Outstanding features of Renaissance architecture:

1. Classical influence:
- Renaissance architecture was heavily influenced by classical Greek and Roman architecture.
- It revived the use of classical elements such as columns, arches, domes, and symmetrical designs.

2. Humanism and proportion:
- Renaissance architects focused on the human scale and proportion, aiming to create harmonious and balanced designs.
- Buildings were designed to reflect the ideals of humanism, emphasizing the importance of the individual and their connection to the natural world.

3. Symmetry and balance:
- Renaissance architecture emphasized symmetry and balance in its designs.
- Buildings were often designed with a central axis and symmetrical facades, creating a sense of order and harmony.

4. Rationality and perspective:
- Renaissance architects used mathematical principles and perspective to create the illusion of depth and spatial organization.
- Buildings were designed with a clear hierarchy of spaces, with each element contributing to the overall composition.

5. Use of classical orders:
- Renaissance architects revived the use of classical orders, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, in their designs.
- These orders were used to define the proportions and ornamentation of columns and other architectural elements.

6. Use of classical motifs and ornamentation:
- Renaissance architecture incorporated classical motifs and ornamentation, such as pediments, pilasters, and decorative moldings.
- These elements added richness and elegance to the buildings, reflecting the revival of interest in classical art and culture.

Why Renaissance architecture?

Renaissance architecture emerged during the 15th and 16th centuries as a response to the cultural and intellectual changes of the Renaissance period. It reflected the renewed interest in classical art, literature, and philosophy, and aimed to create buildings that were harmonious, rational, and connected to the human experience.

Renaissance architects looked to the past for inspiration, studying the architectural achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. They sought to revive the classical principles of proportion, symmetry, and order, believing that these principles could create a more perfect and beautiful built environment.

The use of classical orders, motifs, and ornamentation in Renaissance architecture served to connect the new buildings to the rich cultural heritage of the ancient world. It also reflected the humanist ideals of the Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of human beings and their place in the world.

Overall, Renaissance architecture represented a shift away from the medieval period's focus on religious symbolism and towards a more rational and human-centered approach. It laid the foundation for the development of later architectural styles, such as Baroque and Neoclassical, and continues to inspire architects and designers to this day.