Focusing on the principal architects of that time from Alberti to Palladio this bestselling classic explains the true significance of certain architectural forms, bringing to light the connections between the architecture and culture of the period. Focusing on the principal architects of that time--from Alberti to Palladio--this bestselling classic explains the true significance of certain architectural forms, bringing to light the connections between the architecture and culture of the period. THE CENTRALLY PLANNED CHURCH AND THE RENAISSANCE. Alberti s Programme of the Ideal Church. Centralized Churches in Later Architectural Theory. Building Practice: S Maria delle Carceri. Bramante and Palladio. The Religious Symbolism of Centrally Planned Churches. ALBERTI S APPROACH TO ANTIQUITY IN ARCHITECTURE. The Column in Alberti s Theory and Practice. S. Francesco at Rimini. S. Maria Novella. S. Sebastiano and S. Andrea at Mantua. The Change in Alberti s Interpretation of Classical Architecture. PRINCIPLES OF PALLADIO S ARCHITECTURE. The Architect as uomo universale : Palladio, Trissino and Barbaro. Palladio s Geometry: The Villas. Palladio and Classical Architecture: Palaces and Public Buildings. The Genesis of an Idea: Palladio s Church Façades. Palladio s Optical and Psychological Concepts: II Redentore. THE PROBLEM OF HARMONIC PROPORTION IN ARCHITECTURE. Francesco Giorgi s Platonic Programme for S. Francesco della Vigna. The Mean Proportionals and Architecture. Alberti s Generation of Ratios. Musical Consonances and the Visual Arts. Palladio s fugal System of Proportion. Palladio s Ratios and the Development of Sixteenth Century Musical Theory. The Break away from the Laws of Harmonic Porportion Architecture. Appendices. Index.