists to complete this wonder of the world, sourcing the stone locally. Porta used a similar method to Michelangelo; using donkeys to transport the stone to the higher levels of the structure via ramps.
The facade design is disproportionately wide and the nave is of a considerable length, hiding the masterpiece of the dome from one direction. The original design of towers used to flank the central bays had to be rejected for structural reasons resulting in this misfortune.
The last architect to contribute to this magnificent structure was Bernini, master of the Barque. He completed the finishes to the interior or exterior with lavish decor.
The structure was finally finished, one side showing the hierarchy of forms imagined by Michelangelo and the other displaying a grand nave. The structure symbolises 'two centuries of nations creative genuineness' N.Parkyn (2012) and is a design that has greatly influenced church architecture in Western Christendom.