Background/Tradition:
By the 15th
century a change in medieval thinking occurred. The middle ages were marked by people looking inward (within
themselves), worrying about life in the hereafter. This was changed during the 15th century. People began to focus on this life – the here and now. They looked outwards to the world. Their focus was on the ideals and the
possibilities of man. This
change of thinking is depicted in both art and landscape of the period (the
Renaissance). Walled, inwardly focused gardens now
opened up to the outside world.
Spatial Organization:
Renaissance designers as masters at organizing space,
manipulating topography,
maximizing views to visually expand the garden to the
horizons.
Cultural Environment / Tastes / Fashion:
Early
Renaissance -- Domestic
villas
Agriculturally productive
Peaceful
country retreats.
High
Renaissance -- Domestic,
but extravagant
Exclusively
for pleasure
Mannerist
-- Grand,
heroic, showy, statements of power and prestige
Amenities
/ Components:
Parterres
Barcos
Orchards
Loggias
Vineyards
Terraces
Pergolas
Grottoes
Fountains
Sculpture