Palazzo Medici Riccardi Michelozzo 1444

original design by

Brunelleschi but rejected for being too grand and could provoke eny

Courtyard includes

a loggia with barrel vaulting a large frieze, dominated by roundels, spandrels support the entablature. Composite columns support an arcade of rounded arches.

Piano noble

allows them to look down on the community and to keep away from the noise and smell of street lie

dynamic city palace built for

cosimo de Medici the leading family in Florence

Sgraffito

decoration scratched through a dark layer used on the entablature- very expensive.

Medici private life shown by

elegant decorative arcaded courtyard and airy open courtyard

placed in the centre of Florence

focus of the community

square courtyard

geometric principles, carvings and sculptures in relief by accomplished masters

Gravitas

gives it weight, dignity and seriousness.

household ornaments of

gold and silver, polished marble features, tapestries and bookcases.

Pietra Serena

is a grey sandstone used extensively for architectural details & expensive.

Composition

is symmetrical with mathematical arrangements to promote balance and harmony

top floor

offices with ashlar stonework to create the illusion of it being taller.

luxurious residence

place for work, their textile business was situated here

1st floor

rusticated stonework, warehouses

Lots of windows

shows wealth, regular fenestration on rows, irregular throughout

Reserved detail on exterior

to prevent jealousy and envy

classical features

topped pediments, corbel supports, overhanging cornice, casts a shadow to show dominance and power and to give protection from the elements

Large Fortress like building

tripartite elevation divided by a stringcourse

roman rounded arches in loggia with

vaulted ceiling, shelter from the elements

windows are decorated with

voussoirs + Medici symbols to promote wealth and status