The design of Sant’ Andrea clearly depends on Roman and Greek architecture, as on a superior one, but it is not bounded by it. Alberti was able to deduce rules and principles from classical architecture and use it for different purposes in a different time context. For instance, the influence of the typology of Etruscan Temple can clearly be seen on the front façade of Sant Andrea. Alberti deliberately used a classical temple front type, to eliminate aisles in plan (Murray 52). He adopted the relationships of pediment, frieze and cornice of the Etruscum Sacrum and used the length to width ratio in his division of plan.
Apse Holy Blood of Christ Tribunalia Cellae Nave
When studying the classic architecture Alberti tried to stick to the Etruscan-Latin traditions, in contrast to Hellenic, described by Vitruvius (Castex 160). He was lookinag for a broad concept and understanding of the word ‘’Etruscan’’ and wanted to put something more into his design, than what Vitruvius wrote about. That’s why most think that originally the Mantua church was planned as a basilica form, instead of the Latin cross. Apart from Etruscan architecture, Alberti developed an interest in Roman Thermae and adopted a plan with a vast solemn hall in the middle, small open spaces on both sides and wall height, which is almost equal to the width (Murray 52). Roman motives also appear on the façade in a form of the Triumphal arch, which con-
6 GROUP THREE
tinues on the inside. This creates a close relationship between the exterior and the interior. Spatial Context
LEFT TO RIGHT 1 Borsi, F. (1977). Leon Battista Alberti. New
The Sant’ Andrea basilica is located in the centre of urban Mantua. Surrounding it is the central market, the clock tower, and the palace of justice. Since the dome structure of the roof stretches higher than the adjacent buildings it captures attention from many different viewpoints throughout the city, unable to be ignored.
Etruscan+Temples/Elevation+of+the+Etruscan+Temple. 3
Program It is important to note that the basilica was built during a time of great transition and progression in the city of Mantua. The construction
York: Harper & Row. 2 Etruscan Temple described by Vitruvius. http://www.biblehistory.com/ibh/Greek+Temples/ Aerial View of the basilica and surrounding context. 4 The Holy Blood of Christ. 5 Programming analysis.