Mediterranean Revival Architecture
During the 1920’s and 1930’s, there was a renewed interest in Italian Renaissance Architecture within the United States. This interest in Italian Renaissance Architecture sparked the Mediterranean Revival Architecture movement that primary had an effect on the states of California and Florida with some examples in Phoenix, AZ.
Due to their coastal locations and Mediterranean resorts, these two states were the places where this style of architecture could make its most significant impact. This style of architecture featured palaces and seaside villas from the 16th century, these were the inspirations for which Mediterranean Revival Architecture make its resurgence.
The Renaissance was introduced in Italy by architect Leone Battista Alberti who created a monument in Rimini but never completed the structure. Though this monument was never finished, it contained Renaissance elements that helped introduce this style of architecture to the people of Italy.
The structures built as a part of the Italian Renaissance such as the Santo Spirito offered a new sense of light, spaciousness, and clarity to this culture. Some of the common traits that were resurrected as a part of the Italian Renaissance were the philosophy of humanism that was present in the structures.
Also, it provided enlightenment and simplicity of mind that got away from the spirituality and darkness that were present in the middle ages. The buildings of this era also featured a new antique style that was brought to life in new ways during the Mediterranean Revival era.
Behind the Mediterranean Revival Architecture movement in the states of California and Florida were architects who drove this movement and took it to new levels with the structures they created. In Florida, architects Addison Mizner and August Geiger led the Mediterranean style of architecture.
Paul Williams, Bertram Goodhue, and Sumner Spaulding did the same for the state of California in leading this movement through the structures they created. The structures of the Mediterranean Revival were built with some of the same materials that most structures in this time were.
The roofs were made of tiles and took the form of low pitched arches while the walls were stucco surfaced. On these arches, keystones are typically found to help hold the walls surrounding the arches into places. Many structures of the Mediterranean Revival era included balconies that were usually built with wood or wrought iron.
Decorations that added to the scenic view of the structures usually varied depending on the architect. Some architects liked to focus on the design of the building to make it stand out but others used some vivid decorations that consisted of Mediterranean references.
The details that were incorporated in to these structures of the Mediterranean Revival era came from various types of structures. Some of those styles to go along with the inspiration from Italian Renaissance are the Spanish Renaissance, Spanish Colonial, Beaux-Arts, and classical architectures.
This style of architecture was applied to hotels, commercial structures, apartment buildings, and residential areas. Two notable structures that came as a result of the Mediterranean Revival Architecture movement were the Freedom Tower in Miami, Florida as well as Pasadena City Hall in Pasadena, California.
In Phoenix, AZ this style of architecture can be seen in some of the historic neighborhoods like Encanto-Palmcroft.
View and learn about the architectural styles in Phoenix.
