Blog Post #9 - Spanish Renaissance

 

Spanish architecture and design were primarily influenced by the Moors, who were Muslims from Africa. The Moors introduced supreme ornamentation and a strict use of only geometric shapes. Spanish architecture later went through three phases, each with their own unique characteristics and design patterns. The first of these was the Plateresco phase, or “silversmith’s style.” This phase involved delicate and intricate ornamentation that resembled the work of a silversmith. Next was Desornamento, which was characterized by a lack of ornamentation that created an austere and sober appearance. Lastly, the Herrera phase emphasized classic forms and plain surfaces with little ornamentation.

Spanish interior spaces featured plain walls but elaborately decorated patios, galleries, doorways, and windows. Colored tiles, fringes, and cordoba leather work were all used to decorate interior spaces. Wrought iron grills are a distinctive feature of this period, as they were utilized in architecture and furniture building. In general, furniture had simple forms with intricate inlay work. An important piece of furniture from this period is the vargueno, a beautiful desk that also has space to store documents and valuables.

La Mota blends seamlessly into the surrounding hills.

 

Alhambra contrasts geometric forms with natural gardens and flowing water.

 

The rounded arches and paired columns of Alhambra.

 

This vargueno showcases intricate wooden detail work.

 

 

Wrought iron is used in modern contexts such as this organic property gate.

 

This home creates a bold but clear statement with minimal ornamentation and only basic geometric forms, just like Desornamento buildings.

 

 

Modern desks with storage space stemmed from the vargueno.

 

One Step Further

Juan de Herrera was a mathematician as well as an architect in the 1500s in Spain. His mathematical knowledge helped him create geometrically impressive buildings. He began his career by working on El Escorial, implementing his austere and sober style. His creations are horizontally unified and use large surfaces of bare granite rather than the classical orders – characteristics of the Herrera phase, which was named after him. He also worked on the Plaza Major of Madrid, a large marketplace that honors King Philip III and has ten bold arched entrances.

Juan de Herrera

 

El Escorial includes basic geometric forms arranged in varying locations and scales.

 

El Escorial: Courtyard of the Kings

 

El Escorial: Courtyard of the Evangelists

 

The Plaza Mayor of Madrid includes white arches and entrances.

 

Closing Reflection

Ultimately, Spanish architecture shifted styles throughout the course of time, emphasizing elaborate ornamentation during the Plateresco phase but simpler forms during the Desornamento and Herrera phases. I find the buildings of this period beautiful, especially La Mota – the castle is huge and blends beautifully into the hill that it is situated on. I also appreciate the bold colors and detail work of Spanish interior spaces.