The Renaissance was remarked by a great mind shift and a
whole new approach to achieving perfection in the many developing crafts of the
time. This period saw the birth of visionaries that were fostered from early on
to become great at transforming the world around them. Two of these remarkable
thinkers were Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. They were true Renaissance
men, becoming extraordinary architects, painters, sculptors, engineers and
mathematicians, to name a few of their professions. While they pursued similar
occupations, their achievements can often be differentiated.
Michelangelo certainly deserves recognition for his exquisitely
detailed sculpture work, his representations of Saints and biblical figures illustrate
his art of “taking away” to achieve his detailed marble work. While
Michelangelo in many ways embodied the embrace of philosophy, science and mathematics
that characterized the Renaissance, he was still very much motivated by
religious belief when approaching his work.
Leonardo Da Vinci meanwhile stepped far outside the bounds
of faith in his study. His approach was often conceptual, contriving first designs
of a helicopter and other flying machines, and engaging in detailed anatomical
studies. His visions were thus often constrained to paper as his designs were
too radical for their time, and remained theoretical in their construction. Nevertheless
he produces impressive architectural sketches, detailing large cathedrals and ambitious
dome constructions.
When considering non-western cultures, ancient Chinese architecture
offers a great example of the use of complex carpentry and masonry work to
construct structures that would not be seen in the west for many centuries.
Although the traditional Chinese approach to construction finds limited
application in today architecture, it is often due to urban constraints and a
lack of floor space area rather than structural concerns. This form of
architecture combined constructional soundness with aesthetic consideration,
leading to the early adoption of Feng Shui both to protect the home, and offer
a pleasing environment to its inhabitants.
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