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History & Theories of Urban planning Book

Renaissance Age

The Renaissance was a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political and
economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages. Generally described as taking place
from the 14th century to the 17th century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of
classical philosophy, literature and art. Some of the greatest thinkers, authors,
statesmen, scientists and artists in human history thrived during this era, while global
exploration opened up new lands and cultures to European commerce. The Renaissance
is credited with bridging the gap between the Middle Ages and modern-day civilization.
They used techniques, such as perspective, shadows and light to add depth to their work.
Emotion was another quality that artists tried to infuse into their pieces.

Some of the most famous artistic works that were produced during the
Renaissance include:
• The Mona Lisa (Da Vinci)
• The Last Supper (Da Vinci)
• Statue of David (Michelangelo)
• The Birth of Venus (Botticelli)
• The Creation of Adam (Michelangelo)

Renaissance Age Cities:

City planning in the Renaissance includes:

• Straight and wide streets
• Gardens and squares.
• Castle towns or castles (star towns).

1. Palmanova city

• Palmanova is a town located in northeastern Italy.
• The only city built in late 16th century, with a clear radial plan, was built by Venice.
• The star-shaped city consists of three rings built in stages. The entire city is

surrounded by a circular area with a circumference of 7 km, surrounded by a trench
with nine walls built in the form of connected arrows and their heads are prominent
outside the city for protection and defense. Entry into the city is possible through
three highly guarded gates.
• Balmanova was built to become a utopia inhabited by self-taught merchants,
craftsmen and farmers. The builders designed it with an aesthetic engineering
consistency to reflect the safety of the community. Every road was carefully planned,
and every part in the design had a reason for its existence. The responsibilities and
lands were divided equally between the members of the city. Each person had a
dedicated role. However, despite the ideal situation and elegant design of the new
city, it did not attract anyone to move and live in it, and after the Venetian
government despaired of attracting families, it decided to pardon a number of
prisoners in 1622 and granted them ownership of land in Palmanova.

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Dr. Sherein El-Shahat