Andrea Palladio Comes to America Essay Example

architecture principles based on mathematical proportions, rather than the extravagant ornamental style associated with the Renaissance. Palladio also considered the location of his villas. If a villa was situated on a hill, he ensured that all facades were of equal value so that fine views could be enjoyed from all directions. Since most of his villas were situated in the countryside, Palladio designed them with porticos on all sides. This allowed occupants to appreciate the surrounding countryside while also providing protection from harsh elements like the sun.

Portico’s, also known as porches in modern day America, were often modeled by Palladio on Roman temple facades. This temple influence, typically in a cruciform design, became a trademark of his work. Palladian villas generally consist of three floors. The basement or ground floor contains the service and minor rooms. Above this is the piano nobile, which is accessed through a portico and reached by a flight of external steps. The piano nobile contains the principal reception and bedrooms. There is also a low mezzanine floor with secondary bedrooms and accommodation situated above it (Source 3). The proportions of each room within the villa were calculated using simple mathematical ratios such as 3:4 and 4:5. These ratios create interrelated rooms within the house. While earlier architects used these formulas for balancing a single symmetrical facade, Palladio's designs relate to the whole, usually square, villa (Source 3). Another hallmark of Palladio’s work is the Palladian Window.

It comprises of a main light with a semicircular arch above, supported by an impost that consists of a small entablature. Below the impost and enclosing two additional lights on both sides, there are pilasters

(Source 3). Palladio's influence in North America is apparent right from the early days of architect-designed buildings there. The amateur architect Thomas Jefferson once regarded Palladio's "I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura" as his bible. Jefferson developed a deep appreciation for Palladio's architectural principles, and his designs for the Jefferson Monticello estate, the James Barbour Barboursville estate, and the University of Virginia were inspired by illustrations from Palladio's book. Recognizing the significance of ancient Roman buildings in politics, Jefferson incorporated the Palladian style into many of his civic structures. Monticello is clearly influenced by Palladio's Villa Capra, albeit with modifications, resulting in a style known today in America as Colonial Georgian. Jefferson's Pantheon, or Rotunda, at the University of Virginia undeniably embodies the concepts and style of Palladio (Source 3).

The Harmmond-Harwood House, constructed by William Buckland in 1773, is a prime example of Palladian architecture in America. This house is unique as it is the only surviving colonial academic architecture that was primarily inspired by Andrea Palladio's The Four Books of Architecture. Originally built for a wealthy farmer named Matthias Hammond in Annapolis, Maryland (Source 4), the design of the house was influenced by the Villa Pisani in Montagnana, Italy. Architecturally, the Harmmond-Harwood House stands alongside the grand mansions constructed during the late Colonial era.

It is one of the most beautiful houses that still exist from the Colonial period in America. The architect, Buckland, used Palladio's designs as a starting point but made changes to suit the preferences of colonial Annapolis. Buckland adjusted the plan to cater to the asymmetrical regional tastes and replaced Palladio's arched entrances with more practical single-story connecting links. He also incorporated a

trendy urban design element by sinking the windows, which improved fire protection and added a greater sense of visual solidity and depth to the overall design. This house is known as the Hammond-Harwood House and is located in Maryland.

Ave. Facade, 9/18/2007, Wilkipedia The Villa Pisani at Montagnana from The Four Books of Architecture by Andrea Palladio, Giacomo Leoni, 1742 Drayton Hall is an impressive example of Palladian architecture in North America. Located in the "Low Country" near Charleston, South Carolina, this house was constructed for John Drayton. Although the architect remains unknown, construction commenced in 1738 and concluded in 1742 with the assistance of both free and enslaved workers. Occupying a vast 630-acre plot within a plantation focused on cultivating indigo and rice crops, this seven-bay double pile plantation house showcases a recessed double portico on its western side. This design not only provides shelter from the afternoon sun but also offers an outdoor living space ideal for summer.

The floor plan of the house follows the Palladian style and features a central entrance stair hall. This hall includes a symmetrical divided staircase and is backed by a large saloon. Flanking the saloon are square and rectangular chambers. The chimneypieces in the house are pedimented and designed in the tectonic style popularized by William Kent. Several rooms on the main floor display fine plasterwork. The main floor is raised above a half-basement, which is also in line with Palladian architecture principles.

For the exterior of the house, brick, limestone, and sandstone were used as materials. The brick was primarily used for the main structure of the home, while limestone was employed for the stairs. The portico featured

sandstone pavers.

Flanker buildings are another notable aspect of Palladian architecture, with many Palladian villas incorporating them into courtyards alongside colonnades. However, a difference between Drayton Hall and Palladian Villas can be seen in the varying ceiling heights found on each floor. Unlike Palladio's recommendation of receding ceiling heights as the building grows taller, Drayton Hall's ceiling heights progressively increase from the basement to the upper floors. This discrepancy suggests that while Palladio may have prioritized structural strength, John Drayton may have focused more on comfort in a hot and humid climate, as well as the dramatic effect of a grand upper hall. It is possible that Drayton Hall stands as one of the earliest examples of Palladian architecture in America.

The Drayton Hall and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello are both examples of Palladian architecture in America. Drayton Hall is considered a Georgian Palladian home because it was constructed during the Georgian Era following Palladian architectural principles. The construction of Monticello, on the other hand, began in 1768 and it is also a representation of Palladianism in America.

Jefferson utilized the classical style of Palladian architecture as the foundation for his design. Following an extended period in Europe, he returned to Monticello, where he further developed his ideas for the estate incorporating elements from the Palladian structures and ruins he greatly admired during his travels. The materials for the construction and remodeling of the house were produced on site, including the fabrication of nails.

Jefferson obtained most of the structural timber from his land and used imported mahogany for the window sashes. The window glass was sourced from Europe. The stone for the cellars and East Front columns, as well

as the limestone for mortar, were quarried on Jefferson's land. The stone and brick work were carried out by local white masons, with assistance from Monticello slaves. Local carpenters and Monticello slaves collaborated on the rough structural woodwork.

Jefferson, inspired by the new architecture in France, incorporated a dome into Monticello in 1800. The floor plan of Monticello remains symmetrical and each room is meticulously proportioned. The external staircase leading to the main entrance is a unique feature that embodies both Palladian design and the subsequent neoclassical style. Monticello's significance is evident in the writings of Christopher Hollis and on the website of Monticello.org. Andrea Palladio, renowned for his architectural innovations, is widely recognized as one of the most influential architects of his time and beyond.

The concepts of Palladian architecture, characterized by symmetry, perspective, and perfect proportions, continue to influence contemporary architects. One prominent example is the Palladian window, which remains widely recognized and utilized in America. Although Palladian architecture is not as prevalent in modern-day America, it has persisted since the 18th century and maintains its significance in the architectural landscape.

Palladian windows are widely utilized in contemporary American architecture and are commonly accompanied by an external staircase. Out of all the houses in the United States, only two can be definitively identified as having designs directly influenced by the Four Books of Architecture.