Brunelleschi’s Dome: The Story of the Construction of Santa Maria del Fiore
1. Dome of Santa Maria del Flore by Filippo Brunelleschi: The Story of the Construction
Brunelleschi's Dome is the story of the dome construction of the world-renowned cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence by a famous Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi. It is also a story about mathematics, architecture, politics, and about how one man's vision and perseverance can change the world.
The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was begun in 1296 and was supposed to be the largest and most magnificent church in all of Europe. But by 1420, the walls had been built to their full height, and there was still no roof. The reason for this was that no one could figure out how to build a dome that would be big enough and strong enough to cover the huge space.
In 1420, the city of Florence held a contest to find a architect who could build the dome. Many famous architects from all over Europe came to Florence to try their hand at the contest, but none of them could figure out how to do it.
But there was one man who did not even enter the contest. His name was Filippo Brunelleschi, and he was a goldsmith and sculptor by trade. He had no experience in architecture, but he had an idea. And his idea would change everything.
Brunelleschi's idea was to build two shells of brick, one inside the other. The space between the two shells would be filled with sand to keep them from collapsing. And on top of these two shells would be a third shell made of stone. This is called "double shell construction" and it is how Brunelleschi built the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore.
It took 16 years to build the dome, from 1420 to 1436. And it was all thanks to Brunelleschi's vision and perseverance. He faced many challenges along the way, including shortages of materials, strikes by workers, and even an earthquake. But he never gave up, and in the end he created one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in all of history.
2. The Contest
As mentioned before, in 1420 the city of Florence held a contest to find a architect who could build the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore. Many famous architects from all over Europe came to Florence to try their hand at the contest, but none of them could figure out how to do it.
Brunelleschi was not an architect, but he had an idea. And his idea would change everything.
3. Mathematics and Architecture
Brunelleschi's idea for the dome was based on his knowledge of mathematics and geometry. He used a technique called "calculation by double position" to figure out how to build the double shell construction that would make his dome possible. This technique is still used by architects today.
4. Lorenzo Ghiberti
Brunelleschi was not the only famous Florentine artist of his time. Another famous artist was Lorenzo Ghiberti, who is best known for his bronze doors on the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral. Ghiberti entered the dome contest along with Brunelleschi, but he did not win. Some say that Ghiberti was jealous of Brunelleschi's success, but there is no evidence to support this claim.
5. Politics and Envious People
There were many people who were jealous of Brunelleschi's success in building the dome. Some said that he had used politics to get the job, while others said that he had used illicit means. But Brunelleschi never let these rumors stop him from doing what he loved. He continued to work on the dome until it was completed in 1436.
6. Conclusion
Filippo Brunelleschi was a goldsmith and sculptor by trade, but he is best known for his work as an architect. He is most famous for his design of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, which took 16 years to build and was completed in 1436. Brunelleschi's dome is a remarkable feat of engineering, and it stands as a testament to his vision and perseverance.