MEDITERRANEAN ARCHITECTURE

Movies are another man's way of expression. It is a language, just like architecture. It is also an artform, a creative output and is also based upon culture, tradition, life experiences and many others.

Letters to Juliet was a typical love story. What made it special was the setting which was Italy. Personally, I've been dreaming that one day I'll be able to go to Italy and experience their Culture, Architecture and more importantly...FOOD :>

Al Fresco Dining in Verona

Amanda Seyfried as Sophie

This movie was like a tour of Italy especially Verona. I never seemed to appreciate their architecture so much but now, I do. I love the landscapes, narrow streets, fountains, shops and the vibrant colors of the houses surrounding the place.

On the set of Letters to Juliet

Amanda Seyfried and Chris Egan

Notice the Key stone detail behind them

Seems like other movies have their feature on Architecture too..

Here's Spiderman showing off New York's Finest Art Deco Buildings

Shia La beouf as Sam on Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen in Egypt

The Mediterranean style is a style Italy has been known for all over the world. It is a character and an identity that makes the style theirs. It is amazing how Italians developed such a dominant style in architecture. They truly are one of a kind.

The windows are functional and adds a rustic touch in a structure.

The tegula roof tiles are also used here, not as beautiful as to how it looks in Italy :)

Santana Grove in Paranaque City is a great hang out spot near Shopwise Sucat

Manny Villar's Portofino in Alabang offers Mediterranean Style Houses

The original Portofino in Sardinia, Italy

The Vibrant Colors of this style contrasts well with the colors of the sea.

The Baroque period is one of the many interesting periods in the History of Architecture. Before Hannah and Lee lectured about the topic, I wasn’t really interested since me and my groupmate’s topic was way more modern than Baroque. I can say that after all these historical periods, I’ve gained appreciation of the importance of each more importantly on how the periods transist from one after another.

One of The Baroque and Rococo period’s highlight ornament or structure was the Solomonic Column. That was simply amazingly intricate.

SOLOMONIC COLUMN

I love the Stucco ornamentations on the walls, ceilings and other parts of the churches maybe because it was inspiring to see these ornaments. It makes me want to invest in learning sculpting too.

The Cangiante, Sfumato and Chiaroscuro were among the styles in painting at that time and without them we wouldn’t have as many rendering mediums today.

My favorite style was the Chiaroscuro. This painting was by Caravaggio, a champion of Chiaroscuro painting.

The Baldachinno was another structure that originated in this period. One word: Extravagant :>

BALDACHINNO OF THE ST. PETER'S BASILICA BY BERNINI

Filipino Catholicism inherited this period’s use of the Monstrance which I have seen in our local church.

Another thing was the Groto which is used in our Architecture.

Craftsmanship continues as the period’s sculptures of saints and iconologies pave their intricate churches.

ESTASI DE SANTA TERESA By Bernini

ST. FRANCIS-XAVIER CHURCH IN MEXICO

Intricate use of the Inverted Bell

Guilded furnitures and carvings like the Lion’s foot and the use of Granite became known in this period

LION'S FOOT

Shells were the main ornament in Rococo. I’ve actually seen one in UST K But I’m not really sure if its considered Rococo.

TREVI FOUNTAIN

My favorite Baroque fountain.

QUELUZ PALACE FOUNTAIN IN PORTUGAL

My Favorite Rococo Fountain :P

I’m not really a fan of Intricate designs because I prefer minimalism in spaces but I really love how they were able to produce functional art through craftsmanship.

The Early Modern period started during the Renaissance. This period was the time where Artists and Intellectuals showcased their works and artistry. It was also a time where social and political structures were developed. Italy was the seat of the Artists who contributed a lot to Art and Science. I was amazed at how much the people gained knowledge through discovery of new materials and availability of resources.

This period was more on the Technological advancements as well as the art that went into it. It was fascinating to study about the Renaissance period because of the notable people that made this period apart from others.

MICHELANGELO

LEONARDO DA VINCI

I really like the paintings, sculptures and the Architecture that went into this era , showing the knowledge of the people and how they used science as well as art in their works. Paintings were mostly religious and were found on churches and basilicas. These paintings or murals on the walls and ceilings of churches shows the extensive work of Artists and their creativity as well as attention to detail. I was amazed as to how they were able to paint on the walls and the surface of the ceiling with such vast spaces that could’ve taken years to finish.

DOME OF ST. PETERS'S BASILICA BY MICHELANGELO

Culture conditions in this area were very present and was also a reason why artists do their works. They The developing social structure created boundaries between the wealthy and the poor. The desire of people to study and gain knowledge brought us the most recognized Art pieces of today.

Money and artists went hand in hand in this period. Artists depend on Patrons for what they would create according to what the Patron wants. Wealth and money was an important factor of this era because of the expanding trade and business along Europe. I think this was an important part of the Renaissance period because it started a relationship between an artist and its client.

What I like most in this period is how applied symmetry, proportion and geometry to their designs reflecting how modern day Architecture works. They also formed guilds or like an Art class, an “Atelier” which was a way for artists to teach Art to other people.

ATELIER

At first, Gothic Architecture reminded me of dark, horror or even evil thoughts or feelings. Gothic Architecture is often mistaken to be similar to the Gothic culture of the modern era. In some aspects, it actually does resemble these cultures but in a different way.

Gothic Architecture is the beginning of the medieval period which was a transition that brought in new ideas, beliefs, materials and many others that contribute to their distinct Architecture.

The Plan of the Churches are patterned after the Latin Cross which gives the Church its structure and form. I think this plan works well for that particular era because they considered the flow of the congregation, sound, and structural supports for the dome and surrounding structures.

The space planning of their churches are almost similar to the modern churches we have now. It is certainly a strong influence to our present day churches not by the physical aspect of it but by the thought and planning that goes into building it.

ELY CATHEDRAL CHURCH PLAN

The craftsmanship of their churches are a reflection of their beliefs. Basilicas, Churches and Cathederals built in the Gothic era are intricate in ornamentation and details. I really love how they were able to construct these structures considering the complexity and the work load it requires.

AMIENS CATHEDRAL

The Gothic period’s architectural features like the flying buttresses and rose window can be found only on Gothic Structures that makes it one of a kind. I also like the arches as well as the gargoyles that gives a Gothic structure character and body.

NOTRE DAME ROSE WINDOW

CHARTRES CATHEDRAL'S FLYING BUTTRESSES